The following is a leaked memo - from Esso (ExxonMobil) to the White House

Publication date: April 2002

Summary
The latest of Exxon's outrageous dirty tricks to distort climate science, this memo demands the Bush administration to oust the head of the United Nations International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) - a supposedly independent panel. Exxon are unhappy with Dr Robert Watson because he has spoken out in the past about the need to tackle global warming. He has also criticised the US for failing to meet environmental targets.

"Can Watson be replaced now at the request of the US?" is the blunt question on page one of the memo. The White House answer - the US is widthdrawing its support for Dr Watson as head of the IPCC.

Exxon can't change the science, so they are trying to change the scientists instead.