Parting shots from diplomats
Andrew Chaplin
posts made it into the Ottawa press this past week:
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20091018/british_diplomats_091018/20091018?hub=TopStoriesV2.
I am pretty sure Canadian high commissioners have sent equally frank
despatches. I hope such disclosure will inspire future incumbents to
self-censorship.
--
Andrew Chaplin
SIT MIHI GLADIUS SICUT SANCTO MARTINO
Surreyman
> The release of diplomatic messages on high commissioners quitting
> I am pretty sure Canadian high commissioners have sent equally frank
> despatches. I hope such disclosure will inspire future incumbents to
> self-censorship.
> --
> Andrew Chaplin
> SIT MIHI GLADIUS SICUT SANCTO MARTINO
That does seem a bit off when I assume that they were considered
confidential at the time! But such occasional frankness is needed
outside of the usual PC xxxxxx.
And I'd like to see any equally frank assessments of embassy
officials.
When I've become involved in the 'circuit' here and there, Brit (and
all) embasy staff overseas have so often appeared locked within their
own 'other planet' little world.
The job can very easily appear to be almost a symbolic circuit,
success coming from all the 'secret signs' being maintained.
Obviously, some good work must get done, but I do wonder what
percentage of the total man/hours that involves!
Surreyman
William Black
Many more here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8307273.stm
The radio programme and read the originals here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00n85t5
--
William Black
"Any number under six"
The answer given by Englishman Richard Peeke when asked by the Duke of
Medina Sidonia how many Spanish sword and buckler men he could beat
single handed with a quarterstaff.
Singanas@Texasgulfcoast
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I know this is OT but I have heard ballads and complaints
against the "Land Board" because of their policies regarding
the Highlands. Apparently this Brit board is nor actively trying
to promote or create development in the Highlands. Is the
Edinbugh parliament a debating society or does it have Federalist
type reserve powers ? Is this uproar over Highlands land a
pub crawler revolt or can Edinburgh actually legislate land use
policy in higher Scotland ?
Cheers, David H
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
William Black
I don't know what you mean by the 'land board' but almost all of this
stuff has now been devolved to the Scottish government who get very
upset indeed if the Westminster government poach on their territory.