Chilly
Balls of steel
- Joined
- Dec 22, 2003
- Messages
- 9,047
In a word - the Yanks - we didnt want to upset em too much so this was the diplomatic way to present it - we got an oil deal out of it and tbh the evidence against the guy was very shaky so everyones a winner.
Having to tell the truth all the time would be a major handicap diplomatically - its a bit like having co-workers who you dont like. You could either keep stum and work together or you could tell em what you think of em but likely cause issues.
Ah yes, but it was obvious at the time what was going on. It even got in the press. The US certainly knew. It was 100% about protecting politicians interests.
As for secrecy: of course there is a need for it. We cant go telling everyone everything, but the balance is a long way off where it should be imo. In an age where the truth often gets out anyway, you might as well fess up early doors and get some moral points.