Gawain Towler at England Expects shows why things like Home Leave are so important in keeping diplomats in touch with their own countrymen.
Money quote(s):
"(W)hat this rare moment of frankness actually shows is quite how out of touch this unamed British diplomat is with the political reality on the ground in the UK. If he is doing his job, as Ambrose Bierce put it of engaing in 'the patriotic art of lying for one's country', then he really ought to go back to the UK, sit in a pub and talk to some people in order to lie more effectively."
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"(T)his British diplomat thinks it is funny to be witholding from the 'likes of Ukip and the Daily Express' - read the people of Britain, the very real and damaging aspects of the current EU response to the Economic crisis, particularly sharing the joke with our competitors. It also shows how ignorant and behind the curve our Government's advisors are when it comes with negotiating with our continental friends."
