Cold shoulder

I see that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is reverting to type. UK diplomats are to treat their erstwhile near colleagues in EU foreign services not just at arm’s length but as opponents.

I remember my surprise on being seconded to our Washington Embassy to get warnings against “going native”. This seemed to mean that it would be wrong, seeking to understand that the Americans’ point of view usually had validity. “My country right or wrong” rules OK!

Fortunately, I had my family with me and concerns about

schooling and social aspects took us away from the foreigners in downtown DC. Our neighbours in Maryland were all Americans and provided us with a network of great value to the UK interest. A veterinary committee from the UK met customers with horses and cattle as well as professionals from the US agricultural department and other embassies.

A not dissimilar group of connections enabled changes of rules on collecting pancreas glands to the benefit of UK insulin producers. In addition, knowing the interests of the US tobacco industry as well as UK cigarette manufacturers meant the EU co-ordination was informed of more than Italian and Greek producers’ concerns.

I suspect that my worries will

cease as our diplomatic service gets on with its work with the best available resources. Loud political shouting in London will just be another annoying obstruction to be ignored or bypassed.

L. V. MCEWAN

Oswald Road, Edinburgh