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John Stonehouse was a Walter Mitty determine and the weird features of his life, as soon as once more portrayed and enhanced in a brand new tv drama, shouldn’t obscure his real dedication to colonial freedom and different lower than widespread political points (Stonehouse story ‘way more fascinating’ than TV drama suggests, relative says, 3 January).
Either side of his persona have been displayed on a mission to Bangladesh in January 1972 that we have been each members of, along with a advantageous political “fixer”, the late Donald Chesworth. We have been charged with investigating atrocities by the Pakistan military within the Bangladesh civil warfare. Stonehouse was a real and dedicated supporter of Bangladeshi independence, however he tried to trip on his contacts with the provisional authorities to acquire a contract for the manufacturing and provide of postage stamps for the brand new nation.
Additionally, he would make time to pursue private monetary offers on the spot by suggesting to Chesworth and me that “we are able to cowl extra floor if we observe separate investigations”.
Whereas in Dhaka, Stonehouse turned pissed off with the dearth of initiative by British diplomats in befriending the provisional authorities, in contrast to numerous communist regimes. He subsequently hosted a giant reception for the brand new authorities ministers, the media and heads of diplomatic missions in the one massive lodge – and despatched the invoice to the UK authorities.
When the information of his obvious disappearance appeared within the media, Chesworth and I by no means believed it – not least as a result of Sheila Buckley, his long-serving secretary and mistress (and later spouse), remained serene round Westminster.
Michael Meadowcroft
Leeds
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