Following the unfortunate hacking of Sir Kim's mail, and the subsequent publishing of his thoughts, we were recently discussing how very quaint and old fashioned the British diplomatic service can be, and I remembered that somewhere I had the perfect example.
We've all heard the expression 'Diplomatic Bag', well, if you've never seen one, this is one above.
When a diplomat wishes to take top secret papers from his country of posting, back to the FO in Whitehall, he takes them in a simple canvas bag with a drawstring. No fancy lock and chain, no 'this package will self destruct, etc, no obligatory Aston Martin to avoid thieving enemy spies. Just an open canvas bag in which anything can be carried. A Diplomatic Bag is considered 'territory' of its Embassy, and cannot be violated.
The one above was used by my late Father-in-Law when in both Moscow and Washington. One can only imagine what dastardly secrets (or objects?) it contained! Hmmmm.
Marmite and Melton Mowbray pork pies?
ReplyDeleteMore than likely, plus a few packets of Pork Scratchings!
DeleteBet the Russians use a different sort of bag, locked to someone's wrist!
ReplyDeleteTheirs are filled with Novichok.
DeleteIf they were going on a sea voyage, the bags had holes in them, reinforced with eyelets so they would sink if chucked overboard.
ReplyDeleteTo a waiting British Submarine, I imagine.
DeleteI never knew.....I love coming here it's like Blue Peter
ReplyDeleteYou are always learning something
A fountain of interesting facts!
DeleteAnd to think I've had my nail scissors confiscated at international airports TWICE. There's nothing more dangerous than a red haired Welshman. I must get Mrs G to run me up one of those useful bags. I could carry my NBs in it. Running shoes they are,
ReplyDeleteAnd all in a simple bag.
DeleteAs John says - you learn something every day.
ReplyDeleteThat would be nice. I do my best.
DeleteFascinating.
ReplyDeleteThe reality against fiction. They're not all James Bonds.
DeleteInteresting history regarding the canvas sack. A nice keepsake to have as well.
ReplyDeleteI used it as a shoe bag for my very best black brogues!
Delete