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about the suitcase except for a casual enquiry by the French Consul-General because of the connection with Air France. In approaching me, he made it clear that he was doing so without instructions.
5.
I enclose copies of the documents which were found in the suitcase, since they may be of interest to the African experts in the Office. I cannot claim to have studied them carefully. But you will wish to look at the anecdote on the last two pages of Mondjo's report which gave rise to the garble in the 'Standard's' story. Obviously the silly man who riffled through the report and let some of the cat out of the bag to the 'Standard' correspondent had no idea of the translation of the French word "biche". Poor old Zirinsky, the Honorary Israeli Consul-General in Hong Kong, had an embarrassing time fending off press questions. The Egyptian, to whom I have subsequently told the correct version of the joke without any further comment or elaboration, was much more robust in dealing with the press.
6.
There remains the problem about what to do with the papers. I am tempted to advise that the originals should be held in the custody of the Special Branch against a possible claim by the Congolese to have their property back. If there has been no sign of life after a decent interval, I imagine they can safely be destroyed.
السيد
Your
Alan
(A E Donald)
Diu
Encls.
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