CODE 18-77
HKD 384/1.
@ 5 MAR 1992
Reference.
From: Ian Hughes
News Department
Date: 3 March 1992
cc: Mr Cornish
30
Mr Marshall
NIGHT DUTY: UNPLEASANT INCIDENT
Mr Ricketts, HKD. Mr Hewitt, SEAD
Mr. Mofais
м
1. I think I ought to record an unusual telephone conversation that I had with a journalist last night.
2.
As I was walking across the concourse of Victoria station to catch my train home at about 7.45 pm last night I received a call on the departmental mobile telephone from a Mr Cahill, a journalist with whom I have had occasional contact in the past. Cahill said that he had just returned from Moscow and heard the Osman verdict: he wanted me to take down his views. I explained that I could not do so at that moment because I was actually walking along a platform at Victoria station. Before I could suggest that he call back in a few minutes, Cahill flew into a rage and in a volley of expletives told me to do as instructed. There seemed no prospect of a sensible conversation with Cahill, so I ended the exchange on the spot by hanging up.
3. I have no idea why Cahill should have acted in this way. I have had amicable conversations with him in the past. On this occasion I was in no way provocative indeed there was no chance for me to be so. What took me aback was not so much the language, ripe though it was, but the cold fury that sprang from nowhere. I am recording the exchange in case there should be any complaint to the Department arising from it.
Ian Hughes.
Ian Hughes
News Department
cc thr Parker,
Asst. Leg. Adviser.
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