TNAG-1850-FCO40-2625-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 8

WOZAQY

CRITICISMS IN LETTER TO "INDEPENDENT" ABOUT UNHELPFULNESS OF

EMBASSY

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Criticisms in letter gave distorted picture. Embassy staff worked long hours often in great discomfort to make sure that people were informed, advised and helped where necessary.

On 4 June, all people were advised to stay put. On 5 June, those who could do so in safety were advised to make own way to airport. Public transport was generally operating. Embassy did not have

transport resources to organise general pick up system.

BA flight 6 June not organised by Embassy. Seats were offered by

BA to many who were wanting but most refused. Similarly on 7 June, seats were offered to those UK passport holders waiting at airport

but none wished to leave (preferring to wait for flights on which they were booked). At midnight on 7 June, only around 60 people

left at airport, not "thousands" as writers claim.