British diplomat warned Foreign Office of concerns over McCanns

by SomethingStinks 23.11.13 23:53

The Foreign Office was alerted to fears over Gerry and Kate McCann by a British diplomat in Portugal just days after their daughter Madeleine went missing.

The diplomat was sent to the holiday resort of Praia da Luz in the days following the four-year-old's disappearance and soon became concerned over "inconsistencies" in the testimonies by her parents and their friends.

After visiting the McCanns, the unnamed diplomat sent a report to the Foreign Office in London, admitting his worries about "confused declarations" of the McCanns' movements on the night of May 3. Scroll down for more... {1} {R}

He also noted the couple's "lack of co-operation" with the Portuguese police.

The diplomat's concerns were made over four months before Gerry and Kate were named arguidos (suspects) on September 7.

Contents of the letter were leaked to Belgian newspaper La Dernière Heure over the weekend.

The diplomat expressed his fears after receiving instruction from the Foreign Office to provide "all possible assistance to the McCann couple".

The French-language paper printed excerpts of the letter, quoting the diplomat as saying: "With the greatest respect, I would like to make you aware of the risks and implications to our relationship with the Portuguese authorities, if you consider the possible involvement of the couple.

"Please confirm to me, in the light of these concerns, that we want to continue to be closely involved in the case as was requested in your previous message."

Although the Government was quick to assist the McCanns in the days following Madeleine's disappearance, direct contact with the couple ceased when they were named as suspects.

La Dernière Heure pointed out that a majority of the diplomats originally involved in the case have now been taken off it. Scroll down for more... {3}

The then-Prime Minister Tony Blair sent special envoy Sheree Dodd to act as a "media liaison officer" for the pair soon after Madeleine vanished.

Ms Dodd has since resigned from the Foreign Office, while the British consul in the Algarve, Bill Henderson, has retired.

John Buck, the British ambassador in Portugal, no longer works in the country.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

by lj 24.11.13 6:13

Yes, and .....................

by ultimaThule 24.11.13 6:36

Precisely, lj big grin

SS to what may seem to be a baptism of fire, but which is merely indication that your opinion or question is required before valid comment can be made here.

The title of this thread is self-explanatory [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] and it contains a link to another thread which gives further information on John Buck's involvement in this case.

by **tigger** 24.11.13 8:01

There is also the FO instruction to the Embassy NOT to help Murat.

Now that's rather against the rules imo the remitof the consular service is just that: to aid British nationals abroad. Visiting them in prison, arranging judicial help.