Fidel vs. Fox - off the record is off the record

Diplomats have called Fidel Castro all kinds of things off the record, but Fidel is not fidel with confidences, nor is he discreet, and he tells the world openly what he thinks of other leaders, including Mexico's Fox. Has he opened the Pandora's Box of diplomacy? Being macho, he would resent being compared with a woman, but, since he is proud of his encyclopedic knowledge,, he would know that Pandora means "all gifted", and that Zeus had created her to plague mankind, which he rejoices in doing. World leaders appear on TV and tell what good relations their countries have. This is theater, making a farce of Woodrow Wilson's talk of open agreements openly reached. Professionally, Paul Simon is shocked. Are you?: "Alas that Fidel broke his bond. If heads of state, journalists, and diplomats don't respect "off the record" rules, they lose the trust and confidence of colleagues and sources alike. Later, they find themselves ineffective. I couldn't see many Foreign Ministers or heads of State trusting Castro ever again, could you?

When the French Ambassador (to the UK) called Israel, "A sh--ty little country" off the record at a dinner party, he was entitled to be off the record, despite his impropriety and undiplomatic language. Unfortunately for him, his hostess was Lady Crossharbour, wife of media tycoon Conrad Black. She promptly publicized the remark. Since then, the comment has been widely circulated and published, to the Ambassador's chagrin. But you can bet that Lady Crossharbour's dining companions will never be forthcoming again. I certainly wouldn't attend her next dinner party, not that there is any danger of getting an invitation, anyway..."

My comment: Too bad. I can't imagine a better dinner companion.

Ronald Hilton - 4/25/02