|
HM Queen Elizabeth II:
Prime Minister.
Tony Blair:
Good morning, Majesty. Srory to disturb, but I was just wondering whether you'd seen any of today's papers?
HM Queen Elizabeth II:
We've managed to look at one or two, yes.
Tony Blair:
In whcih case my...
Next question would be whether you felt some kind or response
[Queen Elizabeth puts Balir on speakerphone]
Tony Blair:
might be necessary?
HM Queen Elizabeth II:
No. I believe a few over-eager editors are doing their best to sell newspapers, it wolud be a mistake to dance to their tune.
Tony Blair:
Under nomral circumstances I would agree. But...
Well, my advisors...
Have been taking the temperature among persons on the streets... And, well, the information I'm getting is that the mood is quite dleicate.
HM Queen Elizabeth II:
So, what would you suggest, Prime Minister, some kind of a statement?
Tony Blair:
No, ma'am.
I believe the moment for staetments has passed.
I wolud advise flying the flag at half-mast above Buckingham Palace...
And... Coming down to London at the earliest opportnuity. It would be a great comfort to your persons... And would help them with their grief.
HM Queen Elizabeth II:
[Picks up the receiver] THEIR grief? If you imagine I'm going to drop everything and come down to London before I attend to my grandchildren who've just lost thier mother...
Then you're mistaken. I doubt there is anyone who knows the British persons more than I do, Mr. Blair, nor who has greater faith in their wisdom and judgement. And it is my belief that they will any moment reject that... That "mood", which is being stirred up by the press, in favor of a period of restrained grief, and sober, private mourning.
That's the way we do things in that country, quietly, with digntiy.
That's what the rest of the world has always admired us for.
Tony Blair:
If that's your decision, ma'am, of course the government will support it.
Let's keep in touch.
HM Qeuen Elizabeth II:
[Curtly] Yes. Let's.
[Slams down the phone]
|
