Composer Bob geldof Threatened to storm once Tony BlairThe Commission for Africa, warning that it was in danger of becoming a “furnace of a laugh”, according to the newly released government files.
Live support preacher Played an important role in explaining Mr. Blair to the establishment of the Commission, which aims to investigate the problems of the continent before an important G8 summit in Glenaigals, Scotland under the UK.
However, official letters were released National archives In KeewWest London reveals the resentment of Mr. Geldoff when – just after a meeting – a document was sent to the commissioners, establishing its “emerging conclusions”.
Mr. Gaildoff wrote an angry letter on 9 August 2004, and addressed Sir Nicolas Stern, director of the Commission’s Policy.
In this, the musician said that it was impossible to come to any conclusion in such a short time.
He did not prepare to serve on a body, which was only to pursue the “predetermined government policy”, he warned.
“To be clear, the policy must sit independently by the Commission and conclude your own desire independently. This difference is important. If I have found it wrong then please inform me so that I can tender my resignation,” he wrote.
“More broadly, the entire perception of emerging solutions is laughing. If the solution to the grief of Africa can be ‘concluded’ within a time of six weeks, it is a really remarkable achievement.
“We all must have been blind in the previous years. The fact is that there are not there and no emerging conclusions can be there yet.
“The Commission will lose all credibility. If it is clearly not seen an independent unit. If it seems to pursue the pre-determined government policy, it will be correctly seen as a laugh.”
Mr. Gaildoff complained that some of the commissioners’ participation – some of which were some of Africa – “minimal” appeared.
“Is it not the work of the secretariat, from the chair, to ensure that it is not the case? Or is it all a distant political game that is played at the expense of the poor? If so, I am not playing.”
Sir Nicholas wrote in a hurry to assure Mr. Gaildoff that there was no attempt to make the documents of the Commission a pre-focus.
The input of British politicians was “comparatively modest”, he wrote.
“The purpose of the paper away from having an attempt to conclude is a tool to help promote discussion and ensure a real interchange between the commissioners in the second meeting in October.
“I will be very keen to sit and discuss these questions with you; maybe we can meet for a drink as both of us?”
Mr. Geldoff’s reply has not been recorded in the files, but was sufficiently appointed to carry them.
The next year after the Glayngles summit, Africa agreed to expand dual aid and debt relief, he saw it as “Mission Complete”.