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‘The issues raised by the Richard Colvin affair are profound’

Twenty-three former ambassadors write in support of Richard Colvin.

The ex-heads of Canadian diplomatic missions say in a letter released to the media that they’re worried the treatment of Mr. Colvin will discourage diplomats from reporting frankly to Ottawa from their foreign postings…

“The Colvin affair risks creating a climate in which officers may be more inclined to report what they believe headquarters wants to hear, rather than facts and perceptions deemed unpalatable,” the ex-ambassadors say…

“A fundamental requirement of a foreign service officer is that he or she report on a given situation as observed or understood,” the former heads of mission said. “It is only in this way that any government can draw conclusions knowledgeably and make its considered decisions, even if at variance with the reports received.”

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