Devin Nunes has written a letter to President Trump in advance of Trump's trip to the UK. The letter is self explanatory and can be read here. Nunes would like Trump to pose some questions to PM May. I'll simply append those questions without comment. The obvious thrust is twofold: the relationship of Steele to "current or former British intelligence or government officials" as related to the Trump campaign and the extent of interaction of those officials with "current or former U.S. intelligence, law enforcement, or government officials"--also as related to the Trump campaign. Seems reasonable to me.
“Did Christopher Steele inform any current or former British intelligence or government officials about the allegations he put forward in the Steele file or any other allegations about President Trump or Trump campaign associates colluding with Russians? If so, describe what action British officials took in response to this data.”
“Did any current or former British intelligence or government officials discuss with Christopher Steele the possibility of Steele writing additional memos about President Trump or Trump associates colluding with Russians? If so, what guidance did British officials give to Steele and when was this guidance provided?”
“Did any current or former U.S. government or intelligence officials inform any current or former British government or intelligence officials about Steele’s allegations or any other allegations about President Trump or Trump campaign associates colluding with Russians, if other such allegations exist? If so, describe the circumstances and timing of this communication and any resulting action that was taken.”
“Is the British government aware of, did it give permission for, or did it participate in, actions by any government to surveil or otherwise target active or former associates of the Trump campaign, if any such surveillance or activities took place?”
“Did any current or former British intelligence or government officials relay classified or unclassified information to any current or former U.S. officials about alleged contacts between Trump associates and suspected Russian intelligence officials, if any such data exists? If so, when was the information relayed and how was this information collected?"
“Describe any communications or relationship, if any, Joseph Mifsud (potentially also known as Joseph de Gabriele) has had with British intelligence and any data the British government possesses about Mifsud’s connection to any other government or intelligence agency.”
“Did any current or former British officials present an assessment of Christopher Steele, including a determination of his credibility or motivations, to any current or former U.S. intelligence, law enforcement, or government officials, or presidential transition team members?”
It's clear from your earlier reporting that PM May was kept in the dark, although the heads of MI5, MI6 and the JIC in the cabinet office (now deceased) were informed. The head of GCHQ resigned right after Trump's inauguration, IIRC.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the visit is at the invitation of the Queen, so the schedule may not be time permitting any Nunes-type queries. As it is, PM May could be out by Trump's June 3 visit.
"It's clear from your earlier reporting that PM May was kept in the dark"
DeleteWell, that's the story they're sticking to. I'd stick to that story, too, in he/their position.
"May could be out by Trump's June 3 visit."
True. And I hope the GOP is paying attention to what can happen to politicians who try to stiff the voters.
Good post. Mark Wauck and Forbes comments, even better
ReplyDeleteA paradigm shift occurred in world affairs earlier this Spring when the Trump Administration walked away from the trade negotiations with China after they refused to back up the negotiated agreement with legislative commitments. Instead of a managed global economy, all nations must now revert back to pursuing their own self interest and competing head-to-head. This will shake up governments everywhere (e.g. Brazil, Australia) and new leadership will be emerge based upon the Trump model rather than the Bush model. The upcoming election in Great Britain will reinforce this change and their national press will soon publish an expose´ of Britain's involvement in the Russia Hoax. Trump doesn't need to push this, it will happen on it's own.
ReplyDeleteThus, one supposes, the desperation on the Left. They're working all the levers and can't seem to make a difference.
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