Sunday, August 17, 2014

A very nice Prince

The day would have started with a simple line item like this:

10:00 Arrival, helipad

It was a small group, a couple of men wearing traditional Arab dress, other males in regular suits, yet others in dress uniforms. There was no press, no TV, no official government photographer.

The diplomatic chaperone was very busy making sure that the locals, unfamiliar with political visitors from this culture, understood the basics of protocol. Although none of the locals would have walked up the visitors, extended a hand and said "hi" anyway. If you address the Prince when he inquires after something or addressed you, you need to address him as Your Royal Highness, the chaperone emphasized.

The visitors were Western educated, and in another setting a friendly "hi" would have been perfectly fine, but here it might have given the chaperone a heart attack.
The Prince smiled, listened to a presentation introducing him to the topic of the visit. Afterwards, they headed out to get close to the gear.

The Germans knew how to put on a good show. The ground shook as the star of the day headed straight for the group. The driver slammed on the brakes, the vehicle tracks threw up dirt as they dug into the ground.
The performance elicited a smile from the group, only the diplomatic chaperone seemed briefly worried: when 50 or so tons of steel come to a halt less than 10 yards in front of your diplomatic charge, a second of concern seems reasonable.

Follow my lead, the chaperone had advised. Lunch started with an unfamiliar Allahu Akbar, the subsequent conversation was pleasant and relaxed.

The Prince waved briefly by way of saying good bye, the chaperone thanked the locals, and a few minutes later the large transport helicopter was airborne.

The day would have ended with a line item like this:

14:00 Departure, helipad

Note: Inquiries by historians researching arms exports will be considered. Encrypted emails only, please.

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