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Henry wouldn’t norh Co over a speech Sir David was due to make to the Banana Growers’ Annual Convention, when it was placed on the desk by the High Commissioner’s secretary

The High Commissioner frowned and pushed the speech to one side ‘It hasn’t been a good year for bananas,’ he grunted The frown remained in place as he read the fax He passed it across to his First Secretary

‘To all Eoverne Rate Mechanism Expect an official announcement later today’

‘If that’s the way of things, I can’t see the Chancellor lasting the day,’ con Secretary will remain in place, so it’s not our problem’ He looked up at Henry ‘Still, perhaps it would be wise if ere not to mention the subject for at least a couple of hours’

Henry nodded his agree on his speech

The h Co the corridor for the first time in two years As soon as he was back at his desk, he dialled a number he didn’t need to look up

‘Bill Paterson speaking’

‘Bill, howto sound casual

‘Give me a second and I’ll let you know Would you like me to call you back?’

‘No, I’ll hold on,’ said Henry He watched the second hand of the clock on his desk sweep nearly a full circle before the bank ain

‘A little over PS1 million,’ said Bill ‘Why did you want to know?’

‘I’ve just been instructed by the Foreign Office to switch all available monies into German marks, Swiss francs and American dollars immediately’

‘You’d be charged a hefty fee for that,’ said the bank e rate were to go against you …’

‘I’ram from London doesn’t leave me with any choice’

‘Fair enough,’ said Bill ‘Has this been approved by the High Commissioner?’