UNCLASSIFIED
FM BONN
TO ROUTINE FCO
TELNO 589
OF 201630Z JUNE 96
INFO ROUTINE DUBLIN, HMCGS IN GERMANY, BERLIN
BONN TELNO 570
SUBJECT: NORTHERN IRELAND: MANCHESTER BOMB - KOHLS' REACTION
SUMMARY
1. Kohl tells national television that Manchester bombers are "blind
fanatics". Terrorists should not dictate our actions.
DETAIL
2. Chancellor Kohl was interviewed by ARD (BBC1 equivalent) in Manchester before the Germany-Italy football match there on 19 June. Asked about last weekend's bomb\, he said: "I have spoken to John Major. You know\, what has happened here can\, unfortunately\, happen in many places in the world. (Those responsible are) blind fanatics\, who through their destructive mania want to destroy everything that is fun (eg the European Championships). Of course\, our thoughts are with the injured. We know that\, luckily\, no-one was killed. But it is a terrible thing that such fanaticism Leads to this sort of result. I think\, however - and I am often asked - that if we allow the fanatics and terrorists to dictate where we should hold events such as this\, then we are in a very bad state of affairs. I know that it is a risk\, but I prefer to take that risk - and I know what I am talking about - rather than allow our actions to be taken out of our own hands.
3. We have informed No 10 separately\, by fax.
4. The German press has continued to follow events in Northern Ireland closely. The reporting has been accurate\, with the emphasis on the renewed pressure on both Sinn Fein and the peace process as a whole\, following the latest bomb. Unionist objections to Senator Mitchell's appointment have also featured prominently. There has been no further press comment since TUR.
BROOMFIELD
YYYY _DISTRIBUTION_ 83
_MAIN_ 41
NORTHERN IRELAND RID
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