Draft letter to Mr John Witherow, The
Sunday Times, from Keith Vaz MP
You may know that I telephoned you last week
and spoke to Tony Bambridge.
I am sure that you are familiar with this matter
and that you have seen my fax to Ian Birrell dated 27 January
1995 and the copy fax which was sent with the entry in the Register
and the letter from the former Registrar.
On Monday I had an opportunity of speaking with
the Registrar and he confirmed to me that all my entries were
in order and there was no question of anything improper.
This morning I have received another telephone
call from Rajeev Syal. He has now made a total of eight calls
to me. He telephoned the Registrar yesterday who referred him
back to me. I have nothing further to add to what I have already
said.
During my complaint to the PCC last year you
will know I expressed concern about other unsubstantiated allegations
which Mr Syal had raised. I now have confirmation that a few weeks
ago he telephoned another prominent businessman (who happened
to be also of Asian origin) and asked him if he had given gifts
to Paddy Ashdown. I do realise that he is up for a full-time job
at the ST but I do think that this is scraping the barrel.
I thought I should write just for the record.
2 February 1995
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