BL> Why have diplomats when you can use a FAX to get the same result?

DW> somethings just need to be said in person, to get the right inflection,

Nope, diplomats dont get to do that subtle stuff to the
person at the other end making any decision, and when it
matters the 'leaders' trot off and visit each other anyway.

And almost entirely communicate by fax etc in the mean time anyway
NOW. You may have notice Alex Downer ending up in very deep shit indeed
because of the deluge of those communications he has been getting.

DW> you know what it's like when someone takes a message the wrong
DW> way, even if it wasnt intended that way, thats how wars start.

Nope, thats NOT how wars start. Have a look at the war in the
pacific, Japan etc, they HAD their diplomats in the US, the war
started anyway. Ditto with Vietnam, Borneo, the Gulf War, etc etc etc.
@EOT:

---