I will qualify to say that I will deny this story is true if I have to. It has a bit of craic and gossip and I might have to go to confession tomorrow if I finish writing this tonight. Already checking my judgement to tell about it from over 30 years ago. Off we go then.

Back in ‘89 I do believe it was when President Reagan made his famous speech, “Mister Gorbachev, tear down this Wall.” Russia started to be open with having some trade with the West and lots of business deals were made.

Our Foreign Affairs Minister at the time was a fine smart woman who hailed from the East Coast. A Maritimer I do believe. She had a wicked sense of humour. On one such visit to Moscow, on her return to the plane, she was overheard saying, “I think a good trade we could offer the Russians is an underarm deodorant factory.” Eastern Europeans were not known for wearing any underarm and it could get ripe in meetings.

On another occasion her team were on trade hunt to Mexico. They must have got into the local water as they were all making frequent visits to the loo on the return trip. Next day, the 412 office got a call from the Minister’s Office about her mistakenly leaving a pair of her underwear onboard. Accidents happen. I usually leave mine where the accident happened. Not sure why she wanted them back. Must have had some sentimental meaning. Ministers of Parliament can afford a new drawers to be sure.