EMAIL TO SHELL LEGAL DIRECTOR RICHARD WISEMAN 28 APRIL 04

(FROM ALFRED DONOVAN)

Dear Mr Wiseman

Thank you for your email dated 27 April 2004.

Here we go again…

I am now faced with the serious charge of misrepresentation by a Shell director. That is rather ironic given Shell’s current predicament.

I had already added a “Legal Preface” to the release in an effort to please you and that section alone is already longer than most press releases, yet you apparently want a further explanation included? Nonetheless I would happily comply if your claim had any merit. 

The only issue that you raised was in respect of the SGBP and I printed word for word the section from your letter of 5 June 1997 that you confirmed as being accurate. You have also confirmed that nothing has changed as of 2004 in relation to the basis of the SGBP. In other words the fundamental flaws pointed out to you in writing 7 years ago have not been rectified.

Your acquiescence was in respect of the accuracy of that section alone and frankly you could not do otherwise than acquiesce because it is precisely what you stated in the relevant letter. I am willing to publish the entire content of the relevant 1997 correspondence if you so desire.

You are now attempting to claim that when you stated on 26 April 2004: “This does not meet with my approval at all…” you were referring to the entire proposed press release rather then the revised draft of the section about the SGBP that I specifically supplied for your approval after you had taken issue with that section alone. That really will not wash.

You “made no comment, request, or objection, regarding the accuracy of any other matters covered” (in the press release) and that is a fact. If you seriously claim otherwise, please point out what other comment, request or objection has been raised by you prior to its circulation yesterday? At no point did the release claim that you had endorsed the content. It merely stated the facts.

You are a barrister and if it was your intention to take issue with other parts of the press release or the entirety of its content you should have made that clear. I am baffled as to how you could take issue at all since what is stated in the release is a matter of record. If you wish to point out any inaccuracies at this belated stage I will publish your comments unedited but would of course have to retain the right of response backed up by irrefutable documentary evidence.

The relevant current correspondence is published on the website shell2004.com so independent observers will me able to make their own judgement on our respective integrity in this matter. 

How quickly the situation changes. Birthday greetings from you on 22 April for my 87th Birthday and a threat on the 28th.

Finally I am sure you will understand that it is appropriate for me to make my own selection of extracts from your correspondence with me on which I wish to focus attention.

Regards

Alfred Donovan

Cc Malcolm Brinded.

Click here for ShellNews.net HOME PAGE