《No, Minister.(存一下英文版)》用其他笔名

32、[Interlude] S01E02.5

　　Monday, 4th February, 1980. The Office of the Secretary of State for Synergy Coordination.
　　Two documents lay before Charles. One was an invitation to appear on BBC's Newsnight. The other was Alistair's risk assessment memorandum on the matter:
　　MEMORANDUM
　　Department of Synergy Coordination
　　Ref: DSC/MIN/MEDIA/002/80
　　To: The Secretary of State (The Rt Hon Charles Hyde MP)
　　From: A. Cavendish, Acting Permanent Secretary
　　Date: 4 February 1980
　　Subject: Risk Assessment and Recommendation Regarding Participation in BBC's Newsnight
　　Minister,
　　Please find below an assessment and recommendation regarding the invitation from the BBC's Newsnight programme for you to participate in a discussion on 'The Vision for New Departments in the New Government'.
　　Background:
　　The media reaction to your recent trip to Cornwall has placed both the DSC and yourself at the centre of public discourse. Your public image is currently complex and susceptible to negative interpretation.
　　Opportunities & Risks:
　　a) Opportunity: This programme offers a potential platform to articulate the purpose, working methods, and future vision of the DSC, thereby improving the public image of both the department and yourself, and gaining public understanding.
　　b) Risk: Given that Newsnight, as a newly launched political affairs programme (first broadcast 28 January 1980), is likely to have a sharp and topical style. The host may ask pointed questions regarding your trip to Cornwall, the DSC's ambiguous remit, and the state of Whitehall bureaucracy. An ill-considered remark could trigger another public relations crisis.
　　Recommendation:
　　a) Considering the current media environment and the sensitive, formative stage of the DSC, it is recommended to decline such high-risk, high-exposure interviews for the time being. Priority should be given to stabilising operations through internal departmental mechanisms and gradually accumulating quantifiable synergistic achievements, to respond to criticism with facts rather than words.
　　b) Should you still be resolved to accept the invitation, to minimise risk to the greatest extent possible, the Private Office will prepare a Standard Safety Script for you. This script will strictly adhere to Whitehall convention, be worded prudently, focus on departmental procedure and macro-level vision, and avoid commenting on specific policy disputes or making any impromptu remarks that could cause inter-departmental misunderstanding. At the same time, we will coordinate with the BBC to ensure the interview topics are confined to a pre-agreed framework.
　　Please advise.
　　A. Cavendish
　　Cyril stood to one side, watching the Minister read the memorandum.
　　Alistair's recommendation was, as always, 'correct'. Avoid risk, play it safe.
　　Charles did not hesitate. He wrote one word next to recommendation 'b': "Agreed".
　　"Yes, Minister." Cyril prepared to carry out the instruction.
　　"Wait, Cyril," Charles stopped him, picked up the telephone receiver, and pressed the internal line number connecting to the next office.
　　The call was answered almost instantly.
　　"Alistair," Charles's tone was as calm as if he were discussing the London rain. "Regarding the Newsnight interview, I've decided to participate. I'm sure the 'Standard Safety Script' you are about to prepare for me will be procedurally impeccable, but I'd like to make a few minor adjustments."
　　An equally calm voice came from the other end of the line. "Your instructions, Minister."
　　Charles leaned back in his chair. "Firstly, I want to follow up, on the programme, on the three promises I made in Cornwall. I want the public to know that the Department of the Environment, the Ministry of Defence, and the Treasury have received a formal inquiry from our Department of Synergy Coordination. Secondly…" he paused, "I want to publicly announce that the DSC will be establishing a working group for a feasibility study into a 'Fisheries Community Emergency Hardship Fund'."
　　Cyril held his breath.
　　There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line.
　　"Minister," Alistair's voice betrayed no emotion, "that is a very… courageous proposal. To announce it publicly before the Treasury has approved the budget could cause serious inter-departmental tensions."
　　"Exactly," Charles's voice took on a hint of a smile. "Which is why I need you, Alistair. I am responsible for opening that door in the spotlight, and you are responsible for ensuring that when I walk through it, there isn't a precipice behind me. I believe that also falls under the category of 'synergy and coordination', does it not?"
　　Another silence.
　　Finally, the reply came, concise and clear. "Yes, Minister."