Within hours of being announced as the nominee to be the U.S. Director of the CIA, I received a hand-delivered message on MI6 stationery congratulating me on my nomination. It was signed simply "C" in green ink. Legendary. I shared it with my son and even he thought I was now cool!
More than that, this note, from Sir Alex Younger, Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service of the United Kingdom, confirmed what I already believed: the work that the CIA and MI6 did together mattered, that the partnership was critical, and that two leaders focused on the mission could save lives and provide tools for our nations to deter our adversaries.
Alex's passing this week brought back so many memories of our time in service together. He flew to Langley to see me the day I was confirmed. We brought our two senior teams together in the UK to plan and coordinate and build in the first several weeks of my time on duty: making clear to them all that this relationship was more than special - it was critical for the security of our two countries.
Alex was a remarkable intelligence partner. When we needed help, it wasn't "let me see;" it was "this matters to you and America we'll get it done." And he and his team always did. I think he knew we would do the same for him and his team and his nation. Many Americans are alive today because of his leadership of MI6, I never knew how to thank him enough.
Alex became a friend as well. In the years since we both left office we would see each other from time to time. He was always so kind, so thoughtful, so smart. His deep love of his country was surpassed only by his deep commitment and love of his family. Decent and proper - and funny as hell - Alex was "C." As espionage requires, he was quiet, not attention seeking. He knew what evil was and he was ruthless in his efforts to crush it with every legal tool at his command. And he knew who his friends were and committed himself to supporting them.
I miss Sir Alex Younger. He was a role model for me and a man with whom every minute I spent was valued and savored. Blessings to you Alex. Praying for you and for your family. Well done and may you rest in peace in His hands.
@GIrwinRacing You make a good point, Glenn. Harrison was riding his Superstock bike superbly and watching Hutchison riding into Kirk Michael looking, as you say, like the Hutchy of old was just fantastic.
@helenwarrell@FT@charles_clover@JP_Rathbone This is really rather lovely. It’s captured the essence of the man and the professional. He was a good man that navigated the complexity of life, politics and the world adeptly. RIP
@TimesSport@garyjacob Some might wonder whether Tony Khan, who was appointed to his role by his Dad, is competent to fulfil his responsibilities to Fulham Football Club. They might question his judgment, his critical thinking skills and his capacity to empathise and evaluate.
@ttracesofficial@M_Dunlop3 Flying into Kirk Michael on Lap one of the Sportbike race, riding his immaculately prepared 650 Paton and on his way to creating a new lap record in this class. Magnificent!
En 1985, el barco de Joey Dunlop se hundió de camino al TT de la Isla de Man, llevándose consigo sus motocicletas. Rescatado y reconstruido, convirtió el desastre en triunfo, ganando un histórico triplete en el TT: Junior, Fórmula 1 y Senior. El "Rey de las Carreteras" no dejó que un poco de agua lo detuviera.
@FundFanatic History usually repeats or, at least, rhymes. Some might say that the Closed End Fund is the most appropriate structure within which to hold inherently illiquid assets whilst providing liquidity for investors. Fire Sales usually mean that some parties get burnt.