British police announced on Friday that they have opened an investigation into the leaked messages from U.K. Ambassador to the United States Kim Darroch that led to his resignation this week.
Years worth of secret memos and letters from Darroch to British government officials were published by the Daily Mail last week, revealing the ambassador’s low opinion of President Trump. Darroch repeatedly used insulting language when referring to Trump.
For instance, Darroch called Trump “inept” and “incompetent.” He also criticized the president’s handling of Iran and said, “For a man who has risen to the highest office on the planet, President Trump radiates insecurity.”
Trump responded to the cables by immediately alienating Darroch from White House access and called him a “very stupid guy” and a “pompous fool.” He also rescinded the ambassador’s invitation to a Monday state dinner with the emir of Qatar.
In light of his soured relationship with Trump, Darroch announced on Wednesday morning that he would resign from his post saying, “Since the leak of official documents from this Embassy there has been a great deal of speculation surrounding my position and the duration of my remaining term as ambassador. I want to put an end to that speculation. The current situation is making it impossible for me to carry out my role as I would like.”
The Metropolitan Police of London said their investigation into the leak would be led by its counterterrorism command, which is responsible for criminal breaches of the Official Secrets Act.
Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said in a statement, “Given the widely reported consequences of that leak I am satisfied that there has been damage caused to UK international relations, and there would be clear public interest in bringing the person or people responsible to justice.” Basu chided the leaker for wasting government resources in making the investigation necessary and urged the responsible party or parties to turn themselves in.
Basu also warned journalists that they could be in breach of the law, saying, “I would advise all owners, editors and publishers of social and mainstream media not to publish leaked government documents that may already be in their possession, or which may be offered to them, and to turn them over to the police or give them back to their rightful owner, Her Majesty’s Government.”
