For a Minister it would appear that our new man doesn't understand how the foreign military/diplomatic system works. Maybe his position grants rights of access but even as a Wg Cdr it was hard to get through the door. As a Flt Lt, forget it. Come to think of it, as a Flt Lt straight out of the cockpit I'm not sure I'd have said the right things ..........or drunk the right amounts.....................
It costs an arm and a leg to get anyone over there; wherever "there" might be. A wife, and particularly rank, are essential for diplomacy on the "Cocktail Circuit". If we're going that way to save money, then just pull out. If we're serious, keep on as we are. Better not to do it than to do it badly. Lets not make ourselves the laughing stock.