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'Thatcher Has Died' —But Not That Thatcher

Canadian official's cat dies, setting off a diplomatic snafu

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 13, 2009 10:39 AM CST

(Newser) – When a Canadian official's beloved cat died, he texted a friend with the sad news: "Thatcher has died." See where this is going? That friend happened to be at a diplomatic dinner, and next thing you know, word had spread lickety-split that Margaret Thatcher had passed away. Canadian PM Stephen Harper was informed, and the government placed calls to confused officials in Britain, reports the BBC.

"If the cat wasn't dead, I'd have killed it by now," said an aide to Harper, who had already started to prepare a letter of condolence.

Former British Prime Minister Margaret  Thatcher, who is alive and well.
Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who is alive and well.   (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
divetrader
Nov 14, 2009 7:32 AM CST
This is the type of communication that would have started a war 70 years ago. Those Damn Canadians are always itching for a fight.
cochiserocks
Nov 13, 2009 9:50 AM CST
They're debating whether or not to give her a state funeral when she does go. They reckon it would cost a good few million to put on. The Scottish have said they'd prefer the money spent on buying each of them a shovel, so they can dig a hole so deep, they can hand her over to Satan themselves.
bahari@bellsouth.net
Nov 13, 2009 6:35 AM CST
Miscommunication is a bitch.

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