"I mean enormous pressure was brought to bear - Valerie Amos, Lady Amos, went round Africa with people from our intelligence services trying to press them. I had to make sure that we didn't promise a misuse of aid in a way that would be illegal"

Clare Short's quote is describing the enormous pressure that was placed on African countries to comply with the British intelligence services. Valerie Amos, Lady Amos, was sent to Africa to attempt and convince the nations to cooperate. Clare Short was responsible for guaranteeing that the British government did not abuse aid in a way that would be prohibited. This quote highlights the significance of the British federal government to follow the law and not use aid as a method of browbeating. It likewise shows the lengths that the British federal government was willing to go to in order to get the African countries to cooperate. This quote is a testimony to the power of the British federal government and its capability to affect other countries.