Respect for embassy staff

Following the recent barrage of letters of condemnation of the Australian Embassy and its staff, allow me to throw in a bouquet.

In nearly 25 years of dealing with the embassy in Jakarta, I can recall only a few occasions of difficulties and all were resolved. The old standards of following the rules, providing honest information and clarifications, and patience and humility will achieve results. Remember that on a daily basis the embassy deals with a broad cross-section of humanity, not all of whom have honorable intent, and many who also frustrate the staff by not having required documents or information, or expect the rules to be bent for them. Have problems waiting in a queue? Is it any different from a bank, a doctor, an airport, or fun fair ride?

Treating people in the way you expect to be treated yourself, as the Bible teaches, will get you the results you deserve.

DAVID PALMER

Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara