Secret memo describes how British officials hope to influence Donald Trump by exploiting volatile character and inexperience in office
Document suggests the possible strategy Theresa May will use to deal with the controversial real estate mogul
A SECRET memo describes how British officials hope to influence Donald Trump by exploiting his volatile character and inexperience in office.
The document, reportedly from the UK's top diplomat in the US, suggests the possible strategy Theresa May and her Government will use to deal with the controversial real estate mogul.
The president-elect's tub-thumping campaign that carried him into the White House revealed his "instincts", explained Britain's ambassador to America Sir Kim Darroch.
He suggested in a dispatch as the shock result emerged on Wednesday morning the populist, if extreme, pledges that stirred up support for the newcomer could be shaped by UK officials who have already laid the groundwork in Washington.
The memo, seen by , said: "The president-elect is above all an outsider and unknown quantity, whose campaign pronouncements may reveal his instincts, but will surely evolve and, particularly, be open to outside influence if pitched right.
"Having, we believe, built better relationships with his team than have the rest of Washington diplomatic corps, we should be well placed to do this."
Downing Street said it did not comment on leaked documents, but Whitehall has been thrown into a diplomatic quandary by Mr Trump's surprise victory over Hillary Clinton.
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After years of frosty relations the UK faces the possibility of having to reassess its stance on Russia following the president-elect's praise of Vladimir Putin.
The tycoon has also threatened to partially withdraw support from Nato and scrap a deal with Iran over nuclear weapons.
Meanwhile there are hopes for a fast-tracked trade deal with the US as Britain leaves the EU.
Concerns were raised over the health of the "special relationship" after it emerged Mr Trump had spoken to a series of leaders before calling Theresa May after his victory.
The Prime Minister was careful not to pick sides during the presidential campaign, but had previously said his comments on Muslims were "plain wrong".
Meanwhile Boris Johnson, who previously said Mr Trump was "clearly out of his mind", appeared to have adjusted his position and was keen to speak to Vice President-elect Mike Pence and congratulate the Republicans.
There was further embarrassment for the Government on Saturday when acting Ukip leader Nigel Farage became the first UK politician to meet the president-elect.