Australian Newspaper Confirms Government’s Role in Russia Investigation

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Australian officials expressed frustration about their role in the opening of the investigation into Russian meddling by the FBI.  On Saturday, The New York Times reported that it was Australian officials that first tipped the FBI off about Russian meddling in the US presidential election.  An Australian diplomat, Alexander Downer, was apparently alerted to the meddling by Trump Campaign adviser George Papadopoulos in May 2016.

That version of events has apparently been confirmed by an Australian newspaper, which also details the “annoyance and frustration” felt by Australia’s government that their diplomat’s role was leaked to the press.  Downer is the Australian ambassador to Great Britain.  The report also reveals that Joe Hockey, Australia’s ambassador to the US, was also directly involved in discussions about Papadopoulos with the FBI.

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