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Section Two Index:
Cover-up at The Guardian

This five-part document chronicles the events and facts leading up to, including, and following the publication of The Guardian newspaper's erroneous 'cash for questions' story of 20 October 1994.  
      There is a minimum of interpretation or 'spin'.  The facts themselves show how, through dishonest journalism, accepted uncritically by its followers that pervade the British news media, the Guardian persuaded a vengeful liar - Harrods owner Mohammed Al Fayed - to endorse its invented story of corruption.  When its innocent victims sued for libel, The Guardian used its influence throughout the British media to raise a storm against The Conservative Party over sleaze allegations, facilitating the installation of Tony Blair in 10 Downing Street on a landslide of support for New Labour.

The Guardian newspaper develops suspicions about London's top lobbyist Ian Greer -- and especially the commission payments that Greer had given to three Conservative MPs for introducing new clients to his lobbying company.

Part One:
May '84 - 14 July '93

The events following The Guardian's first meeting with Mohamed Al Fayed, up to the publication of The Guardian's original 'cash for questions' article accusing Tory lobbyist Ian Greer of bribing Conservative MPs Tim Smith and Neil Hamilton.

Part Two:
22 July '93 - 20 Oct. '94

The Guardian's cover-up begins after its story prompts libel writs from the lobbyist Ian Greer and one of the accused MPs, Neil Hamilton.  Tim Smith's resignation confuses The Guardian.  Weeks later, after The Guardian learns that Smith was paid by Fayed himself, Fayed then makes similar allegations against Hamilton.

Part Three:
20 Oct. '94 - 31 Dec. '94

The Guardian intensifies its cover-up to defeat the libel actions by Ian Greer and Neil Hamilton.  The paper's hopes rest on convincing a jury that commission payments, which Greer issued to people who introduced new clients, were really bribes.  Just before trial The Guardian's lawyers learn that their defence is void.  They persuade Fayed to coerce three of his staff into testifying to new allegations.

Part Four:
1 Jan. '95 - 30 Sept. '96

Greer and Hamilton settle their libel actions when their joint solicitors cease acting on technical grounds. When Hamilton asks Parliament to investigate The Guardian submits a phalanx of allegations.  Months later Sir Gordon Downey publishes his report, dismissing all the paper's longstanding allegations against Greer but finding in favour of the new last-minute accusations of Fayed's three coerced office staff.

Part Five:
16 Jan. '97 - Dec. 2000