I shall never forget hearing the news of the Armenian earthquake on the radio very early in the morning and how appalled I was to hear to the devastation and loss of life.
It was just before Mr. Gorbachev was due to visit Britain, and the radio was speculating whether I knew about the earthquake and what my reaction would be. So I rang them up and told them there and then: how shocked we were, how much we wanted to help, and how Mr. Gorbachev 's place would be with his people and we would quite understand if he had to postpone his visit.
Then an hour later Leonid ZamyatinThe Soviet ambassador came down to see me—about 8am I think it was, much earlier than ambassadors are usually up and about. And we sent an immediate message off to Mr. Gorbachev in New York, where he was. [end p1] the response from people in this country was magnificent. Not only did the government contribute £5 million, but the British public raised even more than that by individual donations. they also offered their services to take part in the relief work.
It is a great pleasure to be able to join Leonid ZamyatinThe ambassador this afternoon in paying tribute to some of those who rushed to give their help in Armenia. Behind these honours lie stories of personal bravery, and tireless and selfless hard work. and of course there were many more, who helped both to save lives and start on the great work of reconstruction.
I had a letter the other day from the Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of Armenia, in which he says: [end p2] “the cities and villages of Armenia will be rebuilt and will become a symbol of great human Commonwealth” .
As so often happens, a great crisis, a great tragedy, brings out the best in people, brings out their desire to help—and we saw that in the tremendous rallying round of people from all over the world to help the victims and help rebuild. I am very proud that the people of Britain played such a big part in this.
Most of all we should pay tribute to the people of Armenia itself. It was they who suffered unbelievable hardship and loss. It is they who have shown such resilience in rebuilding the shattered towns and villages. I am looking forward to seeing their work for myself next summer, when I hope to visit Armenia and open the school which Britain is building there. [end p3] I understand it is to be named after Lord Byron, who was a great friend to Armenia.
So may I congratulate very warmly those who have been honoured today and the many others whom they represent. May I thank you, ambassador, for arranging this ceremony. And may I wish Armenia strength to overcome the tragedy and create a new and successful future.