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![]() Wednesday, February 18, 1998 Published at 08:16 GMT ![]() ![]() ![]() UK ![]() Kohl to be given honorary freedom of the City of London ![]()
The German leader, Helmut Kohl, is to become the first European leader to be given the freedom of the City of London.
The Corporation of London, which will confer the honour, said it was
appropriate it should be given during the current British presidency of the
European Union.
Chancellor Kohl is expected to arrive in London for a meeting with the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, at Downing Street.
However, one war veteran - also a freeman - wants his honour withdrawn in protest.
Roy Faiers, ex-naval man and editor of Cheltenham-based nostalgia magazine
This England, wrote to the Lord Mayor saying the decision to reward Mr Kohl for
services to Europe unity would be "greatly resented by millions of ordinary
British people".
The origins of the honour date back to medieval times when craftsmen and
women organised themselves into trade guilds.
Until the early 19th century only freemen enjoyed trading privileges in the
City and had a say in government.
Other past recipients of the award include Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Diana
Princess of Wales, Nelson, Wellington and Disraeli.
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