File- This June 22, 2015, file photo shows Australian High Commissioner Alexander Downer speaking to guests during a welcome party at the Australian High Commission in London. Trump campaign adviser George Papadopoulos told the diplomat, Downer, during a meeting in London in May 2016 that Russia had thousands of emails that would embarrass Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, the report said. (AP photo)WASHINGTON: An Australian diplomat's tip appears to have helped persuade the FBI to investigate Russian meddling in the US election and possible coordination with the Trump campaign, The New York Times reported Saturday. Trump campaign adviser George Papadopoulos told the diplomat, Alexander Downer, during a meeting in London in May 2016 that Russia had thousands of emails that would embarrass Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, the report said. The Times said Papadopoulos shared this information with Downer, but it was unclear whether he also shared it with anyone in the Trump campaign.

Source: Bangkok Post December 30, 2017 23:37 UTC