Hans-Dietrich Genscher

A former German Foreign Minister, Hans-Dietrich Genscher, on Friday revealed a well-guarded secret:   he always carried a pistol even during his diplomatic travels around the globe.

Genscher, 88, said that it was just a little one as it fitted in his trouser pocket.
He was West German Interior Minister from 1969 to 1974, then foreign minister until 1992 of reunified Germany.

“It soothed me, there’s no such thing as 100 per cent safety, and I definitely had reason to worry about being attacked,’’ he said.

A hallmark of Genscher’s 18-year term as foreign minister was his constant travelling and semi-secret negotiating with world leaders.

Personal hand arms are uncommon in Germany and can only be carried with a special licence.