Bolger's jet trip broke bank's rules - Riggs report latest

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19 February 2005

Former prime minister Jim Bolger is on a list of famous high-fliers given free trips on an American bank's private jet which should only have been used for corporate travel.

Former Riggs Bank head Joe L Allbritton is under investigation for using the Gulfstream V to fly his friends around the United States, the Washington Post reported yesterday.

In 1998 Mr Bolger, appointed New Zealand's ambassador to Washington, made a round trip flight to San Diego with his wife and two sons to have dinner at Mr Allbritton's ranch.

Others who used the jet at different times included former US presidents Jimmy Carter and George Bush Snr, television presenter Barbara Walters, and former first ladies Nancy Reagan and Lady Bird Johnson.

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