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No buried Spitfires found

An operation to excavate dozens of British Spitfires thought to have been buried in Burma during the Second World War has ended in disappointment.

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Prime Minister's support 'opened door' to Spitfire excavation

The expedition to excavate dozens of British Spitfires buried in Burma during the Second World War may not have occurred if the Prime Minister had not called for the suspension of sanctions against Burma during a visit to the country in April, according to Mr Cundall.

David Cameron was talking about releasing the sanctions in April. At the same time he asked the president of Myanmar if the Spitfires could be recovered and there was broad agreement.

The timing was perfect. They suspended the sanctions, allowing me to negotiate the terms with the Myanmar government and also to sign the contract.

I cannot thank the Prime Minister enough because he has opened the door for me.

Mr Cundall had been sending letters to Mr Cameron calling for the removal of sanctions before the Prime Minister's trip to Burma.

Later in the year the Prime Minister sent him a letter of congratulations in which he expressed the hope that the Spitfires would fly once again in Britain, according to Mr Cundall.

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