Bangladesh, May 26 -- In an unusual and provocative turn of transatlantic diplomacy, US State Department officials recently traveled to the United Kingdom to meet with local anti-abortion campaigners who, according to Washington, are facing infringements on their freedom of expression. The trip, which included engagements with British government regulators and activists arrested under controversial legislation, has been interpreted by some UK commentators as a breach of protocol and a direct interference in British domestic affairs.

The report, first published by The Telegraph on May 24, paints a picture of quiet but deliberate American engagement in a sensitive and polarizing British debate, the rights of anti-abortion activists versus ...