Ernest Bevin and the Foreign Office 1932–1969
Sir Roderick Barclay's account of his time in government
Author
Publisher
Printing Details
First edition. Hardback in dustwrapper. 22.5 × 14cm, 166pp.
In his diplomatic career Roderick Barclay was seldom far from the centre of activity, whether in London, Paris, Washington or Brussels. The greater part of this book however is devoted to the period when he served for two years as Principal Private Secretary to Ernest Bevin and then for six months to Herbert Morrison. With the former he established a close relationship and became a devoted friend and admirer. He describes what it was like to work with Bevin in London and also on their many trips abroad, to Washington, Paris, Cairo, Colombo, Berlin, and elsewhere, and discusses the qualities which made him possibly Britain's greatest Foreign Secretary of the century.
By Comparison, Morrison was a sad comedown. Others discussed include Halifax, Heath, and George Brown, and among foreign statesmen, Acheson and Spaak. There are also autobiographical sections including one describing the adventures of the Embassy at the time of the fall of France, culminating in the departure from Arcachon beach by sardine fishing boat. The book concludes with the author's five-year period as Ambassador in Brussels, and his encounters with various members of Europe's royal houses.
Condition
This copy is in very good condition. The wrapper has been price-clipped. There is a previous owner's inscription which indicates that she worked under both: "2 past bosses!"
Price
£30.00
