Good Manners and Bad Behaviour The Unofficial Rules of Diplomacy
Candida Slater
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Most people have only a vague understanding of what diplomats actually do, except that they seem to belong to a privileged caste, and lead lives governed by arcane rules of etiquette and convention. However, beneath the veneer of exquisite diplomatic manners and immaculate dress, all human life is there, and much of it is entirely reprehensible. Since Diplomatic Services dislike disorderly lives, it was decided, between 1949 and 1974, that guidance was necessary, and the Foreign Office published a series of helpful little booklets on How to Behave Abroad. Unfortunately, much of the advice put forward so confidently may only have served to reinforce outsiders' worst fears about the Foreign Service. Over recent years, an enormous cultural shift has taken place in what diplomats do and what they are for, and the idea of a foreign service as a specialist caste is fast vanishing into the mists of time. The Foreign Office always thought that it was stronger than the Ministers who ruled it. This book just goes to show how wrong they were.About the Author
1968 joined FCO as desk officer UN department, then moved to Private Office of Minister in charge of Britain’s entry into EU. 1972 married fellow diplomat, Duncan Slater (d. 2002). Resigned 1973 when husband posted to Brussels. Subsequent postings Vienna, Lagos, Muscat and Kuala Lumpur. Three children, Ian, Nicola and Christina. 2003 – 2007 returned to FCO. Also works as an abstract artist, exhibiting summer 2008 at la Galleria Pall Mall, London (www.lagalleria.org)
Book info
Format
Paperback
168 pages pages
Author
Candida Slater
Publisher
Matador an imprint of Troubador Publishing
Publication date
22nd May 2008
Author's Website
www.troubador.co.uk/book_info.asp?bookid
ISBN
9781906510305
