David Clay
@davidclay.bsky.social
British diplomat. Currently Consul-General in Boston. Posting occasionally about the history of diplomacy, negotiation and great books.
Possibly my favourite tale of diplomatic gifting. Always think of it when I’m in St James Park
www.countrylife.co.uk/out-and-abou...
www.countrylife.co.uk/out-and-abou...
How the St James's Park pelicans sparked a Cold War stand-off between Russia and the USA
Former diplomat Alistair Kerr tells the strange tale of the pelicans that live in the centre of London – and how their mysterious ailments sparked an international incident.
www.countrylife.co.uk
March 28, 2025 at 11:46 PM
Possibly my favourite tale of diplomatic gifting. Always think of it when I’m in St James Park
www.countrylife.co.uk/out-and-abou...
www.countrylife.co.uk/out-and-abou...
I persevered to the end but this was crying out for an editor with a firm hand. The endless sailing.
March 28, 2025 at 11:06 PM
I persevered to the end but this was crying out for an editor with a firm hand. The endless sailing.
Thanks Tim - great suggestion
March 15, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Thanks Tim - great suggestion
Wonderful book. Good to see a new edition
March 5, 2025 at 1:55 AM
Wonderful book. Good to see a new edition
I recommend the book if you can source an affordable copy (not easy). It has its dry moments (lots of wrangling about pay) but brings to light the lives of Foreign Office staff that would otherwise be lost to history.
Sadly, the author Keith Hamilton passed away in 2023. issuu.com/fcohistorian...
Sadly, the author Keith Hamilton passed away in 2023. issuu.com/fcohistorian...
Obituary: Dr Keith Hamilton (1942-2023)
issuu.com
February 16, 2025 at 2:02 PM
I recommend the book if you can source an affordable copy (not easy). It has its dry moments (lots of wrangling about pay) but brings to light the lives of Foreign Office staff that would otherwise be lost to history.
Sadly, the author Keith Hamilton passed away in 2023. issuu.com/fcohistorian...
Sadly, the author Keith Hamilton passed away in 2023. issuu.com/fcohistorian...
I could have gone on for many more episodes.
I think my drama would centre on the brilliant but over-worked, under-appreciated and under-compensated librarians: Lewis and James Hertslet in series one. Series two could follow Lewis’ son Sir Edward Hertslet.
I think my drama would centre on the brilliant but over-worked, under-appreciated and under-compensated librarians: Lewis and James Hertslet in series one. Series two could follow Lewis’ son Sir Edward Hertslet.
February 16, 2025 at 2:02 PM
I could have gone on for many more episodes.
I think my drama would centre on the brilliant but over-worked, under-appreciated and under-compensated librarians: Lewis and James Hertslet in series one. Series two could follow Lewis’ son Sir Edward Hertslet.
I think my drama would centre on the brilliant but over-worked, under-appreciated and under-compensated librarians: Lewis and James Hertslet in series one. Series two could follow Lewis’ son Sir Edward Hertslet.
A lighter tone for episode 4: the housekeeper’s dog causes havoc in the office, barking at breakfast time and doing its business on the floor of the Permanent Under-Secretary Henry “Pumpy” Addington.
February 16, 2025 at 2:02 PM
A lighter tone for episode 4: the housekeeper’s dog causes havoc in the office, barking at breakfast time and doing its business on the floor of the Permanent Under-Secretary Henry “Pumpy” Addington.