The privations of embassy life. In their valedictories, diplomats recount the hardships of foreign service - rat infested rooms, defunct plumbing and death threats. Show more
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Matthew Parris reveals the final despatches from British diplomats behind in the last outposts of Empire, which capture the dying days of British rule. Show more
Matthew Parris reveals the final despatches from British diplomats behind the Iron Curtain. Valedictory missives show the perils of trying to forecast international affairs. Show more
How successful diplomacy requires an ambassador to both see beyond the shortcomings of their foreign hosts and persuade them to look kindly on our own. Show more
Matthew Parris delves into the archives to find valedictories in which ambassadors heading into retirement poked fun at foreign nations where they had served.
Despatches which changed the course of history, including Nicholas Henderson's 1979 valedictory lament to a Britain 'poor and unproud' and in economic decline. Show more
Valedictories which embarrassed ministers. Featuring an interview with Sir Ivor Roberts, whose 2006 valedictory led to the Foreign Office banning their circulation.
Matthew Parris returns with more revealing despatches from Foreign Office archives. British ambassadors poke fun at foreigners, and pay tribute to their long-suffering spouses. Show more