As the above exchange suggests, Confucius had some experience of diplomatic negotiations: as a government official, around 500 BC, he went with Duke Ting of Lu to meet Duke Ching of Ch'i. He evidently absorbed some of the attributes required by an ambassador and these proved valuable when he later travelled around China, visiting several states. The study of government remained important to him as a teacher of philosophy, as did the understanding that, when studying any subject in detail, it was first necessary to grasp the background. Before discussing British diplomatic practice, this chapter provides an overview of international developments in the years 1963–76, a look at the major issues in British foreign policy, a brief survey of the policy-making machine, a character sketch of those who held the posts of prime minister and foreign secretary, and a look at the work of career diplomats.

The international scene

Several significant, broad developments were evident in world affairs in the period 1963–76. One was the effective completion of ‘decolonisation’ with the end of the European empires that had until recently dominated Asia and Africa.