Transcript of interview: Sir Richard Best, 1996

File

Reference Code: GBR/0014/DOHP 7

Scope and Contents

From the Fonds:

The programme comprises transcripts of interviews with senior diplomats.

Dates

Creation: 1996

Creator

Best, Richard Radford, Sir, 1933-2014 (Knight, diplomat) (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

From the Fonds:

The collection is open for consultation by researchers using Churchill Archives Centre, Churchill College, Cambridge.

Material in this collection is open to researchers unless otherwise marked in the catalogue.

Biographical / Historical

Richard Best was born 28 July 1933, the son of Charles and Frances Best (née Raymond); he married 1st, 1957, Elizabeth Vera Wait (died 1968); 2nd, 1969, Mary Hill (née Wait). Best was educated at Worthing High School and University Coll. London (BA Hons).

Best began his career at the Home Office, 1957-66, but joined the Diplomatic Service in 1966, working in the CO (formerly CRO), 1966-68. During his diplomatic career, he served at: Lusaka [Zambia], 1969-72; Stockholm [Sweden], 1972-76; FCO, 1976-79; served New Delhi [India], 1979-83; FCO, 1983-84; Deputy High Commissioner, Kaduna [Nigeria], 1984-88; Ambassador to Iceland, 1989-91. Best died on 7 March 2014.

He was awarded the KCVO in 1990; CBE 1989 (MBE 1977).