Transcript of interview: Richard Tallboys, 1999

File

Reference Code: GBR/0014/DOHP 39

Scope and Contents

From the Fonds:

The programme comprises transcripts of interviews with senior diplomats.

Dates

1999

Creator

Tallboys, Richard Gilbert, 1931-2013 (diplomat) (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

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 Tallboys was born 25 April 1931, the son of the late Harry Tallboys; he was educated at Palmer’s School LLB (London), BCom (Tasmania). In 1954 he married Margaret Evelyn, daughter of the late Brigadier H. W. Strutt, DSO, ED, Hobart.

Tallboys's career included: Merchant Navy apprentice, 1947-51; Third/Second Mate, Australian coast, 1952–55; Lieutenant-Commander, RANR (retired 1991); accounting profession in Australia, 1955-62; Alderman, Hobart City Council, 1958-62; Australian Government Trade Commissioner, Johannesburg [South Africa], Singapore, Jakarta [Indonesia], 1962-68; British Diplomatic Service, 1968-88: First Secretary, Brasilia [Brazil], 1969; Head of Chancery, Phnom Penh [Cambodia], 1972 (Chargé d’Affaires 1972, 1973); Foreign Office, 1973; Counsellor Commercial, Seoul [South Korea], 1976-80 (Chargé d’Affaires 1977, 1978, 1979); Consul-General, Houston [United States], 1980-85; Ambassador to Vietnam, 1985-87. Tallboys died on 2 November 2013.

His awards and honours include: CMG 1981; OBE 1974; FCA; FCIS; FCPA.