Transcript of interview: Sir John Leahy, 2001

File

Reference Code: GBR/0014/DOHP 52

Scope and Contents

From the Fonds:

The programme comprises transcripts of interviews with senior diplomats.

Dates

2001

Creator

Leahy, John Henry Gladstone, Sir, 1928 - 2015 (Knight, 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

John Leahy was born 7 February 1928, the son of the late William Henry Gladstone and late Ethel Leahy; he was educated at Tonbridge School, Clare College, Cambridge and Yale University. In 1954 he married Elizabeth Anne, daughter of J. H. Pitchford, CBE.

After serving in the RAF, 1950-52, Leahy's diplomatic career included: Foreign Office, 1952-54 (Assistant Private Secretary to Minister of State, 1953-54); 3rd, later 2nd Secretary, Singapore, 1955-57; FO, 1957-58; 2nd, later 1st Secretary, Paris [France] 1958-62; FO, 1962-65; Head of Chancery, Tehran [Iran] 1965-68; Counsellor, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, 1969; Head of Personnel Services Department, 1969-70; Head of News Department, FCO, 1971-73; Counsellor and Head of Chancery, Paris, 1973-75; seconded as Under Secretary, Northern Ireland Office, 1975-76; Assistant Under-Secretary of State, FCO, 1977-79; Ambassador to South Africa, 1979-82; Deputy Under-Secretary of State, FCO, 1982-84; High Commissioner, Australia, 1984-88.

He was awarded the KCMG in 1981 (CMG 1973). Sir John Leahy died on 17 November 2015.