British Diplomacy

Mysterious word "diplomacy", which most people associated it with lush dances under the sparkling chandeliers, with charming ladies in elegant evening dresses and men in tuxedos and tails, with glitter of jewels and tinkling crystal glasses, with a comfortable, carefree and cheerful life. Actually, it also has a place in the life of diplomats, but, figuratively speaking, it takes only a percentage, and maybe its share in the overall process, sometimes routine and not always secure the diplomatic service. Diplomats are nomads, because  during all their diplomatic service they must travel the world, changing not only the regions, but also countries, continents, or even dreaming of having their cozy corner in the homeland, to live in other people's homes, where it is not always possible to settle comfortably. Diplomats have to adapt themselves to different climatic conditions, food, fashion and general lifestyle. If one put it all together, a life of a diplomat is not so sweet. Although have elements of the exotic romance in it, but the impression is as rich, as our planet is diverse. Diplomats from ages have been and will be, until there will be nations and states, while international communication and international relations will be topical; njthing, even the most perfect electronic equipment is no substitute for the heat of the human heart and the human soul, a living human mind.

• British diplomacy is a classic, as a standard, it influenced the development of international diplomacy in the XIX-XX centuries. Diplomacy of all Commonwealth countries, and other countries, formed under the influence of British diplomacy. First of all, England has a vast diplomatic experience.

• History of British diplomacy was started with establishment of international trade relations by country, and the first diplomatic document was Merchant Charter, dated 1303.
• The strongest feature of British diplomacy is the perfect knowledge of the subject, of problems to be solved, knowledge of countries, encyclopedic data that are passed from generation to generation. And when you consider that the British Empire had almost half of the world ("the country in which the sun never sets"), it becomes clear why the English documentation is comprehensive.  In this case the British reconnaissance actively helped British diplomacy. Also it always was and is strongly connected with the Foreign Office.
• For example, materials, certificates, which had been prepared for the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, were so solid and reliable that used by other delegations after negotiations in Paris.
• British diplomacy skillfully defends the interests of its country and its citizens. British Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs formulated its mission in the middle of the XIX century so: "England has no permanent enemies or permanent friends. It has only permanent interests"

• It is need to say that the tasks of modern British diplomacy are very different from tasks of past.

• It must be remembered that British diplomats are not very fond of talking about global problems. Englishmen prefer to deal with specific questions of today or tomorrow, leaving «space diplomacy «of future to scientists and journalists. The main purpose of British diplomacy was not to allow any state to occupy a leading position in Europe, what now, in connection with the appearance of a united Germany is becoming increasingly difficult and an impossible task for Great Britain. That's why in the 90s of XX century it abandoned the theory of «balance of power «. This theory made ​​her stand against Germany, which could worsen the situation in Britain. British diplomacy closely monitors the changes in the international situation and immediately reacts to them. It is a long time did not want to tie itself far-reaching commitments without good needs. British diplomacy doesn’t like to do sharp turns in its course, but when it needs such things, it is the initiator.

• Great Britain has always advocated the secret diplomacy

The British believe that if every stage of negotiations to do openly, it will lead not only to loss of time, but also to the impossibility of achieving a compromise

British inherent qualities, which are suitable for diplomacy. This, for example, their penchant for silencing, hints. The British tend to avoid categoricity. Their beloved turnovers: " I think”, «Maybe I'm wrong» , characterize them as people who have a tendency , if it’s possible,  to avoid simple answers "yes" or "no". That is why sometimes it is difficult for Englishmen to be understood by foreigners. In this style ( no "yes" or "no " ) diplomatic documents often consist. In English, one word can have many meanings, and therefore an understanding of what is actually meant Englishman and what he did not want to say, is not an easy task. Englishman exceptionally polite and requires the same attitude towards themselves. Taciturn, the British person will not talk and discuss some issues with stranger, he can be too close and companion should get talking him». At the same time the Englishman is very sensitive to hints and understands humor well, but he does not like "dirty" jokes and so sometimes condemns them. All this is reflected in diplomacy. «Silence gives consent " - we say. For the English silence is simply an unwillingness to respond. It does not mean an agreement with you anyway. Cultural, educated Englishmen are distinguished by elegance of language. They like this refinement to be evaluated and meet the same. British diplomats have a high level of professionalism and ability to choose the best time for negotiations. They persistently improve their skills - work on probation in military colleges, universities, and banks, various companies, etc. English are very cold-blooded - they behave confidently in critical situations, do not exaggerate the danger and calmly react to changing circumstances. Their experience of behavior in extreme situations is worth studying.

• There are very strict requirements for punctuality In the UK . Before starting a business meeting you should ask your partner,  on what time he counts. This is evidence that you value his time.
• It is not customary to exchange business cards In English homes. If you are in guests do not refer to strangers, as long as they wouldn't be submit to you
• As for the behavior at the table, the plates are removed by steward only after you put the knife and fork parallel to each other. One may smoke at the table only after toast "for the Queen," and with the permission of the hostess (or host). Usually smoke for the coffee
• Englishmen adhere to strict rules, choosing clothes for visits. For lunch people come in a tuxedo and for the official evening in a coat dress.
• The British don’t like when local talks appears at the table. Your speech should be addressed to all those present people, and not only to the nearest neighbors. In turn, everyone should listen to someone who says. Propose a toast and clink is not accepted here.

 Edward Grey Member of Parliament from the Liberal Party Since 1885.

In 1892-1895 - Deputy Foreign Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1905-16  .

Supporter of active foreign policy. Signed an agreement with Russia , which helped arrange the Entente. The policy pursued by Gray actually contributed to the preparation and unleashing the 1st World War , 1914-1918. In particular, it is Gray talks with German ambassador K.fon Lichnowsky and Russian Ambassador A.K.Benkendorfom contributed to the local Austro- Serbian conflict in 1914 acquired the first European and then global scale .

James Bryce, 1st Viscount Bryce (1838-1922) - English statesman, lawyer, historian.

Studied law at Oxford and London, and completed his education trip to the continent and visiting German universities. Was a lawyer, then a professor of Roman law in London. In 1880 he was elected to the House of Commons in London, and in 1885 - in Aberdeen. In the same year Brice became known as an energetic second secretary of the Foreign Affairs Ministry in the last Gladstone, that is the official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the House of Commons. . In 1913 he was granted a peerage, in 1914 the title of Viscount.

James Harris, 1st Earl of Malmesbury-British diplomat. Since 1800 Earl of Malmesbury. Was foreign minister in the office of the Earl of Derby, later - the Keeper of the Seals. They were published as a memoir of his grandfather, and my own: «Memoris of an Ex-Minister». From 1771 to 1775 was ambassador at the court of Frederick the Great. Was brokered a marriage between the Prince of Wales

In "Russian Archives" was placed a few excerpts from a large correspondence of James Harris, the former from 1778 to 1783 the British ambassador at the court of Catherine the Second. These records are very interesting: they clearly represent the power of the Russian court during the reign of Catherine the Great, when cared for us all the European powers. As a diplomat, James Harris didn’t stop before means: courting Panin Potemkin Bezborodko impeatritse and flattering courtiers, using bribery and other such means. But his efforts were unsuccessful. Exhausted and angry unsuccessful troubles, he irritably treated Petersburg court to lifestyle empress and courtiers. Not having the desired and upsetting northern climate health, James Harris left Russia in late summer 1783.