Red or expert? The Anglo–Soviet exchange of ambassadors in 1929
Document Type
Journal article
Source Publication
Diplomacy & Statecraft
Publication Date
2016
Volume
27
Issue
3
First Page
437
Last Page
452
Publisher
Routledge
Abstract
Throughout the 1920s, distrust and contention marked Anglo–Soviet relations, culminating in the diplomatic break in 1927. In 1929, the incoming Labour government successfully pursued its objective of re-establishing diplomatic relations with Moscow, but the follow-up in terms of ambassadorial appointments was far from routine for either side. This analysis shows that internal pressures complicated decisions about whether to appoint career diplomats or choose political figures. Resisting both claims from enthusiastically hopeful Labour backbenchers and criticisms from the left wing media, the British foreign secretary, Arthur Henderson, chose a Russian-speaking career diplomat. On the Soviet side, the first choice was a controversial politician, but then replaced by a financial expert, albeit one tainted as a defeated political opponent of Josef Stalin. Whilst both ambassadors could be considered “professionals,” neither was able to have a deep impact on the relationship, which remained troubled.
DOI
10.1080/09592296.2016.1196065
Print ISSN
09592296
E-ISSN
1557301X
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2016 Routledge. Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.
Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Bridges, B. (2016). Red or expert? The Anglo–Soviet exchange of ambassadors in 1929. Diplomacy & Statecraft, 27(3), 437-452. doi: 10.1080/09592296.2016.1196065