This book examines the pivotal role of the Permanent Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs through the lens of the twelve individuals who held the position between 1854 and 1946. The Permanent Under-Secretary served as the senior civil servant within the Foreign Office, responsible for the department's administration and providing crucial advice to the Foreign Secretary. This study delves into the careers and impacts of these twelve men, exploring how they navigated the complex political landscapes and evolving diplomatic challenges of their eras.

This historical study offers a focused examination of a key administrative role within British foreign policy. By analyzing the twelve individuals who occupied the position of Permanent Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs between 1854 and 1946, the book provides insight into the continuity and change within the Foreign Office. The work is likely to appeal to specialists in diplomatic history and British political history.