Funeral Arrangement for Dawn on Wednesday

Funeral arrangements for Dawn are as follows:

Wednesday 30 March at 11.00
Waterkloof N.G.Kerk
353 Dey Street
Corner Dey and Giovanetti Streets
Waterkloof
Pretoria
Church telephone 012 460 3913

Yours truly,
Llewellyn Crewe-Brown

A Tribute To Dawn (Hewitt) van Vuuren

Dawn van Vuuren, wife of the late Piet van Dawn van Vuuren (Dawn Hewitt when she was in the Department) died on on 19 March 2016.

   Funeral arrangements not yet known.

   Greetings, Daphne Fourie 

Dawn Hewitt van Vuuren ..... the smile we will always remember

              

REFLECTION ON A CAREER IN THE DEPARTMENT

Dawn Hewitt

I joined the Department after two gruelling years at the Children's Court, Department of  Justice. This was quite traumatic as I had to do with children seriously in need of care.

Foreign Affairs sent me to various corners of the globe - Paris, Windhoek, Mmabatho, Berne, Santiago and Tel Aviv. Paris proved to be "a movable feast" in the words of Hemingway. Glenn Babb, now Ambassador in Rome, fetched me at the airport and on the way to my hotel told me that thousands of girls were being kidnapped annually in Paris and ended up in unknown destinations. 

This really set me thinking and at first I was absolutely terrified of being kidnapped! I worked in the then cypher section. On my usual rounds to the Ambassador and the Minister after approximately ten days Mr Norman Best, Minister at the time, asked me how I was. I answered "Fine, Mr Minister. I have just found a flat." On his question "where" I replied "Oh, near Pigalle", little realising what reaction this was going to have. Mr Best nearly fell off his chair and his mustache twitched incessantly. 

"Well, now that is no decent place for a young girl like you to stay! Who approved it?" I felt lost. I had to admit that Mr Johan Pretorius, then the Counsellor, had approved it. The Minister immediately picked up the phone and summoned Mr Pretorius to his office and I quietly retreated close to tears. Mr Pretorius had a hard time convincing Mr Best that all was well as far as the flat was concerned. As it turned out, I lived very happily in the 17th arr. for three and a half years. In fact I found this area to be very French and still have friends from that time whom I will definitely be visiting again in the future.

I went to do relief work in Windhoek over an Easter Weekend. It just so happened that the Herero Chief, Clemens Kapuuo, was assassinated that very weekend. We really did not know whether we were coming or going. Nevertheless it was an invaluable experience.

I spent exactly four years one month and one day in Switzerland. I adored Berne. Living in Switzerland was like living in a big park. I enjoyed every minute and considered it to be a tremendous privilege.

Santiago was a relief post. It rained over 900 mm during the time that I was there. All the roads around Santiago were cut off, so it was not possible to do much sightseeing outside of Santiago. Fortunately on the last weekend that I was there the sun broke through and it was possible to visit Los Dominicos and Vinja Del Mare. I loved Los Dominicos. 

What intrigued me about strange places was communicating with people while hardly knowing the language. A young Chilean and I communicated perfectly in spite of his almost non-existent English and my almost non-existent Spanish - but we understood each other perfectly!

Israel (also a relief assignment) was an unforgettable experience. Compared to the other countries that I visited Israel somehow was particularly special and I will never forget the geological hike that I went on with the then Ambassador and Mrs Loubser. 

It was spring and the abundance of flowers astounded me, especially cyclamen in hues from the whitest white to the darkest pink. I just could not believe that these lovely flowers and several varieties of others were growing in those arid fields. To me it really was God's own country.

I am very grateful to the Department for the spiritual riches that I gained from my experiences. Today I am a truly happy and fulfilled person and from the wise words and advice of my deceased mother "remember that the smile that you send out to others returns to you" I would really "do it all again."

I would like to take this opportunity of wishing my colleagues the very best and thank you for your kind cooperation during my years with the Department.

FAREWELL AND THANK YOU,

FOREIGN AFFAIRS!

Dawn Hewitt

* Dawn retired from the Department on 31 July 1993.

Meintjeskop Courier Vol.III/93 

The Vice-Marshal of the UK Diplomatic Corps, and UK and US Diplomatic Uniforms with comments on the Treaty of Ghent

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Hi Tom,

I was inspired to write the attached historical note about Anna Clunes and UK and US Diplomatic Uniforms. It adds on to Professor Deon Fourie’s comments. If you think it of interest you could post it on your Diplomats Remember blog.

Kind regards.   

François 

Read on .....

Ambassador Peter Ammon and Vice-Marshal Anna Clunes after returning from Buckingham Palace   

 
Anna Clunes, Vice-Marshal and the Office of the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps:  

The above photograph was taken the day Peter Ammon presented his credentials as German Ambassador to the United Kingdom. He has been in this post since May 2014 and his CV can be  read  in Wikipedia  (under Peter Ammon). He  is  a  former State Secretary  at  the German Foreign Office (2008-2011) and Ambassador to the United States (2011-2014).

Vice-Marshal Anna Clunes 

   
The  lady  is Anna Clunes who  at  the  time was Director  of  Protocol  at  the British  Foreign Office (FCO) and as such was also Vice-Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps. She served in this capacity  from  October  2012  to  January  2015  when  she  was  appointed  FCO  Director  of Economic iplomacy. Ms Clunes was succeeded at Protocol by Catherine Nettleton who had just  completed  a  tour  of  duty  as British Ambassador  to Venezuela. The  latter  appointment was reportedly on an interim basis as Ambassador Nettleton was due for another posting.

Anna Clunes  is obviously  something of a go-getter at  the FCO  for according  to an undated article  in  the  online  publication  EMBASSY  – Networking  for  diplomats  “Ms Clunes made history at  the Protocol Directorate, having  successfully  lobbied  for  the creation of a  female Vice Marshal’s uniform  to be worn at  ceremonial occasions.  It  is  the  first FCO diplomatic uniform specifically designed for women and will now be passed on to her successor”.

The Vice-Marshal  is  a  serving  diplomat whereas  the Marshal  of  the Diplomatic Corps has usually been an older gentleman (retired from his profession) and  is described as follows  in Wikipedia (under Marshal of the Diplomatic Corp):

“Her Majesty’s Marshal  of  the Diplomatic Corps is  a  senior member  of  the Royal Household of the Sovereign of the United Kingdom. He is the Queen’s link with the diplomatic  community  in  London,  arranges  the  annual Diplomatic Corps Reception by  the  Sovereign,  organises  the regular  presentation  of  credentials ceremonies  for Ambassadors  and  High  Commissioners,  and  supervises  attendance  of  diplomats  at state events. Marshals generally hold office for 10-year terms and are normally retired senior  military  officers,  though  the  last  three Marshals  have  been  diplomats.  The Marshal  is assisted by  the Vice-Marshal of  the Diplomatic Corps,  the First assistant Marshal, and other Assistant Marshals”.

According  to  an  article  dated  9  October  2013  posted  on  the  Royal  Central  website,  the Marshal works  as  part  of  the  Lord  Chamberlain’s Office.  Diplomats who  have  served  in London will  recall  that  invitations  to  the Queen’s  annual  garden  parties  are  issued  by  the Lord  Chamberlain.  The  same  article  reported  that  “the  Royal  Household  have  decided to outsource in  their  search  for  a  new  ‘Marshal  of  the  Diplomatic  Corps’  by  placing  an advertisement  for  the  job  on  the  Royal  website’s  job  vacancies  section”.  The Marshal  is based  at  St  James’s  Palace  to  which  Heads  of  Mission  to  the  UK  are  accredited.  “The Marshal  of  the  Diplomatic  Corps  must  have  ‘good  knowledge  of  spoken  French’, have natural  interpersonal  skills  and  the  gravitas  to  influence  at  all  levels, be  a  confident public  speaker  and  have good  planning,  organisation  and  administration  skills. The  job description  also  specifies  that  the  person  should  have  ‘experience  in  a  senior  grade  UK diplomatic  post’”.  The  latter  is  probably  a  relatively  new  requirement  as  at  least  seven Marshals have been Generals or Admirals out of  the eleven incumbents who have served in the position since it was created in 1920.

The British Mission at the Holy See:

In a blog dated 17 August 2015 Stephen Townsend, UK Deputy Head of Mission at the Holy See, writes the following:

“One of the quirks of being posted to the Holy See is that it is one of the few in the world  where Ambassador  and  Deputy  Head  of  Mission  regularly  have  to  wear diplomatic  uniforms.  It comes  as  a  surprise  to many  that  the  Foreign Office  has  a uniform at all – unless they had considered the very outdated stereotype of pinstripes, rolled umbrella and a bowler hat as a uniform! In a number of countries Ambassadors wear  their uniform for presentation of credentials and perhaps one or  two other very formal occasions  (and some Governors of our Overseas Territories also wear  them).

But in the Holy See the diplomatic corps is required to wear either uniform or white tie for Papal asses and other ceremonial occasions. They get a regular airing, and I probably wear mine 12-15 times a year. We are not the only country to wear uniform as  there  are  about  a  dozen  others,  and  they  provide  a  colourful  spectacle  at  formal  ceremonies”.

British Deputy Head of Mission Stephen Townsend greets His Holiness Pope Francis (2013).   

“How many people can say that they walked into St Peter’s Basilica with a sword at their side”? 

 Townsend continues: “Diplomatic uniforms were  first  introduced  in 1781, and  their use  spread during  the 19th century. Mine  is still based on 19th century court dress.  It  is a dark blue single breasted   tail  coat,  lined with  black  silk,  stand  collar  and  gauntlet  cuffs with  black velvet facings and gilt braiding and gilt buttons. I also carry a bicorn hat  (as seen  in many  a Hornblower  series),  gloves  and  a  sword. The  picture  [above]  gives  the  full impression. The main difference between my uniform and the Ambassador’s is that he has more braid on the collar and cuffs, and  ostrich plumes in his hat.

These uniforms are not made from lightweight material. This is fine when a ceremony is in the Basilica in the autumn or winter, but it makes sitting out in St Peter’s Square under the Roman sun rather warm! But overall the uniform is another fascinating part of the posting here: how many people can say that they walked into St Peter’s Basilica with a sword at their side”?

United States diplomatic uniforms:  

The Treaty of Ghent, 24 December 1814: “Isn’t diplomacy grand!” “Bully!” 

The  citation  under  the  above  picture  comes  from  the  online  article,  dated  10  June  2013, Foreign  Service  Test  –  Your  Guide  to  the  US  Foreign  Service  –  How  to  Dress  Like  a Diplomat.  And  yes,  diplomacy  is  grand  although  the  style  of  contemporary  21st  Century diplomacy is much toned down compared to the diplomacy conducted in the chandelier-filled and  gilded  halls  of  the  “chancelleries  of  Europe” when  diplomacy was  dominated  by  the Great Powers of Europe.

According  to  the undated online article Diplomatic Uniforms — Every Girl’s Crazy ‘Bout a Sharp Dressed Man until 1817 US diplomats designed  their own uniforms but  in 1829,  the Jackson Administration designed  a uniform  consisting of  “a black  coat with  a gold  star on each side of  the collar, black or white breeches, a  foldable  tricorn hat, a black cockade and eagle,  and  a  steel-mounted  sword  with  white  scabbard.  The  uniform  was  not mandatory. Some  officials wore more  eccentric  outfits  according  to  their  personal  taste”. However,  in 1853 Secretary of State William Marcy issued a circular suggesting that US diplomats wear the “simple dress of an American Citizen” and in 1867 the US Congress temporarily banned uniforms  altogether  “due  to  the  rather  showy  nature  of  some  of  the  individualised  outfits.

Some  diplomats  felt  uncomfortable with  the  lack  of  a  uniform,  feeling  underdressed when attending official  functions. A circular released  in 1893 reaffirmed  that  the uniforms should be worn  for  ‘visits  of  ceremony…  and  on  all  proper  occasions’. The  decision  to wear  the uniform was left to the judgment and needs of the diplomat”.

According to the article, Ambassador Larz Anderson, who was a US diplomat from 1891 to 1987 and again from 1911 to 1913 – in between he was a wealthy businessman and served in the  Spanish-American  War  (1898)  –  designed  his  own  rather  elaborate  uniform  which included a navy coat with gold detailing on the chest, collar, and cuffs. The jacket had long tails and  in addition  to wearing a  feathered hat he carried a  sword. This he wore as Envoy Extraordinary  and Minister Plenipotentiary  to Belgium  (1911-1912)  and  as Ambassador  to Japan (1912-1913). See the pictures below.
       

Ambassador Larz Anderson, United States Minister in Brussels then Ambassador in Tokyo  

In  1937,  President  Franklin  Delano  Roosevelt  issued  an  executive  order  stating  that  “no person  in  the diplomatic or consular  service  should wear a uniform or official costume not previously  authorised  by  Congress”.  The  Foreign  Service Act  of  1946  stipulates  that  “no officer  or  employee  of  the Foreign Service  is  to wear  any  uniform  except  such  as may  be authorised by law”.
 

       

 According to the article “the diplomatic uniform seen [above] … belonged to John Campbell White,  who  wore  it  in  1915-16  when  he  was  Second  Secretary  in  the  US  Legation  in Petrograd  (now  St.  Petersburg,  Russia).  The  Diplomatic  and  Consular  Services  were  not unified until the Rogers Act of 1924. This, then, was most likely a diplomatic, rather than a consular,  uniform  as  it  had  gold  embroidery while  consular  uniforms  had  silver. Note  the impressive sabre handle (now that would be fun to wear at cocktail parties!)”

As  a matter  of  interest  the  above  cited  Foreign  Service  Test  article,  which  is  directed  at candidates  for  recruitment  to  the State Department,  reflects on how diplomats  should dress today:

“The gold embroidery and pointy hat may be gone, but that doesn’t mean you can just wear whatever you want and expect to fit in. Each post around the world will be a bit different when it comes to  everything, even dress code. Of course, you’re still trying to get  in  to  the Foreign Service  so  let’s  focus on  the  three most  important days you have at the start of this journey: the FSOT [Foreign Service Officer Test], the FSOA [Foreign Service Oral Assessment], and your first day in A-100” which is the Foreign Service Orientation Program, so-called after the classroom it was once held in.

For the FSOT, as it is a computerised test being administered by proctors, it does not matter how  you  dress.  “All  that matters  is  how  you  do  on  the  test  ... Wear whatever  you  like”. However,  for  the FSOA “dress  to  impress. This  is your  first  interaction with your potential colleagues and supervisors. All of the assessors are Foreign Service Officers and they know that State still sticks to a pretty traditional button-down dress code. You need to look like you can  fit  the part  ... For guys  this means a suit. For  ladies probably a  jacket, nice blouse, and pants  or  a  skirt  ...  I  would  encourage  women  to  think  more  office  professional  and  not outdoor wedding”.

For your first day in A-100 “it’s time to pull out your best stuff. Much like the FSOA you will want to be wearing nice, formal business wear. Day one is not the time to be a trendsetter. You will be meeting many new people that day, several of whom will be Ambassadors. Also, most of  the people  you meet will be  your  colleagues,  contacts, and  the  backbone  of  your  State Department  reputation  for  your  entire  career. You want them to take you seriously. Five years down the road you will be after that sweet gig in Paris and your potential boss will ask one of your classmates what he thinks of you. Do  you want  him  to  say,  ‘Oh  yeah,  Susan  is  great. Very  smart  and  you  can
depend on her’ or  ‘Susan? Well,  she wore  fishnet  stockings  and  a  tiara  on her  first day, so…’”.

Solving the apparent mystery surrounding the painting of the British and United States delegations at the signing of the Treaty of Ghent of 1814:

Around  five  years  ago  captions  under  representations  of  the  painting  of  the  signing  of  the
Treaty of Ghent described the uniformed officers as British diplomats. Currently the captions
all indicate that the uniformed men are US diplomats. Both versions are incorrect.

Instead it is suggested that the uniforms are worn by officers of the British Royal Navy. The principal officer holding what must be a copy of the Treaty is none other than Vice-Admiral James Gambier, 1st Baron Gambier. He subsequently was made an Admiral of  the Fleet.  In the painting he wears a Vice-Admiral’s uniform similar  to  that of Lord Nelson when  in  the same  rank  –  see  the  pictures  below  including  that  of  Nelson’s  uniform.  That  Admiral Gambier was asked  to  lead  the British delegation, notwithstanding his military background and role, was not unusual in British diplomacy. For example, the Duke of Wellington played a  prominent  part  in  the  diplomacy  of  the  Sixth  Coalition (1812–1814),  was  appointed Ambassador to France in 1814 and replaced the Foreign Secretary, Lord Castlereagh, as head of the British delegation at the Congress of Vienna.

       

        

    Top: Admiral Lord Gambier; Below: Lord Nelson’s Vice-Admiral’s full dress coat, RN pattern 1795-1812   

Perhaps adding to the mystery or confusion is the man carrying the red folder – which already looks like a classic British Government folder for State Papers – and this gives him away as a member of the British delegation. He is the British Under-Secretary of State for War and the Colonies,  Henry  Goulburn.  His  being  dressed  in  mufti  (civilian  attire)  encourages  the impression that it is the Americans who are in uniform but this is not the case.

  John Quincy Adams, Sixth President of the United States (1825-1828)  

                         
 In the painting of the Treaty of Ghent Lord Gambier is seen shaking hands with John Quincy Adams who  since  1809  had  been  serving  as  the  first Minister  of  the United  States  to  St. Petersburg but who  in April 1814 was  recalled  from Russia by President James Madison  to act as leader of the US delegation in the Anglo-American negotiations which resulted in the Treaty of Ghent and the formal ending of the War of 1812 between the United Kingdom and the United States. That Lord Gambier’s  interlocutor  is  indeed Adams  is  evident by  simply glancing  at  other  depictions  of  the  American  diplomat  and  Sixth  President  of  the  United States, as in the pictures above.

François Theron, Bryntirion, 14 March 2016

Some more British diplomatic uniforms:

Sir Nevile Henderson, British Ambassador (1937-1939), speaking to Reich Chancellor Adolf Hitler 

     

                                Top: James Bryce, 1st Viscount Bryce, Ambassador to the United States (1907-1913);  

Bottom: George Pritchard, British Consul in Tahiti (1837-1843)    

             

Visit to India

In November 1996 then Deputy President Thabo Mbeki led the South African delegation to India for a Bi-National Commission meeting.

After the formal meetings were completed, the delegation flew to Bangalore for the signing of an agreement with United Breweries of India for the production of sorghum beer in South Africa.

The visit concluded with a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra, Utah Pradesh, where this photograph was taken. 

Among those in the back row are Public Enterprises Minister Alec Erwin and his wife, Minister in the Presidency Essop Pahad, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Aziz Pahad, the Indian high commissioner ?, Tom Wheeler who was co-chair of the sub-committee on arms control and nuclear weapons, SA High Commissioner to India Jerry Majila, currently Director-General of DIRCO.

Seated to the left of Deputy President (his right) is his wife, Zanele.Any assistance in identifying other persons in the photo would be welcome. 

The "obligatory" wedding

By Piet de Wit

Meintjeskop Courier March 1992

Translated from the Afrikaans

When Doris and I recently thought back after 33 years about our wedding in Kenya on Friday, 26 September,1958, we could not but recall the strange circumstances which led to our being married in English in the Afrikaans Dutch Reformed Church in Nairobi.

After Patrick van Rensburg in Leopoldville burnt his passport, joined the ANC and disappeared with the safe keys, I had to go there for three months to normalise the office. While I was there the Department decided to transfer me back to Head Office, little knowing that I had developed an “office affair” in Nairobi with the head of mission, Mr Woodward’s secretary who had assumed duty there only the year before.

When at last I returned to Nairobi in August there was not much time to place the first ring on Doris’s finger. This ring had to be “smuggled in” in great haste by her friend, Anna Ras, at that time an SAA air hostess, who later married General Hein du Toit. After that all the arrangements for the wedding – the first between two members of the mission – and for the reception had to be made. At the same time our return to South Africa, which would be our honeymoon, had to be arranged.

Because the ship, the “Africa” of the Italian Lloyd Triestino Line was due to leave Mombasa on the Monday morning, all our arrangements made for us to be married on Friday afternoon and all our earthly possessions, except our few bits of furniture, to be loaded in our blue Volksie, so that we try to reach Mombasa the same evening.

The other matter we had to bear in mind was that we were to be married under British law. In accordance with that the ceremony had to be concluded before 6 pm. Otherwise it would not be legal. Little did we know what an important factor that would be on the day.

The minister who was to marry us was Ds Hoffie Louw of the Nairobi congregation. His congregation did, however, not only include the city and environs, but stretched from Thomson’s Valley to Mombasa. Because of the long distances he had to do “home visits” by aircraft

As fate would have it in precisely the week before our wedding he was in Mombasa and environs. What a shock it was when he phoned me on the morning of our big day and advised me that there were serious problems with his aircraft and he could probably not be in Nairobi in time for our wedding.

All we could do was to try to find another minister. Because the other Dutch Reformed ministers in East Africa were too far away to get there in time, in desperation I had to turn to fellow South African, the Rev Raymond Silberbauer of the Anglican Church in Nairobi. He shocked me when he informed me that to his great regret he could not help us as we were not of the same denomination. 

He would, however, try to find a Methodist, a Scot or a Presbyterian for us.

An hour later he let me know that he had found a Scot, but the fellow required that Doris and I should be catechised by him before he could marry us!

While all these dramas were plying themselves out, my future bride was peacefully  busy selecting flowers for our wedding. Although she was by nature an excitable person, I must say that heard the unexpected news quite calmly and appeared before the Scottish minister with me a t 2 o’clock.

Fortunately the Rev Mr Keltie soon discovered that the two of us did know something about the Bible and he could start to inform us about the whole ceremony in English, which was strange to us. Especially the “say after me” needed a bit of practice, which left us very little time to get dressed.

By this time we were, of course, biting our nails. As far as the timing of the ceremony was concerned the minister suggested that Doris consciously arrive ten minutes late, just in case Dominee Louw might still make it. (I have teased her ever since that she has never been on time again.)

At twenty to six, with an eye to the British legal requirement and when the guests had begun to wonder whether the bridal car had got a flat tyre, the Reverend had to start in English. Ten minutes later we heard a noise at the back door of the church, but by then the die was cast, and it was too late for the out of breath Hoffie Louw to take over. The De Wits were married by six o’clock in English in an Afrikaans church!                                                                                                                                  

Ten commandments for diplomats

Adapted from Benvenuto Club Magazine, Milan, Italy
By RW Darrol

Thou shalt not expect to find things as thou hast them at home, for verily thou hast left home to explore different things.

Thou shalt not take things to seriously, for a carefree mind is essential for a healthy body.

Thou shalt not let other colleagues get on thy nerves, for one or both of you are likely to be transferred soon anyway.

Thou shalt refrain from acting exceedingly high and mighty for thou art the same serson thou were before thou hadst foreign allowances and entertainment accounts.

Thou shalt not buy everything thou seeth; thou already hadst a houseful of things stored in thy home country.

Thou shalt not lament about not being able to speak the language, but shall rather grasp with tongue and both ears this wonderful opportunity to enter into a new world.

Thou shalt not worry, for he who worrieth has no pleasure – few things are ever fatal and most of the troubles in our lives never happen.

When in Rome thou shalt be prepared to do somewhat as the Romans do.

Thou shalt not judge the people of a country by the one person who hast given thee troubles.

Remember that thou art a guest in foreign lands and he that treateth his host with respect shall be honoured.

Seville Expo 1992 ... we'll be there!

 

Panorama of the pavilions on the Lago de España at Expo'92 Seville.

Rina Steenkamp

Meintjeskop CourierMarch 1992

On April, 20th 1992, Spain's great Universal Exposition opens in Seville.       EXPO'92 promises to be the biggest and most expensive event of its kind ever.

EXPO' 92 is the seventh Universal Exposition. The first, in London in 1851, celebrated the achievements of the Industrial Revolution. EXPO'92, Spain's almost $2 billion project, will mark five centuries of discoveries since Christopher Columbus set off across the ocean. The organizers say it also stands for "the communications revolution, the harnessing of new technologies and the major social shifts that have characterized these closing years of the 20th century."

The EXPO'92 Cartuja Site is built on a flat island     in the Guadalquivir River, around a  Carthusian Monastery where Columbus once stayed and was briefly buried, and which will serve as the official residence of King Juan Carlos I. The whole idea of EXPO'92 originated from him.

More than 100 countries, the 17 Spanish regions, the European community and more than 20 other international organizations and nearly 50 large corporations will be exhibiting at the Exposition.

And South Africa will be one of the 113 countries vying for attention in Seville. Because of the short time available (we only received an invitation at the end of July 1991) and limited financial resources South Africa has decided to opt for a modest, yet quality presentation, introducing the country to the world at an historic point of time in its history. South Africa was allocated a small, but strategically-situated site on the EXPO terrain where an independent pavilion is being constructed. The steel and space-frame structure will consist of two white membrane covered domes topped by brass-coloured cones. Between the two domes will be a revolving space-frame structure with reflecting panels which symbolises our mineral wealth and technological expertise. The pavilion will be flanked by 6 multi-coloured banners more than 8 meters in height. The national flag will fly over the central entrance.

Inside, the pavilion will present a "hi-tech" image through the use an aluminium blue and white space-frame, and high, dark blue ceilings, with small light creating a night sky effect.

The different exhibition themes will each be housed in a separate space frame unit reaching 5 metres high into the domed ceilings and will mainly consist of large illuminated transparencies carefully chosen for maximum visual impact. A number of physical exhibits including works of art, gold and diamond displays, etc. will complement the exhibition.

The themes covered in the South African exhibit will revolve around the main theme of "Discovery".

a)            Southern Africa as the "Cradle of mankind" with the world famous archeological discoveries of early man.

b)            South African art and culture in its rich diversity.

c)            South Africa's main successes in the field of nature conservation.

d)            South Africa's rich mineral resources.

e)            South     Africa's main technological achievements and its role in Africa and the world.

f)            South Africa as a unique tourist destination.

In the four corners of the pavilion large video-monitor screens will continuously display images of the country, its people, its traditional and modern features and its contribution to the development of Africa and the world. The video will be complemented by music both traditional and modern of our country. All these audio- visual attractions are being produced specially for the Exposition.

In the centre of the pavilion there will be a large information desk where publications will be distr-buted and enquiries be handled. Specialised publications for those with a specific interest in South Africa will be available and every VIP visitor will receive a "South Africa: The Beautiful".

A team of specially trained assistants, under the leadership of Dr Johan Stander and Miss Cecilia Colarossi, will be present throughout the EXPO period. They will wear uniforms designed to complement the pavilion's colour scheme.The staff, mostly young cadets from the Department, have been specially selected and will undergo a special training programme before their departure for Seville.

The Exposition, which runs through to October, hopes to attract between 20 and 40 million visitors. Apart from all the exhibits, there will be lots of entertainment. Top performers and creative artists from all over the world will be performing at EXPO'92 with events like opera, drama, rock, jazz, etc. 

The big names include Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, Michael Jackson, and many more. Over 50 000 performances are planned between April and October 1992, many spilling out of the site's entertainment venues and into its streets and squares. By night, thousands of spectators will gather on the shores of the EXPO lake for the multi-media show which combines fireworks, sophisticated sound and light effects, lasers, etc.

Moving from one part of the Exposition to another is also going to be a pleasure:  500 000 square metres of parks and gardens have been planted, providing shade and colour. Fountains, canals and waterfalls will cool the plazas and avenues.

Visitors can boat on the lake and canals, view the Exposition from above the monorail or cable-car and for a view from even higher up, there is the Panoramic Tower from 90 meters up, the observation cabin overlooks the Cartuja site, the new bridges over the river and the high speed trains arriving from Madrid.

The Expositioncloses its gates on the 12th October. Spain plans to turn the EXPO site into a high-tech research centre to act as the nucleus for development in the Andalusian region.

South Africa, unlike some of the other exhibitors who have built permanent structures on the site, will take down its pavilion at the end of the EXPO to be used back home again.

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South African diplomatic uniforms ....in full colour

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Hi Tom,

Thanks for the interesting article on diplomatic uniforms which I will use as a source when in retirement I finally get to work on it. Prof Deon Geldenhuys looked at it recently and was impressed. 

Who is the lady in uniform? The place is evidently London and there is a sideways view of Justus de Goede (must be him). The building does not look like Highveld as I recall it now. (I guess the residence has another more representative name?) I guess the lady is the Marshall of the Diplomatic Corps?

The bottom picture is of the signing of the Treaty of Ghent ending the 1812 War. The British delegation are impeccable but the US delegates are still very colonial. As I recall the State Department did eventually design a uniform but later in the 19th Century the Congress outlawed it as unbecoming of a republican (small "r") Foreign Service. 

Maybe President Donald Trump will re-institute a uniform, probably casino croupier style with dollar bills for epaulets. 

Finally, typical of Bob Jones to file an unwanted missive, at least he could not be accused of not having taken any action. Wonder what he thinks when looking down from his cloud?

Regards.

Francois              

See article that follows for the full story.

Uniforms for diplomatic and consular representatives abroad

From Deon Fourie who was in Foreign Affairs from 1 January 1955 until 30 June 1957

FINE FEATHERS … 1956

To clarify how I came to design a diplomatic uniform, I should explain that I was continually coming upon files dealing with strange subjects and the one dealing with a possible uniform was one of the files. I can’t remember how I stumbled across these files, but I did. 

Having a boss in DFA who did everything himself – the Cadets fetched the files twice a week  … the 2nd Secretary translated Spanish Gypsy poetry into Afrikaans and the rest of the time we did what we liked … I wrote memos which were seldom acknowledged … when I designed a training scheme for Cadets it was not even filed … .Some I turned into newspaper articles later. This one was written in about 1956.

When I read this some 60 years later it seems strange that when there had been so much agitation for a uniform the Dept. was not prepared to accept the proposal.  Of course, I was only a Cadet in my second year and considering also one First Secretary’s caustic remarks to me I suppose that some thought I had a lot of cheek. On the other hand I did write in a reproving or patronising tone which would not have been welcome to some. Still,  I did say ‘respectfully’ once!

A propos of this memo …

A note from Derrick de Villiers to First Secretary Joe Fourie said “Filed by Mr Jones without comment”. Mr Jones was then Head of the Political Section.

De Villiers told me that he could not prevail for Ghana’s Independence Celebrations to which Counsellor Robert Jones and IFA de Villiers went as official representatives.

C’est la vie … ou la guerre … ?

Deon Fourie  

26^th February 2016

UNIFORMS FOR DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR REPRESENTATIVES ABROAD

Historical Note.

In 1929 after enquiries had been made regarding the procedure followed by Ottawa, Dublin and Canberra, the High Commissioner in London (Mr. Louw) was informed that “for the time being” full evening dress would be adopted as the uniform of the Union’s Ministers in Washington, The Hague and Rome.

            In 1934 a minute to the Consul General in Lourenço Marques, who had drawn attention to the advantages of a suitable uniform in a tropical climate such as obtained at his station, prescribed as “ordinary occasional dress” for official functions.

            In 1937 a note was submitted to the Under-Secretary asking whether steps could be taken in the matter and pointing out that there was much to be said for the adoptions of a distinctive uniform as was worn by other Foreign Services. The Secretary asked to see designs of the Netherlands tropical uniform but no decision in the matter was recorded.

            At the end of 1939m the Union’s representatives overseas were sounded and the majority pronounced themselves in favour of a distinctive uniform for the Foreign Service. (Note by Mr Jordaan, 18.3.1947). The design of Dr Leyds’s uniform (now in the Transvaal Museum) was mooted, but it was felt that a very much simpler and less ornate design was called for.  Dr Bodenstein discussed the matter with the Prime Minister but General Smuts said that as he had newly entered into office and as a war was in progress he did not wish to make too many changes just yet. He asked that the question be held over until after the War.

Early in 1947 in a private note to the Secretary, general Theron expressed strong sentiments on the wearing of evening dress to day functions and urged the wearing of morning coat if a distinctive uniform were not to be adopted.  

In a subsequent note on the file, Mr Jordaan said that he considered that all our representative favoured a uniform. While morning coat would be preferable for day wear if a uniform could not be agreed to, that would hardly meet the requirements of our representatives in tropical posts _ “Ask Parminter, Fourie, du Plessis, Horn and others how they like walking about with a morning coat in the sweltering heat when their colleagues are rigged out in cool, white tropical uniforms!” He suggested a Russian style uniform, cut like a naval uniform with shoulder insignia differentiating the ranks. The objection to the expense, Mr Jordaan added, fell away with the clothing allowance available to officers travelling between classified posts. The uniform would not be worn often and a system of insignia simply added to the uniform with the officer’s progress in rank would keep the cost low.

Mr Bruce drew up a memo which highlighted most of the foregoing. Pointing out that Belgian, United Kingdom, French and Portuguese officials were permitted by their regulations to wear white tropical uniforms on ceremonial occasions, he stressed that it was unquestionably a hardship to impose heavy, dark dress on representatives at tropical posts.

            In support of Mr Bruce’s memo Mr G.P. Jooste submitted a note to the Secretary expressing his full agreement with General Theron’s opinion on the prevailing dress.  Morning coat was not the answer as it was past diplomatic practice to regard it simply as “formal” dress whereas evening dress was regarded as the only alternative to a distinctive uniform. On the subject of a distinctive dress, Mr Jooste added –

“I would however like to suggest, in passing, that if and when do decide upon a uniform, we should not model it on the conservative and ornate uniforms of some of the older diplomatic services. We should consider something more simple and hygienic – though dignified – something on the lines of a naval uniform and suitably adapted”. 

The Secretary intimated that the Department’s policy would not yet be changed.

A Compromise.

Accordingly the Union’s representatives were permitted, by circular D.A. 60-, in their discretion, to wear morning coats and white suits in tropical localities, and the Secretary, in a letter to Gen, Theron, said -

” … I would like to add that the introduction of a distinctive uniform has not been dropped but has merely deferred for investigation at a later date. We hope to revive the matter when pressure of more important things besetting us permits of proper consideration being given to this question.”

In response to the circular permitting the wearing of white suits, Mr Horn, who was

then Consul-General at Lourenço Marques, a white suit was every day attire for Europeans, Indians and Natives, and thus hardly constituted suitably formal dress for day time ceremonial functions. Morning dress being far too hot for Lourenço Marques, he urged early consideration of the possibility of introducing a suitable uniform, at least for tropical stations. Mr Horn was told however, that the matter of uniforms was still not to be considered by the Department.

When Dr Naudé took up his appointment in Lourenco Marques in 1951 he again drew the Department’s attention to the requirements both of climate and protocol in Moçambique and enquired whether consideration had not yet been given to the provision of a suitable uniform. He pointed out that on formal occasions tropical uniforms were worn by the United Kingdom and French representatives in Lourenco Marques.

            This led to an enquiry being directed to the Chief of General Staff regarding the uniform pattern worn by the South African Navy and the South African Corps of Marines. Although the CGS promised to submit designs in due course this was not done and the matter was dropped.

More Enquiries.

In 1952 Mr Taljaard seems to have addressed personal letters to colleagues in Madrid, Rome, The Hague, and Paris on the subject of uniforms. The consensus of opinion seems to have been that the old style of uniform with cutaway frock, cocked hat and sword, not only did not fit into the post War age but was so expensive as to make it almost prohibitive (£200 for a British ambassador’s uniform). Mr Bruce mentioned that the British ambassador in Madrid was forced to wear hand-me-downs, purchased from a colleague who in turn had obtained the uniform from the estate of the late Lord Lothian! The British and the French Foreign Offices were considering the introduction of something simpler, while this had already been done by the Netherlands in 1948. 

            Mr Taljaard presented a brief memorandum referring to the history of the question, bringing the foregoing under consideration and pointing out that there were tailors at The Hague, London and Madrid willing to submit suitable designs. Mr Jones requested Mr Taljaard to submit a more comprehensive memorandum but nothing further has been done.

Discussion.

            There is much to be said in favour of a distinctive Foreign Service uniform. The primary value of a distinctive uniform which can be recognised as that of a particular service is in the ésprit de corps which it evokes.  This fact has been recognised universally by the armed services immemorially. For a relatively young Foreign Service such as the Union’s this should be a vital consideration. Experience in the South African Marines proved that nothing instils so overwhelming a pride in a young service as does a distinctive uniform.  

            The unpopularity of the wearing of evening dress as uniform for formal day functions such as the presentation of credentials has been expressed on many occasions – General Theron called it a “tom-fool get-up” and Mr Egeland spoke of it as an “incongruous hotel waiter’s outfit”. Discontent with prevailing dress at the most senior levels of the Service would be eliminated by the introduction of a suitable uniform.

            An exceptionally strong argument for a uniform is the discomfort which officers serving in tropical zones have to endure. It is nothing less than inquisitorial torture to have to attend formal functions in a tropical climate attired in evening dress, morning coat or even a short black jacket. This is especially true when the hosts themselves are formally attired in neat white uniforms as is invariable in all other territories in Africa.

            Even in Pretoria the wearing of heavy dark clothing in summer is sheer punishment and it is strange that the Union which considers itself primus in Africa in everything to do with the continent, has not yet learnt to cloth its Public Servants in attire suitable to the prevailing climatic conditions as have all the European colonial powers who have a far shorter acquaintance with Africa. The Union has eleven posts in Africa, Madagascar and South America where the climate warrants the wearing of tropical dress at formal occasions in summer, and very often in winter too!   

            With the expansion of the Union’s representation in Africa, where the indigenous population attaches great value to prestige symbols a uniform would undoubtedly be advantageous to the country’s representation  It is conceivable that this might also be true  of representation in Latin-America, as well as in Spain and Portugal.

Cost.

            The disadvantages accruing to the adoption of a uniform are chiefly related to the expense. A simplified contemporary design can, however, cost very little indeed.  A.C.F. Marine officers were able to fit themselves out entirely for only £56.0.0d with mess dress, blue serge service dress, cap, shoes, shirts, greatcoat and all accessories. This included tailoring at £22.0.0d for both uniforms. For £76. 0. 0d ACF Naval Officers are able to fit themselves out with black doe-skin No. 1 dress, two white tropical uniforms, cap, shirts, shorts hose and all accessories.

            The cost of white drill uniforms is very little indeed. Light, washable drill, such as that used for SA Navy uniforms, is relatively inexpensive and may be obtained in quantity quite inexpensively if it is desired to ensure a readily available reserve in areas where uniforms are frequently worn.

Why Not Now?

            It is twenty-seven years since the question of the wearing of a distinctive Foreign Service Uniforms was first touched on. During the intervening years the Union’s Foreign Service has continued its steady growth and the need for a symbol of the Service’s distinctive identity has presented itself with increasing force. This need has been expressed time and time again by many of the Foreign Service’s most experienced and distinguished officers. It is perhaps opportune now for the matter to receive detailed consideration with a view to final settlement.

Proposal Attached.

            The attached specifications and designs for distinctive full dress and tropical uniforms for the Foreign Service of the Union of South Africa are, therefore, respectfully submitted for consideration.

DFS Fourie

COMMENTS ON PROPOSED DESIGNS

1.      Colour of Full Dress. A suitable colour is dependent on the colour of accessories e.g., Gorgets, shirt and tie. The combination of dark green and gold has been suggested by M J.B. Mills as being distinctively South African. The problem of the colour of the shirt arises. If this can be resolved without giving the service the appearance of a “Shirt” movement, dark green would be most attractive. If a dove grey is used gorgets, may be green or red. It is unfortunate that green gorgets are worn by the Department of Prisons. The UDF now ears orange gorgets and no longer wears scarlet. The distinction is very noticeable and scarlet gorgets may be appropriately distinctive. They can be worn with grey or blue.

2.      Style of Full Dress. The single-breasted style is recommended as being suitable to all figures and less easily creased than the double-breasted style.  The lapels are cut to a modified double breasted patter to distinguish it from the military pattern and to emphasize the distinctively civil nature of the Service. For the same reason pockets are not “patch pockets” but have only the flap.

3.      Buttons. To avoid unnecessary expense it is considered the die used for manufacturing brass buttons (bearing the national coat of arms) worn by the UDF may be used for gilt buttons for the Foreign Service. The dimensions given are those of the UDF buttons.

4.      Cuffs.  The gold lace recommended is that worn by the South African Navy and it is hoped to avoid expense by making use of the lace available in UDF stores. The style of the cuff is a modified version of the Netherlands style, but it is also to be found on the mess dress of some South African units.

5.      Gloves and Shoes. The styles recommended are also available from UDF stores.

6.      Cap.  The type of peak recommended for senior officers is that worn in the UDF and will again be available without unnecessary expense.

7.     Rank Insignia.  This has been selected for simplicity of design and is in keeping with the common practice of using the national flower as a motif, e.g., the Netherlands use the “Marietjie”.  Although the United Kingdom Service wear gorgets only on the tropical dress and the Netherlands Service wear detachable cuffs and a detachable embroidered collar, it is suggested that an attractive method is the Gorget (which gives the collar a better finish) and epaulettes of the Naval style (stiffened with whalebone) in order to give the figure a trim appearance.        

DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS

1.     FULL DRESS

1)     Tunic. Single breasted, open collar with lapels cut to allow the lower wing of the lapel to project half an inch (see illustration) to be buttoned with four 1-inch gilt buttons bearing Union’s arms (UDF pattern) . Four pockets with 3-point flaps, fastened with 5/8-inch buttons. The cuffs round, three inches deep with Naval gold lace around the top width varying with rank , bent toward cuff on the trailing edge. A flap 6½ inches long and 3½ inches wide at the points, edged with 9/16–inch naval gold lace, on each cuff. Appropriate shirt and tie to be worn with tunic. 

2)     Trousers. Of the same material as the tunic.

3)     Shoes. Black patent-leather or black naval officers’, plain front, no toe-cap.

4)     Gloves. Brown or black pigskin.

5)     Cap. Universal Military Pattern, as worn by officers of the SAAF. Plain black mohair cap-band; black patent leather peak, 2-inch wide at the centre, to droop at an angle of 45 degrees; patent leather chin strap. Gold oak leaf lace (UDF pattern) worn on edge of peak by ranks from Counsellor upwards, and also on top of the peak by Ambassadors, Ministers and Equivalent ranks. Plain lace (UDF pattern) worn on the edge of peak by First Secretaries. Gold embroidered badge, Union coat of arms surrounded by protea wreath, 1-inch x 3-inch.    

6)     Rank insignia. Protea Flower and leaf design embroidered in gold, worn with in cuff flaps as illustrated. Gorgets to be worn in full dress by Ambassadors, Ministers and equivalent ranks.  

      RANK                                     LACE ON CUFF EMBROIDERY

Ambassador, High                 1¼ inch Five Protea

Commissioner, London

Minister, High                       1¼ inch Four Protea

Commissioner 

Counsellor, Commissioner     9⁄16inch Three Protea 

Consul-General 

First Secretary                     9⁄16 inch       Two Protea

Second and Third                   9⁄16inch One Protea. 

Secretaries

2.     TROPICAL DRESS

1)     Tunic. Single breasted, to be buttoned with five 1-inch gilt buttons bearing Union’s arms (UDF pattern); stand-up (Mandarin) collar with detachable gorgets of varying pattern according to rank, as indicated in illustrations; two epaulettes of the same design; two breast pockets (patch style)  with three-point flaps with box pleats with -inch buttons . Sleeves plain with pointed cuffs 5 inches high at point and 2 ½ inches behind.

2)     Trousers.  Of the same material as the tunic but full dress trousers may be worn optionally.   

3)     Shoes. Black patent-leather or black Naval officers’, plain front, no toe-cap.

4)     Gloves. Brown or black pigskin.

5)     Cap.  Universal Military Pattern, as worn by officers of the SAAF. Plain black mohair cap-band; black patent leather peak, 2-inch wide at the centre, to droop at an angle of 45 degrees; patent leather chin strap. Gold oak leaf lace (UDF pattern) worn on edge of peak by ranks from Counsellor upwards, and also on top of the peak by Ambassadors, Ministers and Equivalent ranks. Plain lace (UDF pattern) worn on the edge of peak by First Secretaries. Gold embroidered badge, Union coat of arms surrounded by protea wreath, 1-inch x 3-inch.

6)     Rank insignia. Protea Flower and leaf design embroidered in gold, worn with on epaulettes as illustrated.  

7)     Gorgets. Dark [green?]  cloth with embroidery in miniature with ^th button at   point (See illustration).    

 RANK                                       EMBROIDERY ON GORGETS AND EPAULETTES

Ambassador, High               Five Protea

Commissioner, London

Minister, High                     Four Protea

Commissioner 

Counsellor, Commissioner Three Protea 

Consul-General 

First Secretary                   Two Protea

Second and Third               One Protea. 

Secretaries