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Gladwyn JebbBritish diplomat, politician
Date of Birth: 25.04.1900
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Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Diplomatic Career
- World War II
- Acting Secretary-General of the UN
- Ambassadorial Positions
- Political Career
- Other Interests
- Death and Legacy
Early Life and Education
Gladwyn Jebb, the first Acting Secretary-General of the United Nations, was born into a prominent British family in Yorkshire. He received his education at Eton College and Magdalen College, Oxford.
Diplomatic Career
In 1924, Jebb embarked on his diplomatic career with a posting to Tehran. There, he established connections with Harold Nicholson and Vita Sackville-West. Upon his return to London, he became the Private Secretary to the Head of the Diplomatic Service at the Foreign Office.
World War II
During World War II, Jebb held various positions within the British government. In 1940, he joined the Ministry of Economic Warfare. In 1942, he became the Head of the Reconstruction Department. In 1943, he was appointed an Adviser to the Foreign Office. In this role, he attended key international conferences, including Tehran, Yalta, and Potsdam.
Acting Secretary-General of the UN
In the aftermath of World War II, Jebb served as the Executive Secretary of the Preparatory Commission for the United Nations. From October 1945 to February 1946, he acted as the Secretary-General of the United Nations before being succeeded by Trygve Lie.
Ambassadorial Positions
Upon his return to London, Jebb became the Deputy Foreign Secretary under Ernest Bevin. He also served as the Foreign Affairs Adviser to the UN from 1946 to 1947. In 1948, he represented the United Kingdom at the signing of the Brussels Treaty. From 1950 to 1954, Jebb was the United Kingdom's Ambassador to the United Nations. From 1954 to 1960, he served as Ambassador to France.
Political Career
In 1960, Jebb received a life peerage as Baron Gladwyn. He subsequently joined the Liberal Party and became Deputy Leader of the Liberals in the House of Lords from 1965 to 1988, where he served as Foreign and Defense Spokesman. From 1973 to 1976, he was also a Member of the European Parliament and Deputy Chairman of its Political Committee.
Other Interests
Beyond his diplomatic and political endeavors, Jebb was an accomplished chef and a long-time Chairman of the British Government Wine Committee. He was also an avid marksman and maintained a keen interest in agriculture.
Death and Legacy
Baron Gladwyn died in 1996 and was buried in St. Andrew's, Bramfield, Suffolk. He is remembered as a distinguished diplomat, politician, and an early architect of the United Nations.