Another part of my foraging for witty things to say about Diplomacy has involved exploring this magnificent official FCO tract from 1965:

Restricted

 Guidance

to Diplomatic Service and other Officers, and Wives

or

some "do’s" and "don’ts" of Diplomatic Etiquette and other relevant matters

Almost every page is a time-machine taking us back to a period far, far before political correctness, when manners and proper behaviour were expected, albeit and in a somewhat, hem, paternalistic and sexist way.

A couple of crackers:

  • Remember too that while you and your British friends may privately be critical of British institutions or British public figures, you might not like hearing the same criticisms made by, say, an American or a Frenchman
  • Some post reports are better than others and some paint an unduly sombre picture, such as concluding that "there are facilities for Christian burial"

And how about these:

  • Smoking:  Although smoking at table, even between courses, has now become quite customary, be wary of lighting up too soon …
  • Segregation:  There is much to be said for letting the ladies leave the men after dinner for an interval of not more than twenty minutes … but you should in any case bear in mind that women Ministers and senior women diplomats may not like being segregated 

At least this has not changed:

  • It is a horrible thought that anyone should not be able to come to your party because they lacked the right clothes … but do not be shy of asking people to dress for dinner; it makes for a gayer scene and often has a surprisingly good effect on the conversation