Sir Eric Drummond, Britain's Ambassador to Italy, and British foreign policy during the Italo-Abyssinian crisis of 1935-1936

This thesis examines the role Britain's Ambassador to Italy, Sir Eric Drummond, played on the formulation of British foreign policy during the Italo-Abyssinian crisis of 1935-6. This this shows that he did play an important role in influencing many of the British government's decisions.This assessment has been arrived at by examining Drummond's tenure as ambassador during the crisis, and also by focussing on the perspectives of British government officials involved in the foreign policy decision-making process. These individuals include members in the Foreign Office such as the Permanent Under-Secretary and, in the political sphere, the Foreign Secretary.The thesis illustrates how Drummond played a key role during each phase of the crisis. Because of his position as ambassador, Sir Eric was able to present British views and positions taken throughout the crisis to Mussolini and his aides. But, more importantly, Drummond was able to provide his colleagues and superiors in Whitehall with useful observations and, at times, convincing advice which aided the British government in formulating its policies in response to unfolding events. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...