Arthur Snelling facts for kids

Sir Arthur Wendell Snelling KCMG KCVO (born May 7, 1914 – died June 25, 1996) was a very important British government official and diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations, helping to keep good relationships between them. Sir Arthur was known for his work in different government departments and as a representative for the United Kingdom around the world.

Early Life and Education

Arthur Snelling went to Ackworth School in Yorkshire, England. After that, he continued his studies at University College, London. These schools helped him prepare for his future career in public service.

Starting His Career

In the early part of his career, Arthur Snelling worked at the Royal Institute of International Affairs from 1934 to 1936. Here, he was a Study Group Secretary, which meant he helped organize and manage research on global topics.

In 1936, he joined the Dominions Office. This was a government department that handled relationships with countries that were part of the British Commonwealth. By 1939, he became a Private Secretary to a high-ranking government official, showing his growing importance.

Working Around the World

Sir Arthur Snelling had many important roles representing the UK in other countries:

• He was the Deputy High Commissioner for the UK in New Zealand from 1947 to 1950. A High Commissioner is like an ambassador, but for countries within the Commonwealth.
• He then served as Deputy High Commissioner in the Union of South Africa from May 1953 to January 1956.

After these roles, he returned to London to work at the Commonwealth Relations Office as an Assistant Under-Secretary of State from 1956 to 1959. This office continued the work of managing relationships with Commonwealth nations.

High Commissioner and Ambassador

Sir Arthur Snelling continued his important diplomatic work:

• From 1959 to 1961, he was the British High Commissioner in Ghana.
• He then became a Deputy Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office from 1961 to 1969. This department is in charge of the UK's foreign policy and international relations.
• His final major diplomatic role was as Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa from 1970 to 1973. An ambassador is the highest-ranking diplomat representing their country in another nation.

Later Life

After his long career in government and diplomacy, Sir Arthur Snelling became the Vice-President of the UK-South Africa Trade Association. He held this position from 1974 to 1980, helping to promote trade between the two countries.

Among his friends and family, he preferred to be called Peter, using his birth name, Arthur, for official business. Sir Arthur Snelling passed away on June 25, 1996, at his home in Kingston upon Thames. He was 82 years old. He was survived by his wife, Frieda.

See Also

• List of High Commissioners from the United Kingdom to Ghana
• List of High Commissioners from the United Kingdom to South Africa