Howard Smith (diplomat) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SirHoward Smith GCMG |
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| Allegiance | United Kingdom  |
| Service | MI5 |
| Active | 1979–1981 |
| Rank | Director General of MI5 |
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| Born | 15 October 1919 |
| Died | 7 May 1996 (aged 76) |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Intelligence officer, Diplomat |
| Alma mater | Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge |
Sir Howard Frank Trayton Smith (born October 15, 1919 – died May 7, 1996) was an important British diplomat. He also served as the leader of MI5, the United Kingdom's security service, from 1978 to 1981.
Early Life and Education
Howard Smith went to Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge for his education. During World War II, he worked at a very secret place called Bletchley Park. This was where British codebreakers worked to break enemy codes. His work there helped the Allies win the war.
While at Cambridge, he was friends with Asa Briggs. They even played chess together. Smith recommended Briggs to another mathematician, Gordon Welchman, to work at Bletchley Park.
A Career in Diplomacy
Smith started working for the Foreign Office in 1939. This office handles how Britain deals with other countries. From 1946 to 1950, he worked in the Foreign Service in places like Oslo, Norway, and Washington, USA.
In 1953, he was a Consul in Caracas, Venezuela. A Consul helps citizens of their country who are living or traveling abroad. Later, from 1961 to 1963, he was a Counsellor of State in Moscow, which is the capital of Russia.
Smith became an Ambassador to Czechoslovakia from 1968 to 1971. An Ambassador is the highest-ranking diplomat representing their country in another. He then served as Ambassador to the Soviet Union in Moscow from 1976 to 1978.
Leading MI5
In 1978, something unexpected happened. Prime Minister James Callaghan chose Smith to be the Director General (DG) of MI5. MI5 is the United Kingdom's internal security service. Its job is to protect the country from threats inside its borders.
Smith was the first person to lead MI5 who came from a diplomatic background. He served in this important role until March 1981. Prime Minister Callaghan later explained that he wanted someone from a "different culture" to lead MI5.
Awards and Recognition
Sir Howard Smith received several important awards for his service:
- He became a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1966.
- He was made a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1976.
- He received the highest honor in this order, Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George, in 1981.
