James Allan (diplomat)

James Nicholas Allan CMG CBE (born 22 May 1932) is a former British diplomat, High Commissioner in Mauritius (1981–1985) and ambassador to Mozambique (1986–1989).

Background

Allan is the son of Morris Edward Allan and Joan Bach, and is a half-brother of Lord Bach.

Education

Allan was educated at Gresham's School, Holt, Norfolk, from 1946 to 1950, and at the London School of Economics from 1953 to 1956.

Career

• 1950-1953: National Service
• 1953-1956: London School of Economics
• 1956-1958: Assistant Principal, Commonwealth Relations Office, London
• 1958-1959: Third Secretary and Second Secretary, British High Commission to South Africa
• 1959-1961: Private Secretary to Parliamentary Under-Secretary
• 1961-1964: First Secretary, British High Commission to Sierra Leone
• 1964: British High Commission to Cyprus
• 1964-1968: Commonwealth Relations Office and Foreign and Commonwealth Office, London
• 1969-1971: Head of Chancery, British Embassy to China
• 1971-1973: Head of Chancery, British Embassy to Luxembourg
• 1973-1975: Counsellor in Northern Ireland Office, Belfast
• 1976-1977: Counsellor, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, London
• 1978-1979: Head of Overseas Information Department, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, London
• December 1979 to March 1980: Governor's Staff, Salisbury, Rhodesia
• 1980-1981: Head of Overseas Information Department, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, London
• 1981-1985: High Commissioner in Mauritius
• 1984-1985: (simultaneously) Ambassador to the Comoro Islands
• 1986-1989: Ambassador to Mozambique
• 1989-1992: Senior Directing Staff, Royal College of Defence Studies, London

Family

In 1961, Allan married Helena Susara Crouse. They had one son, Nick Allan, and one daughter, Sarah. Mrs Allan died in 2001.

Honours

• Commander of the Order of the British Empire, 1976
• Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George, 1989

Club

He is a member of the Athenaeum Club, London .