Quick Facts
Biography
Philippe Berthelot (Sèvres, Hauts-de-Seine October 9, 1866 – Paris, November 22, 1934) was an important French diplomat, son of Marcellin Berthelot. He was a republican (as opposed to monarchists and the far-right leagues at that time).
He entered the French diplomatic service in 1889 and joined the foreign office in 1904. In 1920, he became secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the rank of ambassador. After a violent campaign of far-right leagues he was forced to step aside from 1922-1925 because of his involvement in the scandal opposing Banque Industrielle de Chine, controlled by his brother, and Banque d'Indochine (linked to Paul Doumer). After investigation he and his brother were proven right.
He was friends with, and important in the diplomatic careers of, Paul Claudel and Saint-John Perse.