I have been impelled to this protest by reading in
the news- apers a statement attributed to Miss Thelma Cazalet in regard the entry of women into the British Foreign Service. Some five onths ago a deputation of women called upon Mr. Eden and ked him to admit women into the Diplomatic and Consular ervices on the same conditions as men. Mr. Eden, after prolonged insideration, has replied in negative terms. Miss Cazalet nounces that she will endeavour to get this decision reversed. et surely Miss Cazalet must realise tint, of all public functions, ,plornatic functions are those for which women are least well dapted. In the first place there are certain practical difficulties hich cannot be swept aside. There is, for instance, the problem
marriage. Is perpetual maidenhood to be imposed upon these 'omen diplomatists, and, if not, what happens if they marry eir colleagues, or even outsiders? The functions of an ambassa- ress are impoi-tant and well defined, but I can conceive few ore otiose positions than that of the Ambassador's husband. exandra Mikhailowna Kollontay has, I believe, exercised with rest efficiency her functions as Soviet Minister in Stockholm. ut in her case the problem of Mr. Kollontay was solved by his bsence. For many generations, moreover, there will remain is to which, for climatic reasons or owing to local prejudice, it 1 not be possible to appoint women envoys or consuls. The more ogressive countries would doubtless be glad to receive women members of the diplomatic and consular bodies, but the more ckward countries will be less broad-minded. A feeling might se, therefore, that the more agreeable posts (in terms of civili- sation, propinquity or climate) were reserved for the women mem- bers of the service, whereas it was the men who were sent to the back of beyond. I cannot feel that such differentiation would be in the interests of the Foreign Service as a whole.
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