David Ormsby-Gore: A Political Biography

By M.R. Howes

A biography of David Ormsby-Gore who was the British ambassador to the USA under John F Kennedy

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.R. Howes
• Release date: Jul 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215606209

Book preview

David Ormsby-Gore A Political Biography

By M.R Howes

Published July 2023

Introduction

Calm and effortless, suave, naturally graceful, with quiet unforced intelligence in bright but also almost Tolkienesk tones, David Ormsby-Gore explained matters of politics and diplomacy to a studio audience and watching TV cameras. It is a rare recording of an important but largely forgotten figure. A sense of learned informality is something highly prized amongst those who grace our TV screens, those who are naturally, natural rarer still. This ability was shared with David’s great friend John F Kennedy. In some ways we have allowed the Kennedy Camelot legend to obscure the fact that Kennedy was a remarkable man and would have been under any circumstances. One of his most remarkable gifts was to be able to speak off the cuff on matters of great importance with both an unforced gravity and a natural sense of humour. Many of those who appear to be able to operate this way, are only able to act in that manner with meticulous planning and preparation, in that arena Kennedy was the real deal, the natural politician. Although Kennedy strode the world stage and David Ormsby-Gore, the side curtains they shared an everyman quality. Kipling’s oft quoted lines speak of one who can: ..talk with crowds and not lose your virtue, Or walk with kings nor lose the common touch... These words could easily apply to David Ormsby-Gore. How was it that he was able to walk in step with the most powerful man on earth, that most lonely of figures, and yet rise above sycophancy and offer sound meaningful advice? That Kennedy refused to surround himself with yes men is well known, that he sought out friends from his former life is also true, yet the very prestige of the office of President overawes most counsellors to their discredit.

From the judge who had to be told who the Beatles were to the famous lions led by donkeys quote, reflecting on the generalship of the First World War a strong undercurrent has developed of antipathy of the upper classes. Statistics reflecting the percentage of high court judges or Prime Ministers who attended famous public schools suggest that the upper classes do still have a remarkable hold on the levers of power in modern Britain. These facts would lead many to conclude that those occupying such exacted positions do so undeservedly. Whether intelligence is equally distributed throughout the all social classes is a moot point. What we can be sure of is that the class system rewards some who ought not to be where they are and creates obstacles for those from more modest backgrounds who ought to able to rise higher. What is