The last of the great proconsuls

"Herewith the first biography of Sir William Luce, GBE, KCMG (1907-1977), the last member of the Sudan Political Service (finally as Adviser to the Governor-General on Constitutional and External Affairs, 1954-56), Governor and Commander-in-Chief, Aden (1956-60), Political Resident, Persian Gulf (1961-66), and Personal Representative of the Foreign Minister in the Gulf (1970-71). In these offices Luce was, in effect, responsible for winding up Britain's direct administrative responsibilities in much of the Arab world. His forward-looking and pragmatic policies and personal influence were instrumental in bringing about a successful transfer of power in the Sudan and a peaceful outcome to the Kuwait Crisis in 1961. Most importantly, his policies as Political Resident and his 'shuttle diplomacy' in 1970-71 led to the establishment of the United Arab Emirates and a peaceful outcome to the Arab-Iranian crisis over Abu Musa and the Tunbs. The author is the first scholar to be given unrestricted access to Sir William's voluminous private papers, which are still in the family's possession. Research has also been conducted in the Sudan Archive (Durham), the National Archives (Kew), and the National Archives (Washington, D.C.). The book contains previously unpublished material relating to Britain's foreign policy-making, and will be of especial interest to historians and commentators of the Gulf states, where Luce remains a figure of great historical importance"--Provided by publisher.