The Domestic Contest: Liberal Politics and Conservative Pressure

Abstract

Foreign secretaries in Britain have traditionally enjoyed a unique measure of independence in their conduct of affairs. It may appear somewhat paradoxical that, in a country where parliamentary government and Cabinet responsibility were so deeply rooted, Grey enjoyed more freedom than his German counterpart. While in Berlin the Kaiser and Chancellor, the heads of the army and navy, politicians, industrialists and agriculturalists all brought their influence to bear, in Britain these pressures were channelled along customary paths which left Grey surprisingly free. Even within Whitehall, Grey’s position was unusual. Apart from the office of Prime Minister, the foreign secretaryship represented the summit of a statesman’s career. Some, like Salisbury, preferred it to all others. Appointees, almost without exception, were men of standing and wealth, experienced politicians who made their way up the ministerial ladder. Once chosen, the same men returned to the office in subsequent ministries. Between 1854 and 1914 there were eleven foreign secretaries, fewer than in any other department.