‘We are in danger of being submerged by paper’: Orme Sargent as Permanent Under-Secretary, 1946–1949

Permanent Under-Secretary from 1946 to 1949, Sir Orme Sargent was the most senior official in the British Foreign Office at a critical period in international history as the world transitioned from world war to cold war. The role of Permanent Under-Secretary has predominantly been viewed from the perspective of the post-holder being the chief advisor to the Foreign Secretary on foreign affairs. Yet he was also responsible for the good administration of the Foreign Service. This article analyses Sargent’s administration of the Foreign Service through the prisms of reform, the writing of history, morale and honours. While this shows Sargent’s tenure as defensive and quite traditional as he sought to protect the Service’s position in Whitehall, it also showcases aspects which argue against the interpretation of Sargent as a wholly traditional Foreign Office figure.