What is a diplomat ? (3) --- "An ambassador is an honest man sent to lie abroad for the good of his country.”

That is the most circulated definition of a diplomat. No wonder! Henry Wotton, who produced it, lived and served as an ambassador in the 17th century. For its popularity it had the advantage of time.

However, and I am saying that as a diplomat, nowadays diplomats are supposed to tell the truth and nothing but the truth, aren't they?

Source author: Petru Dumitriu PetruD@diplomacy.edu