This is the devilish thing about foreign affairs: they are foreign and will not always conform to our whims.

This is the devilish thing about foreign affairs: they are foreign and will not always conform to our whims.

Be polite; write diplomatically; even in a declaration of war one observes the rules of politeness.

Be polite; write diplomatically; even in a declaration of war one observes the rules of politeness.

Diplomacy: The patriotic art of lying for one's country.

Diplomacy: The patriotic art of lying for one's country.

Conferences at the top level are always courteous. Name-calling is left to the foreign ministers.

Conferences at the top level are always courteous. Name-calling is left to the foreign ministers.

I never refuse. I contradict. I sometimes forget.

I never refuse. I contradict. I sometimes forget.

A diplomat's life is made up of three ingredients: protocol, Geritol and alcohol.

A diplomat's life is made up of three ingredients: protocol, Geritol and alcohol.

All war represents a failure of diplomacy.

All war represents a failure of diplomacy.

Sincere diplomacy is no more possible than dry water or wooden iron.

Sincere diplomacy is no more possible than dry water or wooden iron.

A diplomat is a man who remembers a lady's birthday but forgets her age.

A diplomat is a man who remembers a lady's birthday but forgets her age.