Arthur Kellas

Arthur Roy Handasyde Kellas (6 May 1915 – 6 March 2007) was a British diplomat who served as ambassador to Nepal from 1966 to 1970, ambassador to People's Democratic Republic of Yemen (South Yemen) from 1970 to 1972 and high commissioner to Tanzania from 1972 to 1974.

Early life and education

Kellas was born in Scotland on 6 May 1915, the second son of Henry Kallas and Mary Kellas (née Brown) of Aberdeen. He was educated at Aberdeen Grammar School, University of Aberdeen and Balliol College, Oxford.

Career

Kellas entered the diplomatic service in 1939. After the outbreak of World War II that year, he was commissioned into the Border Regiment, and later served with the 1st Battalion, Parachute Regiment. He was mentioned twice in despatches. In 1948, he was sent as first secretary to Helsingfors. From 1951 to 1952, he served as first secretary (press) at Cairo, and during his posting was declared persona non grata on the grounds that his activities were against the interests of the Egyptian regime, a charge denied by the British government. Then from 1954 to 1958, he served as first secretary at Baghdad. After promotion to counsellor, he was sent to Tehran and remained in the post until 1963 when he spent a year at Imperial Defence College. ambassador to People's Democratic Republic of Yemen (South Yemen) from 1970 to 1972, and high commissioner to Tanzania from 1972 to 1974.

Kellas died on 6 March 2007, aged 91.

Honours

Kellas was appointed Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in the 1964 New Year Honours.

Publications

Down to Earth (war memoir of parachute subaltern), 1990. Ready Steady Go (pre-war reminiscences), 1999.