Jens Malling

Jens Henrik Peder Arnold Malling (11 April 1909 – 25 January 1969) was a Swedish diplomat whose career spanned over three decades and took him to key postings around the world. After joining the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in 1938, he served in Rome, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., before moving on to positions in New York City and Stockholm during the Second World War.

Post-war, Malling held senior consular and diplomatic roles in Hamburg, Vienna, Tel Aviv, and as a mediator in Korea under the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission. He was appointed envoy to Israel in 1956, followed by ambassadorships in Jakarta, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Rio de Janeiro, and The Hague. He also represented Sweden at the United Nations and worked with UN technical assistance programs in Iraq.

Known for his warm personality and diplomatic skill, Malling played a role in strengthening Sweden's international relationships, particularly in Brazil, where he served as honorary chairman of the Swedish-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce. His career was cut short by his death in 1969 while serving as ambassador to the Netherlands.

Early life Malling was born on 11 April 1909 in Stockholm, Sweden, the son of Lieutenant Colonel Henrik Malling and his wife Ingrid (née Asklund). He passed studentexamen in Lund in 1928 and received a Bachelor of Arts in 1932, a Politices Magister (MA in political science) degree in 1938 and a Candidate of Law degree in 1938.

Career Malling became an attaché at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in 1938 and served in Rome the same year and in Chicago in 1939 and in Washington, D.C. in 1940. Malling was acting second vice consul in New York City in 1943 and second secretary at the Foreign Ministry in Stockholm in 1944. and mediator at the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission in Korea in 1955. He became honorary chairman of the Swedish-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce in 1961. Malling stayed as ambassador there until 1965 before becoming ambassador in The Hague in 1966.

Death and funeral Malling died on 25 January 1969 in a hospital in The Hague. He had surgery for a thrombosis and complications arose after the procedure. On 30 January 1969, Jens Malling was honored with a Dutch state funeral. Central The Hague was closed to traffic for an hour as the cortege made its way to the Walloon Church, where a Swedish service was held by Seamen's Pastor Anders Blomstrand. The ceremony began in the morning with Queen Juliana's adjutant laying a wreath on the Swedish-flag-draped coffin, in the Queen's absence. The procession featured a hearse drawn by four horses, wreaths from King Gustaf VI Adolf, Queen Juliana, and the Dutch government, and a military honor guard of 800 personnel from the navy, army, and air force, accompanied by two military bands.

Ambassador Malling's 90-year-old mother rode closest to the coffin, flanked by Dutch Prime Minister Piet de Jong and Nordic and British ambassadors. Sweden was represented by Baron Johan Beck-Friis and other senior officials. Pastor Blomstrand preached from Paul's First Epistle, and Deputy State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Göran Ryding praised Malling's 30 years of service in the Swedish foreign ministry. After the church ceremony, the coffin was taken to the Ockenburg crematorium, where honors continued with a salute and the Swedish national anthem. Baron Beck-Friis expressed Sweden's gratitude for the tributes. Malling had been due to take up the post of Swedish ambassador to Brussels in a few months.

Awards and decorations

Commander of the Order of Merit of Argentina (Orden Al Mérito)