John Leche

Sir John Hurleston Leche (21 November 1889 – 12 May 1960) was a British diplomat who served as Minister to the Central American Republics from 1939 to 1945 and Ambassador to Chile from 1945 to 1949.

Early life and education Leche was born on 21 November 1889, the son of John Hurleston Leche of Chester and Kathleen Hudson. He was educated at Eton College and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

Career Leche joined the 12th Royal Lancers in 1910. During World War I, he served in France and was GSO III officer in Intelligence. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire (Military), the Order of the Crown of Belgium, and was mentioned twice in despatches. Facing many challenges, he served first at Valencia before removing with the government to Barcelona, holding the post until 1938.

From 1939 to 1945, Leche was Minister and Consul-General to the Central American Republics which included Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador but not Costa Rica and Panama. Leche, in his final year, gave sanctuary for several days at the diplomatic mission to the deposed President of Guatemala, Jorge Ubico and his wife before they were smuggled out of the country to New Orleans. He then served as Ambassador to Chile from 1945 to 1949. and promoted to Knight Commander (KCMG) in the 1949 Birthday Honours. He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) (Military) in the 1919 Birthday Honours and awarded the Order of the Crown of Belgium.