David McNicol | |
---|---|
Born | David Williamson McNicol 20 June 1913
Adelaide, South Australia |
Died | 18 September 2001
Canberra, ACT | (aged 88)
Nationality | Australian |
Alma mater | University of Adelaide ( BA) |
Occupation(s) | Public servant, diplomat |
David Williamson McNicol CBE (20 June 1913 – 18 September 2001) was an Australian public servant and diplomat.
McNicol was born on 20 June 1913 in Adelaide. [1] He was educated at Carey Baptist Grammar School and King's College. [1] He graduated from the University of Adelaide with a Bachelor of Arts degree in the 1930s. [1]
During World War II, McNicol served in the RAAF as a pilot. [2]
McNicol joined the Commonwealth Public Service in the Department of External Affairs in 1946. [2]
McNicol was a member of an Australian delegation responsible for negotiating the Manila treaty in September 1954. [3] In December 1954, McNicol's appointment as Minister to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia was announced. [4] In January 1955 the Australian Government announced McNicol's residence for the post would be at the new Australian Legation in Cambodia, to be opened in February that year. [5] [6]
From 1957 to 1960 McNicol was High Commissioner to Singapore, at the time Lee Kuan Yew was moving the country towards independence. [1]
He was High Commissioner to Pakistan from 1962 to 1965 [7] His Pakistan appointment was announced by then Minister for External Affairs Garfield Barwick in July 1962. [8]
In June 1968 then Minister for External Affairs Paul Hasluck announced McNicol's appointment as Ambassador to Thailand. [9] At the same time, he was also appointed Australia's council representative to SEATO, the South-East Asian Treaty Organisation. [10]
In December 1972, then Prime Minister Gough Whitlam appointed McNicol Deputy High Commissioner in London. [11]
In the 1966 New Year Honours, McNicol was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire whilst High Commissioner in Wellington, New Zealand. [12] [13]
McNicol retired on 20 June 1978. [1]
He died on 18 September 2001 in Canberra. [1]