ABSTRACT
Diplomatic history has largely neglected the roles played by Deputy High Commissions (for Commonwealth member countries) and Consulates. This chapter uses fresh archival sources to examine the creation and functioning of these diplomatic outposts in Pakistan during the period from independence to the first introduction of military rule in 1958. The Dacca Deputy High Commission provided important insights into political developments in East Bengal, a province which was separated from West Pakistan by a thousand miles of Indian territory, and in which Britain had important commercial interests. The Rawalpindi and Peshawar Deputy High Commissions respectively gave Britain access to the Pakistan Army headquarters and insights into the restive tribal areas. The Lahore Deputy High Commission was equally important for representing British interests and providing insights into the province which after independence rapidly emerged as the centre of power in Pakistan. The chapter also reveals both the greater expertise available to Britain’s Deputy High Commissioners than their American Consulate counterparts and their closer links with the Karachi Diplomatic headquarters.
