ABSTRACT
During the First World War some scholars became involved in government propaganda, though not necessarily in an official capacity. Harold Temperley was one of a number of dons whose role during the First World War and in the subsequent peace conferences has now been recognized by historians. Subsequently, Temperley moderated his enthusiasm, and stressed the fact that he was unprogressive on the vital question of the next few years. For all Cannings progressive achievements abroad it can hardly be pronounced that, on the side of domestic policy, the death of this extraordinary man was inopportune either to his country or his fame. Temperley's route into officialdom had not been straightforward, but in that respect his career was rather typical of many of the academics in wartime Whitehall. Much of Temperley's work at that time and later revolved around the twin concerns constitutional principles and political leadership.
