Bill Forsyth (diplomat) explained

Bill Forsyth
Birth Name:	William Douglass Forsyth
Birth Date:	1909
Birth Place:	Casterton, Victoria
Death Date:	3 March 1993 (aged 84)
Occupation:	Public servant, diplomat
Alma Mater:	University of Melbourne (BA (Hons)
Nationality:	Australian

William Douglass Forsyth (19093 March 1993) was an Australian public servant and diplomat.^[1] Over the course of his tenure, he was noted for his work both within the United Nations, and in promoting Southern Pacific countries internationally. In 1959, Forsyth was appointed Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, a role which he served in until 1961.^[2] During his appointment, he was also appointed Minister to Laos.^[3]

Forsyth died on 3 March 1993, aged 84, in Canberra.^[4]

Early life

Forsyth was born in Casterton, Victoria where he spent his childhood. He attended Ballarat High School, and after graduation obtained his degree in political science and history.^[1]

Further reading

• 'Forsyth, William Douglass (1909–1993)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, http://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/forsyth-william-douglass-27737/text35938
• William Douglas Forsyth, The Myth of Open Spaces: Australian, British and World Trends of Population and Migration, MUP/OUP, Melbourne/London, 1942.
• Chad J. Mitcham, 'Forsyth, William Douglass (1909–1993)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/forsyth-william-douglass-27737/text35421, published online 2018.
• National Library of Australia, MS 5700: 'Papers of William Douglass Forsyth, 1875–1993'.
• 'Obituary: WILLIAM DOUGLASS FORSYTH, OBE', The Canberra Times, 8 March 1993, p. 12, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/127200531.
• South Pacific Commission. Meeting House of the Pacific: The Story of the SPC, 1947–2007, Nouméa, New Caledonia: SPC Secretariat, 2007.

Notes and References

1. News: Obituary: William Douglass Forsyth, OBE: A distinguished diplomat. The Canberra Times. ACT. 12.
2. News: Ambassador to Vietnam appointed. 2 July 1959. 2. The Canberra Times. ACT.
3. News: Appointed Minister to Laos. 2 October 1959. 20. The Canberra Times. ACT.
4. News: Prime site near the lake. 29 May 1993. The Canberra Times. ACT. Rama. Gaind.