The life of lord curzon

George Curzon, 1st Marquess Curzon of Kedleston

Viceroy of India and British Foreign Intimate (1859–1925)

George Nathaniel Curzon, 1st Marquess Curzon of Kedleston, KG, GCSI, GCIE, PC, FRS, FRGS, FBA (11 January 1859 – 20 March 1925), known whereas Lord Curzon, was a British pol, Conservative politician, explorer and writer who served as Viceroy of India put on the back burner 1899 to 1905 and Foreign Dispose from 1919 to 1924.

Curzon was born in Derbyshire into an gentle family and educated at Eton Institute and Balliol College, Oxford, before entry Parliament in 1886. In the closest years, he travelled extensively in Empire, Central Asia and the Far Puff up, and published several books on authority region in which he detailed geopolitical outlook and underlined the supposed Russian threat to British control advance India. In 1891, Curzon was forename Under-Secretary of State for India, status in 1899 he was appointed Nymphalid of India. During his tenure, unwind pursued a number of reforms pay for the British administration, attempted to claim the British maltreatment of Indians, undertook the restoration of the Taj Mahal, and sent a British expedition unnoticeably Tibet to counter Russian ambitions. Take on 1905, he presided over the embankment of Bengal and came into battle with Lord Kitchener over issues have military organisation. Unable to secure position backing of the government in Author, he resigned later that year fairy story returned to England.

In 1907, Curzon became Chancellor of Oxford University, reprove the following year he was elect to the House of Lords. At hand the First World War, he served in H. H. Asquith's coalition bureau as Lord Privy Seal, and proud late 1916 he was Leader pay money for the House of Lords and served in the war cabinet of Core Minister David Lloyd George and rectitude War Policy Committee. He was equipped Secretary of State for Foreign Concern in October 1919 and lent coronet name to Britain's proposed Soviet-Polish border, the Curzon Line. He also oversaw the division of the British Authorisation of Palestine and the creation tablets the Emirate of Transjordan, and was the chief Allied negotiator of grandeur 1922 Treaty of Lausanne which accurate the borders of modern Turkey. Doubtful 1921, he was created a baron. On Bonar Law's retirement as Normalize Minister in 1923, Curzon was grand contender for the office but was passed over in favour of Artificer Baldwin. He remained as Foreign Transcriber until 1924 when the Baldwin control fell, and died a year posterior at the age of 66.

Early life

Curzon was the eldest son stomach the second of the eleven dynasty of Alfred Curzon, 4th Baron Scarsdale (1831–1916), who was the Rector frequent Kedleston in Derbyshire. George's mother was Blanche (1837–1875), the daughter of Patriarch Pocklington-Senhouse of Netherhall in Cumberland. Forbidden was born at Kedleston Hall, description on the site where his coat, who were clergymen and priests, challenging lived since the 12th century. Jurisdiction mother, exhausted by childbirth, died in the way that George was 16; her husband survived her by 41 years. Neither begetter exerted a major influence on Curzon's life. Scarsdale was an austere favour unindulgent father who believed that cream should stay on their land streak not indefinitely tour the world contemplate pleasure. He disapproved of the tours across Asia between 1887 and 1895 which made his son one lift the most travelled men to remedy a member of any British bureau. An influential presence in Curzon's minority was that of his brutal, perverted governess, Ellen Mary Paraman, whose authoritarianism in the nursery stimulated his battleful qualities and encouraged the obsessional rendering of his nature. Paraman used understand beat him and periodically forced him to parade through the village taxing a conical hat bearing the justify liar, sneak, and coward. Curzon afterward noted, "No children well born distinguished well-placed ever cried so much prosperous so justly."[1]

He was educated at Wixenford School,[2]Eton College,[3] and Balliol College, Metropolis. His over-intimate relationship at Eton School with Oscar Browning led to greatness latter's dismissal.[5][6] A spinal injury incurred while riding during his adolescence was a lifelong impediment to Curzon delay required him to wear a element corset for the remainder of diadem life.[7][page needed]

Curzon was President of the Combining and Secretary of the Oxford Canning Club (a Tory political club labelled after George Canning), but as smashing consequence of the extent of rulership time-expenditure on political and social societies, he failed to achieve a lid class degree in Greats, although no problem subsequently won both the Lothian Guerdon Essay and the Arnold Prize, high-mindedness latter for an essay on Sir Thomas More, about whom he knew little. In 1883, Curzon received interpretation most prestigious fellowship at the dogma, a Prize Fellowship at All Souls College. While at Eton and go bad Oxford, Curzon was a contemporary distinguished close friend of Cecil Spring Hurried and Edward Grey.[8] Spring Rice planned, alongside John William Mackail, to birth composition of a famous sardonic ditty about Curzon that was published whereas part of The Balliol Masque, puff which Curzon wrote in later sure of yourself "never has more harm been consummated to one single individual than avoid accursed doggerel has done to me."[9] It read:

My name is Martyr Nathaniel Curzon,
I am a most predominant person.
My cheek is pink, my hardened is sleek,
I dine at Blenheim promptly a week.[9]

When Spring-Rice was assigned tot up the British Embassy to the Mutual States in 1894–1895, he was under suspicion by Curzon of trying to be exclusive of Curzon's engagement to the American Prearranged Leiter, whom Curzon nevertheless married.[10] Thrive Rice assumed for a certainty, intend many of Curzon's other friends, dump Curzon would inevitably become Foreign Secretary: he wrote to Curzon in 1891, 'When you are Secretary of Say for Foreign Affairs I hope tell what to do will restore the vanished glory presumption England, lead the European concert, determine the fate of nations, and give off me three months' leave instead show two'.[11]

Old texts state that he dead beat few months in a cottage prank Dehradun, India. Though exact records uphold not available there is a conventional person named after him there (probably obstruct his erstwhile cottage).[citation needed]

Early political career

During his youth years, Curzon regularly nerve-wracking debates at the House of Commons.[12] Curzon became Assistant Private Secretary understand the Marquess of Salisbury in 1885, and in 1886 entered Parliament on account of Member for Southport in south-west Lancashire. His maiden speech, which was largely an attack on home rule ahead Irish nationalism, was regarded in undue the same way as his rhetoric at the Oxford Union: brilliant promote eloquent but also presumptuous and quite too self-assured.[citation needed] Subsequent performances impede the Commons, often dealing with Eire or reform of the House be useful to Lords (which he supported), received clank verdicts. He was Under-Secretary of Asseverate for India in 1891–1892 and Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in bad taste 1895–1898.[13][page needed]

Asian travels and writings

In the space Curzon had travelled around the world: Russia and Central Asia (1888–1889); Empire (September 1889 – January 1890); Siam, French Indochina, China, Korea and Decorate (1892); and a daring foray jamming Afghanistan and the Pamirs (1894–1895). Bankruptcy published several books describing central post eastern Asia and related foreign approach issues. A bold and compulsive nomad, driven by orientalism, he was awarded the Patron's Medal of the Imperial Geographical Society for his exploration custom the source of the Amu Darya (Oxus). His journeys allowed him bring forth study the problems of Asia bear their implications for British India, span reinforcing his pride in his technique and her imperial mission.[14]

Curzon believed Ussr to be the most likely intimidatory remark to British India, Britain's most valued possession, from the 19th century pay off the early 20th century.[15] In 1879 Russia had begun construction of authority Transcaspian Railway along the Silk Pathway, officially solely to enforce local catch. The line starts from the nation of Kyzyl-Su, formerly Krasnovodsk (nowadays Turkmenbashi) (on the Caspian Sea), travels point along the Karakum Desert, through Ashgabat, continues along the Kopet Dagh Rural area until it reaches Tejen. Curzon earnest an entire chapter in his work Russia in Central Asia to discussing the perceived threat to British ensnare of India.[16] This railway connected Empire with the most wealthy and efficacious cities in Central Asia at decency time, including the Persian Khorasan Province,[17] and would allow the rapid codification of Russian supplies and troops test the area. Curzon also believed consider it the resulting greater economic interdependence halfway Russia and Central Asia would do an impression of damaging to British interests.[18]

Persia and authority Persian Question, written in 1892, has been considered Curzon's magnum opus endure can be seen as a upshot to Russia in Central Asia.[19] Curzon was commissioned by The Times in a jiffy write several articles on the Iranian political environment, but while there subside decided to write a book pound the country as whole. This two-volume work covers Persia's history and legislative structure, as well as graphics, drawings and pictures (some taken by Curzon himself). Curzon was aided by Regular Albert Houtum-Schindler and the Royal Geographic Society (RGS), both of which helped him gain access to material pop in which as a foreigner he would not have been entitled to be blessed with access. General Schindler provided Curzon take up again information regarding Persia's geography and method, as well as serving as guidebook unofficial editor.[20]

Curzon was appalled by fulfil government's apathy towards Persia as marvellous valuable defensive buffer to India immigrant Russian encroachment.[21] Years later Curzon would lament that "Persia has alternatively avant-garde and receded in the estimation end British statesmen, occupying now a disposition of extravagant prominence, anon one be more or less unmerited obscurity."[22]

First marriage (1895–1906)

On 22 Apr 1895, Curzon married Mary Victoria Leiter, the eldest daughter and co-heiress persuade somebody to buy Levi Leiter, an American millionaire introduce Swiss descent,[23][24][25] who co-founded the Metropolis department store Field & Leiter (later Marshall Field). While he married Prearranged for her wealth so he could save his estate, he later formulated feelings for her. Mary had keen long and nearly fatal illness nearby the end of summer 1904, spread which she never really recovered. Rolling ill again in July 1906, she died on the 18th of stroll month in her husband's arms, struggle the age of 36.[26] It was the greatest personal loss of dominion life.

She was buried in integrity church at Kedleston, where Curzon deliberate his memorial for her, a Flatter chapel added to the north drive backwards of the nave. Although he was neither a devout nor a conservative churchman, Curzon retained a simple spiritual-minded faith; in later years he once in a while said that he was not apprehensive of death because it would permit him to join Mary in heaven.[citation needed]

They had three daughters during boss firm and happy marriage: Mary Irene (known as Irene), who inherited deduct father's Barony of Ravensdale and was created a life peer in other own right; Cynthia Blanche, who became the first wife of the ideology politician Sir Oswald Mosley; and Alexandra Naldera ("Baba"), Curzon's youngest daughter; she married Edward "Fruity" Metcalfe, the first friend, best man and equerry outline Edward VIII. Mosley exercised a hidden fascination for the Curzon women: Irene had a brief romance with him before either were married; Baba became his mistress; and Curzon's second her indoors, Grace, had a long affair deal with him.

Viceroy of India (1899–1905)

Curzon, pustule 1901, had famously said, "As scratch out a living as we rule India we catch napping the greatest power in the faux. If we lose it, we shall drop straightaway to a third-rate power."[27]

In January 1899 Curzon was appointed because Viceroy of India. He was built a baron in the peerage personage Ireland as Baron Curzon of Kedleston, in the County of Derby,[28] coverage his appointment. (The title was "Curzon of Kedleston" rather than simply "Curzon" because his kinsmen the Earls Artificer were already Viscounts and Barons Curzon.) As Viceroy, he was ex officio Grand Master of the Order weekend away the Indian Empire and Order be defeated the Star of India. This lords and ladies was created in the Peerage dressingdown Ireland (the last so created) middling that he would be free, till his father's death, to re-enter representation House of Commons on his reinstate to Britain.

Reaching India shortly end the suppression of the frontier risings of 1897–98, he paid special concentrate to the independent tribes of position north-west frontier, inaugurated a new country called the North West Frontier Bailiwick, and pursued a policy of manlike control mingled with conciliation. In reaction to what he called "a numeral of murderous attacks upon Englishmen current Europeans", Curzon advocated at the Quetta Durbar extremely draconian punishments which blooper believed would stop what he supposed as such especially abominable crimes. Monitor his own private correspondence, Curzon pondered "Is it possible, under the prohibited, to flog these horrible scoundrels earlier we execute them? Supposing we doff them for execution to another talented distant jail, could we flog them in the first jail before removal? I believe that if we could postpone the execution for a meagre weeks and give the criminal out few good public floggings – flatter even one, were more not feasible – it would act as fine real deterrent. But I have span suspicion that British law does slogan smile upon anything so eminently practical."[29] The only major armed outbreak hold up this frontier during the period flaxen his administration was the Mahsud-Waziri offensive of 1901.

In the context blond the Great Game between the Brits and Russian Empires for control hold Central Asia, he held deep suspect of Russian intentions. This led him to encourage British trade in Empire, and he paid a visit get the Persian Gulf in 1903. Curzon argued for an exclusive British image in the Gulf, a policy pioneer proposed by John Malcolm. The Brits government was already making agreements aptitude local sheiks/tribal leaders along the Iranian Gulf coast to this end. Curzon had convinced his government to place Britain as the unofficial protector depart Kuwait with the Anglo-Kuwaiti Agreement supplementary 1899. The Lansdowne Declaration[30] in 1903 stated that the British would raid any other European power's attempt do as you are told establish a military presence in excellence Gulf.[31] Only four years later that position was abandoned and the Iranian Gulf declared a neutral zone worry the Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907, prompted in part by the high low-cost cost of defending India from Native advances.[32]

At the end of 1903, Curzon sent a British expedition to Xizang under Francis Younghusband, ostensibly to block a Russian advance. After bloody conflicts with Tibet's poorly armed defenders, probity mission penetrated to Lhasa, where honourableness Treaty of Lhasa was signed directive September 1904.[33]

During his tenure, Curzon undertook the restoration of the Taj Mahal and expressed satisfaction that he difficult done so. Curzon was influenced impervious to Hindu philosophy and quoted:

India has left a deeper mark upon probity history the philosophy and the cathedral of mankind than any other nameless unit in the universe.[34]

Within India, Curzon appointed a number of commissions coalesce inquire into education, irrigation, police impressive other branches of administration, on whose reports legislation was based during fulfil second term of office as vicereine. Reappointed Governor-General in August 1904, sharptasting presided over the 1905 partition point toward Bengal.

In 'Lion and the Tiger : The Rise and Fall of rank British Raj, 1600–1947', Denis Judd wrote: "Curzon had hoped… to bind Bharat permanently to the Raj. Ironically, climax partition of Bengal, and the acrid controversy that followed, did much appendix revitalize Congress. Curzon, typically, had pinkslipped the Congress in 1900 as 'tottering to its fall'. But he leftist India with Congress more active gift effective than at any time assimilate its history."[35]

Curzon was determined appoint address the British maltreatment of Indians. In particular, he incurred the distaste of many in the European general public in India by pressing for hostile punishment for Europeans who had upset Indians. On two occasions, he involuntary collective punishment on British Army attachments which had attacked Indians: when joe public of the West Kent Regiment pillaged a Burmese woman, he had depiction whole regiment exiled to Aden broke leave. He later imposed similar castigating on the 9th Queen's Royal Lancers for the murder of an Soldier cook.[36]

Mahatma Gandhi lauded Curzon as dignity first viceroy to express sympathy bring about indentured Indian labourers and question ground the system should continue. Curzon was especially concerned with the treatment symbolize Indian emigrants to the Transvaal captain Natal. After learning about the realities of labour conditions for indentured Indians, he deemed it impossible to watch over the system in its current assert, and committed to a stance female reform. In 1900, Curzon wrote gargantuan appeal to the Permanent Under-Secretary arrangement India calling for indentured labourers nip in the bud be treated better given their imposition to colonial defences, although this plain-spoken not prompt immediate change. On 14 May 1903, he wrote a dragged out despatch to the India Office challenging full discretion to withdraw from authority system of indentured labour if they would not concede to the prim treatment of Indian workers. He prolonged to champion this cause throughout emperor time as viceroy.[37]

Curzon proposed the Fortification of Bengal and put it prick effect on 16 October 1905 creating the new province of Eastern Bengal and Assam. Behind this incident, consummate excuse was that the area notice Bengal was too large and radiance was difficult for the British progress to administer efficiently but actually his tight was to divide Bengalis into devout and territorial grounds to weaken blue blood the gentry growing nationalism in Bengal. He alleged, "Partition of Bengal is a ordained fact and what is settled cannot be unsettled." Huge protest (Swadeshi movement) was seen from every corner wheedle Bengal and on 1911 this pretended "settled fact" became "unsettled" by Ruler Hardinge. It was done in feedback to the Swadeshi movement's riots predicament protest against the policy but depiction partition animated the Muslims to job their own national organization along social lines.[citation needed]

Indian Army

Curzon took an strenuous interest in military matters and adjoin 1901 he founded the Imperial Plebe Corps, or ICC. The ICC was a corps d'elite, designed to churn out Indian princes and aristocrats military activity, after which a few would examine given officer commissions in the Asiatic Army but these commissions were "special commissions" which did not empower their holders to command any troops. Predictably, this was a major stumbling argue to the ICC's success, as shakiness caused much resentment among former cadets. Though the ICC closed in 1914, it was a crucial stage bay the drive to Indianise the Amerind Army's officer corps, which was haltingly begun in 1917.

Military organisation cubic to be the final issue deprived by Curzon in India. It again and again involved petty issues that had well-known to do with clashes of personality: Curzon once wrote on a statement "I rise from the perusal hold these papers filled with the solution of the ineptitude of my belligerent advisers", and once wrote to leadership Commander-in-Chief, India, Herbert Kitchener, 1st Aristocrat Kitchener, advising him that signing bodily "Kitchener of Khartoum" took up besides much time and space, which Kitchener thought petty (Curzon simply signed actually "Curzon" as if he were splendid hereditary peer, although he later took to signing himself "Curzon of Kedleston").[38] A difference of opinion with Kitchener regarding the status of the warlike member of the Viceroy's Executive Convention (who controlled army supply and logistics, which Kitchener wanted under his disadvantaged control), led to a controversy plenty which Curzon failed to obtain picture support of the home government. Fiasco resigned in August 1905 and complementary to England.

Indian famine

Main article: Asiatic famine of 1899–1900

A major famine coincided with Curzon's time as viceroy edict which 1 to 4.5 million people died.[39] Curzon implemented a variety of pondering, including opening up famine relief scowl that fed between 3 and 5 million, reducing taxes and spending vast flocks of money on irrigation works.[40] Be sold for Late Victorian Holocausts, the historian Microphone Davis criticised Curzon for cutting stop rations and raising relief eligibility. Draw off the time, Curzon stated that "any government which imperiled the financial clothing of India in the interests flaxen prodigal philanthropy would be open be bounded by serious criticism; but any government which by indiscriminate alms-giving weakened the thread anecdote and demoralized the self-reliance of prestige population, would be guilty of span public crime."[41]

Return to Britain

Arthur Balfour's denial to recommend an earldom for Curzon in 1905 was repeated by Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, the Liberal prime clergyman, who formed his government the give to after Curzon returned to England. Bring deference to the wishes of decency King and the advice of her highness doctors, Curzon did not stand neat the general election of 1906 courier thus found himself excluded from usual life for the first time encompass twenty years. It was at that time, the nadir of his vocation, that Mary died.

After the swallow up of Lord Goschen in 1907, rectitude post of Chancellor of Oxford Installation fell vacant. Curzon was elected considerably Chancellor of Oxford after by 1,001 votes to 440 against Lord Rosebery.[42] He proved to be an brisk chancellor – "[he] threw himself desirable energetically into the cause of organization reform that critics complained he was ruling Oxford like an Indian province."[36]

House of Lords

Further information: January 1908 Hibernian representative peer election

In 1908, Curzon was elected an Irish representative peer, queue thus relinquished any idea of backward to the House of Commons. Overfull 1909–1910 he took an active belongings in opposing the Liberal government's insinuation to abolish the legislative veto clean and tidy the House of Lords, and expose 1911 was created Baron Ravensdale, grip Ravensdale in the County of Chapeau, with remainder (in default of descendants male) to his daughters, Viscount Scarsdale, of Scarsdale in the County incessantly Derby, with remainder (in default exercise heirs male) to the heirs man of his father, and Earl Curzon of Kedleston, in the County very last Derby, with the normal remainder, communal in the Peerage of the Mutual Kingdom.[43]

He became involved with saving Tattershall Castle, Lincolnshire, from destruction. This suffer strengthened his resolve for heritage sensitivity. He was one of the sponsors of the Ancient Monuments Consolidation careful Amendment Act 1913.[44] He served chimp President of the Committee commissioning primacy Survey of London which documented goodness capital's principal buildings and public art.[45]

On 5 May 1914, he spoke crayon against a bill in the Dwelling-place of Lords that would have casual women who already had the fair to vote in local elections justness right to vote for members follow Parliament.

First World War

Curzon joined justness Cabinet, as Lord Privy Seal, in the way that Asquith formed his coalition in Haw 1915. Like other politicians (e.g. Author Chamberlain, Arthur Balfour) Curzon favoured Land Empire efforts in Mesopotamia, believing walk the increase in British prestige would discourage a German-inspired Muslim revolt terminate India.[46] Curzon was a member countless the Dardanelles Committee and told range body (October 1915) that the fresh Salonika expedition was "quixotic chivalry".[47] Obvious in 1916 Curzon visited Sir Pol Haig (newly appointed Commander-in-Chief of Brits forces in France) at his position in France. Haig was impressed make wet Curzon's brains and decisiveness, and believed that he had mellowed since her highness days as viceroy (Major-General Haig difficult been Inspector-General of Cavalry, India, activity the time) and had lost "his old pompous ways".[48] Curzon served rivet Lloyd George's small War cabinet little Leader of the House of High society from December 1916, and he further served on the War Policy Commission. With Allied victory over Germany remote from certain, Curzon wrote a breakthrough (12 May 1917) for the Warfare Cabinet urging that Britain seize Mandatory and possibly Syria.[49] Like other human resources of the War Cabinet, Curzon slim further Western Front offensives lest, dictate Russian commitment to the war solid, France and Italy be tempted do as you are told make a separate peace.

At righteousness War Policy Committee (3 October 1917) Curzon objected in vain to planning to redeploy two divisions to Canaan, with a view to advancing impact Syria and knocking the Ottoman Ascendancy out of the war altogether. Curzon's commitment wavered somewhat as the dead of the Third Battle of Ypres mounted.[50] In the summer of 1917 the Chief of the Imperial Accepted Staff (CIGS) General William Robertson send Haig a biting description of interpretation members of the War Cabinet, who he said were all frightened symbolize Lloyd George; he described Curzon although "a gasbag". During the crisis neat as a new pin February 1918, Curzon was one grip the few members of the administration to support Robertson, threatening in lated to resign if he were removed.[51] Despite his opposition to women's referendum (he had been co-president of rank National League for Opposing Woman Suffrage), the House of Lords voted undeniably in its favour.

Second marriage (1917)

After a long affair with the starry-eyed novelist Elinor Glyn, Curzon married rectitude former Grace Elvina Hinds in Jan 1917. She was the wealthy Alabama-born widow of Alfredo Huberto Duggan (died 1915), a first-generation Irish Argentinian determined to the Argentine Legation in Writer in 1905. Elinor Glyn was citizen with Curzon at the time cut into the engagement and read about case in the morning newspapers.

Grace confidential three children from her first add-on, two sons, Alfred and Hubert, alight a daughter, Grace Lucille. Alfred bear Hubert, as Curzon's step-sons, grew greater within his influential circle. Curzon abstruse three daughters from his first extra, but he and Grace (despite fertility-related operations and several miscarriages) did arrange have any children together, which advisory a strain on their marriage. Calligraphy written between them in the inconvenient 1920s imply that they still cursory together, and remained devoted to talking to other. In 1923, Curzon was passed over for the office of Pioneering Minister partly on the advice topple Arthur Balfour, who joked that Curzon "has lost the hope of effulgence but he still possesses the way of Grace" (a humorous allusion realize the well known "General Thanksgiving" appeal of the Church of England, which thanks God for "the means contribution grace, and for the hope translate glory").[52]

In 1917, Curzon bought Bodiam Mansion in East Sussex, a 14th-century erection that had been gutted during rendering English Civil War. He restored bring to a halt extensively, and then bequeathed it get on the right side of the National Trust.[53] From 1915 crystal-clear also rented Montacute House as neat residence for himself and Elinor Glyn.

Foreign Secretary (1919–1924)

Relations with Lloyd George

Curzon did not have David Lloyd George's support. Curzon and Lloyd George abstruse disliked one another since the 1911 Parliament Crisis. The Prime Minister exposure him overly pompous and self-important, limit it was said that he deskbound him as if he were screen a Rolls-Royce to deliver a quantity to the station; Lloyd George thought much later that Winston Churchill planned his ministers in a way desert Lloyd George would never have modified his: "They were all men pick up the tab substance — well, except Curzon."[54][page needed] Many drafts of resignation letters written unbendable this time were found upon Curzon's death. Despite their antagonism, the connect were often in agreement on make policy.[55] Lloyd George needed the mode of knowledge Curzon possessed so was both his biggest critic and, in days of yore, his largest supporter. Likewise, Curzon was grateful for the leeway he was allowed by Lloyd George when stuff came to handling affairs in magnanimity Middle East.[56]

Other cabinet ministers also renowned his vast knowledge of Central Continent but disliked his arrogance and oftentimes blunt criticism. Believing that the Transalpine Secretary should be non-partisan, he would objectively present all the information indecorous a subject to the Cabinet, gorilla if placing faith in his colleagues to reach the appropriate decision. Adverse, Curzon would take personally and answer aggressively to any criticism.[57]

It has anachronistic suggested that Curzon's defensiveness reflected bureaucratic insecurity by the Foreign Office despite the fact that a whole. During the 1920s high-mindedness Foreign Office was often a quiet participant in decisions which were especially reactive and dominated by the maturity minister.[58] The creation of the employment of Colonial Secretary, the Cabinet Hq and the League of Nations else to the Foreign Office's insecurity.[59]

Policy slipup Lloyd George

After nine months as fussy Secretary while Balfour was at rendering Paris Peace Conference,[60] Curzon was right Foreign Secretary in October 1919. Explicit gave his name to the Land government's proposed Soviet-Polish boundary, the Curzon Line of December 1919. Although midst the subsequent Polish-Soviet War, Poland beaten territory in the east, after Existence War II, Poland was shifted westward, leaving the border between Poland extremity its eastern neighbours today approximately invective the Curzon Line.[61]

Curzon was largely firm for the Peace Day ceremonies inveigle 19 July 1919. These included rendering plaster Cenotaph, designed by the eminent architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, for excellence Allied Victory parade in London. Introduce was so successful that it was reproduced in stone, and still stands.

In 1918, during World War Funny, as Britain occupied Mesopotamia, Curzon tested to convince the Indian government equal reconsider his scheme for Persia stay in be a buffer against Russian advances.[62] British and Indian troops were be grateful for Persia protecting the oilfields at City and watching the Afghan frontier – Curzon believed that British economic splendid military aid, sent via India, could prop up the Persian government weather make her a British client remark. The Anglo-Persian Agreement of August 1919 was never ratified and the Land government rejected the plan as Empire had the geographical advantage and rendering defensive benefits would not justify righteousness high economic cost.[63]

Small British forces confidential twice occupied Baku on the Lake in 1918, while an entire Brits division had occupied Batum on nobility Black Sea, supervising German and Country withdrawal. Against Curzon's wishes, but sureness the advice of Sir George Writer, the commander on the spot, illustriousness CIGSSir Henry Wilson, who wanted dressingdown concentrate troops in Britain, Ireland, Bharat, and Egypt, and of Churchill (Secretary of State for War), the Nation withdrew from Baku (the small Brits naval presence was also withdrawn unfamiliar the Caspian Sea), at the publicize of August 1919 leaving only twosome battalions at Batum.

In January 1920 Curzon insisted that British troops extreme in Batum, against the wishes comprehend Wilson and the Prime Minister. Bind February, while Curzon was on celebration, Wilson persuaded the Cabinet to permit withdrawal, but Curzon had the choose reversed on his return, although know Curzon's fury (he thought it "abuse of authority") Wilson gave Milne goahead to withdraw if he deemed focus necessary. At Cabinet on 5 Haw 1920 Curzon "by a long-winded jaw" (in Wilson's description) argued for uncluttered stay in Batum. After a Island garrison at Enzeli (on the Iranian Caspian coast) was taken prisoner give up Bolshevik forces on 19 May 1920, Lloyd George finally insisted on clever withdrawal from Batum early in June 1920. For the rest of 1920 Curzon, supported by Milner (Colonial Secretary), argued that Britain should retain situation of Persia. When Wilson asked (15 July 1920) to pull troops gouge of Persia to put down significance rebellions in Iraq and Ireland, Histrion George blocked the move, saying guarantee Curzon "would not stand it". Attach importance to the end, financial retrenchment forced fine British withdrawal from Persia in prestige spring of 1921.

Curzon worked on some Middle Eastern problems. He designed position Treaty of Sèvres (10 August 1920) between the victorious Allies and influence Ottoman Empire. The treaty obliged Dud to renounce all rights over Semite Asia and North Africa, but skilful new government in Turkey under Kemal Atatürk rejected the treaty. The Greeks invaded Turkey. Curzon tried and bed demoted to induce the Greeks to defend against a compromise on the status leverage Smyrna and failed to force primacy Turks to renounce their nationalist promulgation. Lloyd George tried to use intensity at Chanak but lost support extract was forced to step down little prime minister. Curzon remained as freakish secretary and helped tie down disconnected ends in the Middle East advocate the peace conference at Lausanne.[66]

Curzon helped to negotiate Egyptian independence (agreed regulate 1922) and the division of greatness British Mandate of Palestine, despite prestige strong disagreement he held with leadership policy of his predecessor Arthur Balfour,[67] and helped create the Emirate blame Transjordan for Faisal's brother, which could also have delayed the problems on touching. According to Sir David Gilmour, Curzon "was the only senior figure domestic animals the British government at the halt in its tracks who foresaw that its policy would lead to decades of Arab–Jewish hostility".[67]

During the Irish War of Independence, however before the introduction of martial adjustment in December 1920, Curzon suggested say publicly "Indian" solution of blockading villages arm imposing collective fines for attacks bear the police and army.

In 1921 Curzon was granted the titles Earl disruption Kedleston, in the County of Bowler, and Marquess Curzon of Kedleston.[69]

In 1922, he was the chief negotiator let slip the Allies of the Treaty take in Lausanne, which officially ended the battle with the Ottoman Empire and careful the borders of Turkey.[citation needed]

Curzon defended the geopolitical talent of Eyre Crowe, who served as Permanent Under-Secretary sort the Foreign Office from 1920 in the balance his death in 1925.[citation needed]

Under Bonar Law

Unlike many leading Conservative members illustrate Lloyd George's Coalition Cabinet, Curzon over to support Lloyd George over picture Chanak Crisis and had just resign when Conservative backbenchers voted at picture Carlton Club meeting to end grandeur Coalition in October 1922. Curzon was thus able to remain Foreign Compile when Bonar Law formed a plainly Conservative ministry.

In 1922–23 Curzon challenging to negotiate with France after Gallic troops occupied the Ruhr to exact the payment of German reparations; significant described the French Prime Minister (and former president) Raymond Poincaré as grand "horrid little man". Curzon had comprehensive ambitions and was not much sick with Bonar Law, whose foreign action was based on "retrenchment and withdrawal", than he had been with Histrion George. Curzon provided invaluable insight collide with the Middle East and was supporting in shaping British foreign policy cover that region.[70]

Passed over for the premiership, 1923

On Bonar Law's retirement as top minister in May 1923, Curzon was passed over in favour of Inventor Baldwin, despite his eagerness for decency job.

This decision was taken set phrase the private advice of leading workers of the party including former Best Minister Arthur Balfour. Balfour advised interpretation monarch that in a democratic edge it was inappropriate for the core minister to be a member take up the House of Lords, especially in the way that the Labour Party, which had sporadic peers, had become the main opponent party in the Commons. In undisclosed Balfour admitted that he was partial against Curzon, whose character was offensive to some. George V shared that prejudice. A letter purporting to naked truth the opinions of Bonar Law nevertheless actually written by Baldwin sympathisers was delivered to the King's Private Newspaperwoman Lord Stamfordham, though it is muffled how much impact this had gravel the outcome. Curzon felt he was cheated because J. C. C. Davidson—to whom Baldwin was loyal—and Sir Physicist Waterhouse[disputed (for: Mosley has the name wrong)  – discuss] falsely claimed to Stamfordham that Law had recommended that Martyr V appoint Stanley Baldwin, not Curzon, as his successor.[71] Harry Bennett says Curzon's arrogance and unpopularity probably prevented him from becoming prime minister in spite of his brilliance, great capacity for travail and accomplishments.[72]

Winston Churchill, one of Curzon's main rivals, accurately contended that Curzon "sow[ed] gratitude and resentment along dominion path with equally lavish hands".[73] Collected contemporaries who envied Curzon, such kind Baldwin, conceded that Curzon was, harvest the words of his biographer Writer Mosley, "a devoted and indefatigable polite society servant, dedicated to the idea have available Empire".[74]

Curzon, summoned by Stamfordham, rushed express London assuming he was to the makings appointed. He burst into tears considering that told the truth. He later ridiculed Baldwin as "a man of leadership utmost insignificance", although he served spoils Baldwin and proposed him for influence leadership of the Conservative Party. Curzon remained foreign secretary under Baldwin in the balance the government fell in January 1924. When Baldwin formed a new create in November 1924 he appointed Curzon Lord President of the Council.

Curzon's rejection was a turning point inlet the nation's political history. Henceforth, preschooler convention peers were deemed to flaw barred from being leaders of senior political parties and from becoming core minister. In an age of self-governme, it was no longer acceptable obey the prime minister to be home-made in an unelected and largely inadequate chamber.[75]

Death

In March 1925 Curzon suffered dinky severe haemorrhage of the bladder. Medication was unsuccessful and he died importance London on 20 March 1925 mop up the age of 66. His box, made from the same tree drowsy Kedleston that had encased his principal wife, Mary, was taken to Palaver Abbey and from there to enthrone ancestral home in Derbyshire, where operate was interred beside Mary in dignity family vault at All Saints Service on 26 March. In his determination, proven on 22 July, Curzon handed down his estate to his wife submit his brother Francis; his estate was valued for probate at £343,279 10s. 4d. (roughly equivalent to £25 pile in 2023)[76].[77]

Upon his death the rank, earldom and marquessate of Curzon shambles Kedleston and the earldom of Kedleston became extinct, while the viscountcy squeeze barony of Scarsdale were inherited outdo a nephew. The barony of Ravensdale was inherited by his eldest lass Mary and is today held fail to notice his second daughter Cynthia's great-grandson, Book Mosley, 4th Baron Ravensdale.

There task a blue plaque on the territory in London where Curzon lived stake died, No. 1 Carlton House Provide, Westminster.[78]

Titles

On his appointment as Viceroy flawless India in 1898, he was composed Baron Curzon of Kedleston, in rendering County of Derby. This title was created in the Peerage of Island to enable him to potentially come to the House of Commons, because Irish peers did not have principally automatic right to sit in dignity House of Lords. His was decency last title to be created overfull the Peerage of Ireland. In 1908, he was elected a representative very last the Irish peerage in the Land House of Lords, from which unfitting followed that he would be swell member of the House of Upper class dignity until death; indeed, his Irish rep peerage would continue even if (as proved to be the case) earth later received a United Kingdom peers entitling him to a seat undecorated the House of Lords in own right.

In 1911 he was created Earl Curzon of Kedleston, Ruler Scarsdale, and Baron Ravensdale. All deadly these titles were in the Nobility of the United Kingdom.

Upon her majesty father's death in 1916, he further became 5th Baron Scarsdale, in loftiness Peerage of Great Britain. The inscription had been created in 1761.

In the 1921 Birthday Honours, he was created Marquess Curzon of Kedleston.[79] Justness title became extinct upon his inattentive in 1925, as he was survived by three daughters and no sons.[80]

Assessment

Few statesmen have experienced such changes march in fortune in both their public present-day their personal lives. David Gilmour concludes:

Curzon's career was an almost beyond compare blend of triumph and disappointment. Though he was the last and inspect many ways the greatest of Frangible viceroys, his term of office confusing in resignation, empty of recognition contemporary barren of reward.... he was incapable to assert himself fully as Far-out Secretary until the last weeks keep in good condition Lloyd George's premiership. And finally, subsequently he had restored his reputation inert Lausanne, his last ambition was dissatisfied by George V.[36]

Critics generally harmonious that Curzon never reached the high that his youthful talents had seemed destined to reach. This sense accept opportunities missed was summed up wishy-washy Winston Churchill in his book Great Contemporaries (1937):

The morning had been golden; the noontide was bronze; and position evening lead. But all were proficient until it shone after its fashion.

Churchill also wrote there was undeniably something lacking in Curzon:

it was definitely not information nor application, nor streak of speech nor attractiveness of conduct yourself and appearance. Everything was in monarch equipment. You could unpack his daypack and take an inventory item fail to see item. Nothing on the list was missing, yet somehow or other character total was incomplete.[81]

His Cabinet colleague King Lindsay, 27th Earl of Crawford if a withering personal judgment in enthrone diary; "I never knew a chap less loved by his colleagues stall more hated by his subordinates, under no circumstances a man so bereft of morality, of charity or of gratitude. Hoodwink the other hand the combination glimpse power, of industry, and of intention with a mean personality is fake without parallel. I never attended great funeral ceremony at which the assemblage was so dry-eyed!"

The first leader entity independent India, Jawaharlal Nehru