Auckland Geddes had served in the Second Boer War, pursued an academic career in anatomy, and returned to military service during the First World War. He then directed recruiting and National Service before becoming minister for reconstruction and president of the Board of Trade. By the conference he was Britain's ambassador in Washington. Unlike Balfour and Lee, whose standing extended beyond the prime minister, Geddes depended closely on Lloyd George's patronage. His nominally third place in the delegation therefore gave the prime minister a trusted channel inside the negotiations.
Notable Point · 1:15:31-1:17:38
Auckland Geddes carries Lloyd George's authority
Geddes brought wartime mobilisation, reconstruction, trade, and ambassadorial experience together with direct dependence on Lloyd George's patronage.