A commanding officer as an informal diplomat

Naval presence missions demanded diplomacy even when official orders avoided the phrase 'showing the flag.' A commanding officer represented Britain abroad and could influence relations almost as directly as an ambassador, yet Dartmouth's social instruction was closer to ballroom dancing than political preparation. Clapp's habit of treating people as people before treating them as titles helped him navigate that gap. In Australia, he faced anger that Britain's attempted entry into the European Economic Community might abandon Commonwealth partners. He had received no useful political briefing and admitted what he did not know, then offered reassurance about Britain's commitment to help. Candor, empathy, and personal credibility preserved the presence mission when institutional preparation failed.