Scotch College

A 'Stirling' bequest

Alfred Stirling CBE LLB MA, Barrister-at-Law, Writer, Diplomat and Philanthropist, (1902-1981).

Alfred finished at Scotch College in 1918 with First Class Honours in English, French and Latin and gained an aeq Exhibition in French. He was a Prefect and a member of the Collegian Editorial Committee.

He matriculated at the University of Melbourne in 1919 studying Law and Arts, graduating BA with First Honours in French in 1921 and LLB in 1923. He later studied at University College, Oxford.

Alfred practised at the Victorian Bar from 1927-34 and was the Honorary Secretary of the Australian Institute for International Affairs 1930-35, which led to him being a member of the Australian delegation to the British Commonwealth Relations Conference in Toronto, Canada in 1933.

This was immediately followed by the International Public Relations Conference at Banff, Canada, and during 1933 he also found time to co-author, with John Oldham, 'Victorian: a Visitor's Book'.

From 1935 to the end of World War II he was a Public Servant with the Department of External Affairs based in London and then the following appointments:

• 1945-46 High Commissioner to Canada;
• 1946-48 Minister to the United States;
• 1948-50 High Commissioner to South Africa;
• 1950-55 Ambassador to the Netherlands;
• 1955-59 Ambassador to France;
• 1959-62 Ambassador to the Philippines;
• 1963-65 The first Australian Ambassador to Greece; and
• 1962-67Ambassador to Italy.

His talents also were recognised with honours given by countries in which he served:

• 1963 The Grand Cross Order of St Gregory;
• 1964 The Grand Cordon Order of Royal George of Greece.

Retirement writing

In his retirement he resumed his writing: books such as 'On the Fringe of Diplomacy', 'Old Richmond', 'Gang Forward!' - a Stirling notebook, and biographies on 'Lord Bruce - the London Years' and 'Joseph Bosisto' flowed to his pen from his ever fertile mind.

Alfred did not marry but was wonderfully supported by his sister, Dorothy, as he fulfilled his various senior postings in the diplomatic service.

It was a pleasure to have Dorothy attend the school a number of times to inspect part of Alfred's library and art collection which he left to Scotch. As part of Dorothy's association with Scotch it became a custom for members of the school administration to attend her birthday afternoon tea each year. Regular attendees Margaret Long (Development Office) and myself were joined by Peter Crook and the Principal from time to time. Margaret and Neil were pleased that they had attended Dorothy's 95th birthday celebration last year, because sadly she died towards the end of the year.

A share of Alfred's substantial estate was left to Scotch and, in accordance with his wish, will be nurtured to support aspects of library activities at the School.

A wonderful contribution from an Old Boy adding value to the School life for future Scotch Collegian

Neil L Roberts, Bursar