Stephen Wright (diplomat)

Stephen Wright (1887-1972) was a British diplomat who served in various roles within the Foreign Office, primarily focused on the Middle East. He is best known for his role as Oriental Counsellor at the British Embassy in Cairo during the Second World War, a position he held from 1939 to 1946.

Wright was born on 20 April 1887. He joined the Foreign Office in 1911 and served in several postings, including Constantinople (Istanbul), Paris, and Addis Ababa. His expertise lay in the Arab world and Middle Eastern affairs.

During his tenure in Cairo during World War II, Wright played a significant role in managing Britain's relations with Egypt, which was nominally neutral but under British occupation. He was involved in navigating the complex political landscape, dealing with Egyptian nationalist movements, and ensuring British strategic interests were protected. He also worked closely with the British intelligence services operating in the region.

After the war, Wright served as British Minister to Ethiopia from 1946 to 1949. He retired from the Foreign Office in 1949 and was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) in 1947. He died on 21 April 1972. His papers are held at St Antony's College, Oxford.