Bill Forsyth (diplomat)

William Douglass Forsyth was an Australian public servant and diplomat. Over the course of his tenure, he was noted for his work both within the United Nations, and in promoting Southern Pacific countries internationally. In 1959, Forsyth was appointed Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, a role which he served in until 1961. During his appointment, he was also appointed Minister to Laos.
Forsyth died on 3 March 1993, aged 84, in Canberra.

Early life

Forsyth was born in Casterton, Victoria where he spent his childhood. He attended Ballarat High School in 1921 and graduated in 1924. He then became a student teacher and received a Melbourne Teachers' College studentship in 1927, which allows him to study and obtain his degree in political science and history at the University of Melbourne.