John Coles (diplomat)

Sir Arthur John Coles, GCMG (born 13 November 1937) is a retired British diplomat. He served as the Permanent Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (head of the diplomatic staff) from 1994-1997.

Offices held

Diplomatic posts
Preceded by Alan Urwick	British Ambassador to Jordan 1984-1988	Succeeded by Patrick Eyers
Preceded by Sir John Leahy	British High Commissioner to Australia 1988-1991	Succeeded by Sir Brian Barder
Government offices
Preceded by Unknown	Deputy Under-Secretary of State, Asia and the Americas, of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office 1991-1994	Succeeded by Unknown
Preceded by Sir David Gillmore	Permanent Secretary of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office 1994-1997	Succeeded by Sir John Kerr