Sumner Welles

Benjamin Sumner Welles (October 14, 1892 - Sept. 24, 1961) was an American diplomat who played a key role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during the first half of the 20th century. As Under Secretary of State during Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration, Welles was instrumental in developing the Good Neighbor Policy and contributed significantly to the diplomatic efforts during World War II.

Early Life and Career

Benjamin Sumner Welles was born on October 14, 1892, into a prominent New York family. He was educated at Harvard University, where he developed an interest in international affairs. Welles began his diplomatic career in 1915 when he joined the U.S. Foreign Service. His early assignments included posts in Tokyo and Buenos Aires, where he gained valuable experience in international diplomacy.

By the late 1920s, he had become a key adviser on Latin American affairs, working closely with the U.S. State Department to improve relations with countries in the Western Hemisphere.

Welles was related to FDR through marriage of a cousin to FDR's half-brother James. Welles, age 12, served as a page at FDR's wedding.

Diplomatic Career

Welles was a chief architect of the Good Neighbor Policy, which aimed to strengthen ties with Latin American countries through mutual respect and non-intervention. This policy marked a significant shift from previous U.S. approaches and helped to foster better relations and cooperation in the region.

Welles attended the 1940 Havana Conference, where he helped secure a collective defense agreement among American republics to prevent Axis influence in the Western Hemisphere.

Welles was also a strong advocate for the creation of international organizations to maintain peace and security after the war. His efforts contributed to the establishment of the United Nations.

Controversy and Resignation

Despite his successes, Welles's career was marred by scandal. In 1943, he resigned from his position under pressure following allegations of personal misconduct. Reports surfaced that, during a 1940 train trip to the funeral of the House Speaker in Alabama, Welles had sexually solicited male railroad staff. These allegations were initially kept quiet, but they resurfaced and were publicized in 1956 by Confidential Magazine, a sensationalist publication known for exposing scandals. The revelations added a layer of notoriety to Welles's legacy and contributed to his premature departure from government service.

A week after the Birmingham train porter incident, Welles was arrested in Cleveland, Ohio for trying to solicit a young boy on the street. The FBI opened an investigative file on Welles and began collecting evidence of Welles' sexual indiscretions and degeneracy.

Later Years

After leaving government service, Welles continued to write and speak on international affairs, advocating for a strong American role in global diplomacy. His publications and speeches reflected his enduring commitment to international cooperation and peace.

In 1949, Welles was found naked, freezing, on the side of the road, a mile near his property. He had been in the Christmas weather for nearly seven hours. The reasoning given by Welles never made sense.

Death

Sumner Welles passed away on September 24, 1961.