The series contains three files of biographical notes dating from 1965 to 2007, which include biographical notes and summaries, resumes and correspondence.
The series consists mostly of official and personal correspondence to and from Ross Campbell from 1958 to 2007. It includes letters received and copies of letters sent, and diplomatic cables exchanged between Ross Campbell and officials at the Department of External Affairs, ambassadors and other officials of the Canadian embassy community, members of Parliament and the Canadian Senate, members of the Parliamentary Press Gallery, Canadian and foreign business contacts, academics, friends and family.
Topics found in exchanges with the Canadian embassy community and the Department of External Affairs include assessments of foreign diplomats, interpretations of ambassadorial remarks, attitudes and reactions, misunderstandings in communication, and foreign official attitudes and stances. Ross Campbell observed and analyzed the domestic and foreign policies, political climate and interests of the countries in which he represented Canada. Matters concerning Canadian / foreign business relations and trade representation are also found. He assessed foreign situations and expressed his views on them. He reported on the substance of negotiations, discussions, meetings and official visits and clarified the goals to be accomplished during his appointments. Other exchanges with officials in the Department of External Affairs and others contain Ross Campbell's observations and opinions on External Affairs internal matters, Canadian postings abroad and appointments within that department. He also expressed his views on the Canadian foreign and civil services. Correspondence from the period when Ross Campbell was Canadian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the North Atlantic Council concerns NATO ministerial meetings, Canadian defence policy, and Canadian military participation in Europe, Canadian participation in NATO, military nuclear planning and détente. A substantial portion of the correspondence consists of letters of invitation, thanks and congratulations. Topics include social and business meetings and events including private and embassy occasions and visits, posting appointments of Canadian ambassadors and promotions with the Department of External Affairs. There are numerous letters of thanks for gifts, dinners and other hospitality as well as appreciation for the assessments, perspectives and advice of others on official matters. There are also references to foreign travel and cultural experiences and observations. Some correspondence concerns Ross Campbell's contacts and activities in connection with Canadian, foreign and international organizations, speaking engagements, conference contributions and his comments on recent publications. The correspondence containing more mundane matters in connection with his ambassadorial postings includes information regarding assistance and interventions on behalf of Canadian and foreign nationals, recommendations for employment, arrangements for scheduling, club and association memberships, housekeeping matters and arrangements for travel, interim accommodation, the movement of personal goods and other circumstances surrounding the transfer to or from a posting. Some correspondence refers to personal and family matters such as personal leave, health concerns, visits with family members and the children's activities and education.
