Computer Technologies in the Diplomatic Service

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Early in 1983, as Director General of Spain's International Technical and Scientific Cooperation, Dr. Pardos installed a word processor for his department, making a WANG the first computer used by the Spainsh Foreign Ministry. The move was applauded by the Foreign Minister at the time (Mr. Fernando Moran) yet the example was not followed within the Ministry.

In 1984, Dr. Pardos proposed an electronic management system for the Aid to Development program. The proposed software system, drafted in cooperation with the International Management Institute (IMI) in Geneva and in close collaboration with Prof. Juan Rada, chairman of the 'Forum humanum' of the Club of Rome was dismissed as unviable and unoperational (sic) by the Board of Directors of the Spanish Foreign Office

As a result of this strong oposition within the government, Dr. Pardos wrote 'Crecimiento y desarrollo en la Decada de los 80' (Growth and Development in the 80's) (Madrid, Tecnos, 1984). In this book he refers to a systemic approach to international development cooperation and calls for the creation of an electronic information network to properly manage the efforts of the Spanish Foreign Service Aid to Development program.

In 1987 he left the Foreign Office in Madrid to accept a posting as Ambasador of Spain to Australia, where he pressed his government to set up the first 'Electronic Mail system' between the two countries. It was inaugurated on the occasion of the King's state visit to Australia on the 18th of June 1988.

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