U4P2: The Diplomatic Mission

Question 1

Where can we find a definition of a diplomatic mission?

Answer 1

There is no definition in Vienna 1961, which is a huge failure of the convention as it is at its core. the Convention on Special Missions states that the definition can be found in Vienna 1961, which it cannot. However, by reading the convention we can understand its functions

Question 2

How can a diplomatic mission be defined?

Answer 2

It is an institutional entity with a specific organic and bureaucratic(hierarchical structure. Its main purpose is the development of the diplomatic functions, and it is different and separate from the agent and personnel working there.

Question 3

within which legal rule does the diplomatic mission as an institutional entity exist?

Answer 3

The domestic law of the sending state

Question 4

Are the different types of diplomatic missions established in the VCDR 1961?

Answer 4

No

Question 5

How many categories of DM do authors specify?

Answer 5

2

Question 6

First Category of DM

Answer 6

• Embassies
• Nunciatories
• High Commissaries
• High Representatives

Question 7

Nunciatories

Answer 7

Representatives of the Holy See

Question 8

High Commissaries and high representations

Answer 8

Don’t exist anymore. Used to exist under the British Commonwealth and the French Community of Nations. Today they are used for other diplomatic representatives such as the EU High Representative for foreign affairs.

Question 9

The second category of DM

Answer 9

No longer exists. Were diplomatic representatives of a lower rank.

Question 10

How is the structure of a diplomatic mission determined?

Answer 10

According to the domestic regulation of the sending state

Question 11

What is the general structure of a DM?

Answer 11

• Chancery
• Press office
• Military representation
• Office for economic and commercial affairs
• Cultural office
• Other offices

Question 12

Chancery

Answer 12

This is at the core of the mission and is the main officer after the ambassador.

Question 13

Press office

Answer 13

Distributes information about the sending state

Question 14

Military representation

Answer 14

Exchange military information and is important when the states are allies in international security organizations.

Head: military attaché

Question 15

Office for economic and commercial affairs

Answer 15

Promotes trade and investment, provides information on the economic system and explores new markets.

Head: chief counselor

Question 16

Cultural office

Answer 16

Exchange information and promote cultural relations

Head: cultural attaché

Question 17

Other offices

Answer 17

Depending on the budget and interest of the sending country. Can be tourism, fisheries, education, labor etc…

Question 18

What are the three categories of the personnel of the DM?

Answer 18

1. Diplomatic Agents
2. Members of the administrative and technical staff
3. Members of the service staff

Question 19

Diplomatic Agents

Answer 19

Those agents can represent the interest of the sending state before the receiving state. Ex: head of mission, chancellor and attachés

Question 20

Members of the administrative and technical staff

Answer 20

Those agents that are hired for specific matters and cannot represent the interest of the sending states. They are usually experts on a fields

Question 21

Members of the service staff

Answer 21

Domestic services. Usually from the nationality of the receiving state.

Question 22

What are the three types of activities that the diplomatic mission conducts?

Answer 22

1. DM-Receiving state
2. DM-Sending state
3. DM-other DM’s

Question 23

Activities of the DM before the receiving state

Answer 23

The main function of the Dm is to represent the sending state before the receiving state. will enjoy certain privileges and immunities, but must also respect the law and sovereignty of the receiving state

Question 24

How are the activities before the receiving state conducted?

Answer 24

Before the receiving State organs, and in two ways.

1. Interviews-meetings
2. Diplomatic notes-official letters

Question 25

Activities of the DM before the sending state

Answer 25

Get instructions and provide information

Question 26

Activities of the DM before other DM’s

Answer 26

usually protocolary and of courtesy. Also, regarding international cooperation.

Is not the most important activity, and not the main focus of the DM.