Inviolability of Official Correspondence

Subject(s):

Diplomatic immunity — Diplomatic missions — Diplomatic relations

This chapter explores Article 27.2 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations which deals with the inviolability of official correspondence used in the diplomatic mission. Aside from granting inviolability to official correspondence, the second paragraph also outlines the scope of official correspondence. Under the Article, official correspondence means all correspondence relating to the mission and its functions. The term ‘official correspondence of the mission’ refers to correspondence from the mission, that sent to the mission from its chancellery or other authorities of the sending State, and correspondence between the mission and consulates situated in the receiving State. The primary importance of Article 27.2 lies in the protection which it gives from interference by the authorities of the receiving State.