Functions of a Diplomatic Mission

Subject(s):

Consular relations — Diplomatic immunity — Diplomatic missions — Diplomatic relations

This chapter examines the development of Article 3 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations which provides an overview of the functions of a diplomatic mission. The International Law Commission cites the notions of the diplomat Ernest Mason Satow who states that the functions of a diplomatic mission are to represent the sending State, to protect its interest and those of its nationals, to negotiate with the government of the receiving State, to report the sending government on all matters of importance to it, and to promote friendly relations in general between the States. The chapter looks into the two main points of discussion within the Commission that emerged throughout the Article’s formation: the function of ‘protecting in the receiving State the interests of the sending State and of its nationals’, and the entitlement of diplomatic missions to perform consular functions.