DIPLOMATIC DICTIONARY

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ACCESSION The procedure by which a nation becomes a party to an agreement already in force between other nations.

ACCORDS International agreements originally thought to be for lesser subjects than those covered by treaties, but now really treaties by a different name.

AMBASSADOR The chief of a ; the ranking official diplomatic representative of a country to the country to which s/he is appointed, and the personal representative of his/her own head of state to the head of state of the host country. is capitalized when referring to a specific person (i.e., Ambassador Smith)

AMERICAN PRESENCE POSTS (APP) A special purpose overseas post with limited staffing and responsibilities, established as a under the Vienna Convention. APPs are located cities outside the capital that are important but do not host a U.S. consulate. Typically these posts do not have any consular services on site, so the APP’s activities are limited or narrowly focused on priorities such as public outreach, business facilitation, and issue advocacy. Examples of American Presence Posts include: Bordeaux, France; Winnipeg, Canada; Medan, Indonesia and Busan, Korea.

ARMS CONTROL Arms Control refers to controlling the amount or nature of weapons-such as the number of nuclear weapons or the nature of their delivery vehicles -- a specific nation is allowed to have at a specific time.

ATTACHÉ An official assigned to a diplomatic mission or embassy. Usually, this person has advanced expertise in a specific field, such as agriculture, commerce, or the military. ASYLUM To receive asylum is to receive protection from another nation, in some cases one’s own nation. This can occur by allowing individuals to find refuge within the grounds of an embassy (not generally done in American embassies); and when one state allows someone to live within its borders, out of reach of the authority of a second state from which the person seeks protection. Back to top B

BELLIGERENCY A state of belligerency is a state of armed conflict. Belligerents are direct participants in the conflict. BILATERAL Bilateral discussions, negotiations, or treaties are between a sovereign state and one other entity, either another sovereign state or an international organization. The relationship between two nations is referred to as a bilateral relationship. BREAKING RELATIONS The formal act of severing diplomatic relations with another nation to underscore disapproval of its actions or policies. It is only done under severe situations. Back to top C

CHANCERY The office space where the Chief of Mission and his staff work. This office is sometimes called the embassy, but, technically, the embassy refers to the diplomatic delegation itself. CHARGÉ D’AFFAIRES Formerly, a chargé d'affaires was the title of a chief of mission, inferior in rank to an ambassador or a minister. It is still used as the title of the head of a US mission where the US and other nation do not have full diplomatic relations. Today with the a.i. (ad interim) added, it designates the senior officer taking charge for the interval when a chief of mission is absent from his/her post or the position is vacant. CHIEF OF MISSION Usually called an ambassador, this is the ranking officer in an embassy or permanent mission and the personal representative of the head of state of his/her nation. COMMUNIQUÉ A brief public summary statement issued following important bilateral or multilateral meetings. CONCILIATION An effort to achieve agreement and, it is hoped, increased goodwill between two opposed parties. CONVENTION An agreement between two or more states, often concerning matters of common interest such as commerce. COUNTRY DESK The Department of State has an office for each country with whom the U.S. shares diplomatic relations. These offices are often called country desks, and if a large country is involved, the desk is likely to be staffed by a large number of officers. A smaller country may require a one-officer desk only. COUNTRY TEAM An interagency group made up of the heads of each State Department section in the embassy and the heads of the other U.S. government agencies represented at post. The country team meeting represents a regular occasion for the sharing of information among sections and agencies, and an opportunity to coordinate activities. CREDENTIALS The name for letters given to an ambassador by his/her chief of state, and addressed to the chief of state of the host country. They are delivered to the latter by the ambassador in a formal credentials ceremony, which generally takes place shortly after his/her arrival at a new post. Until this ceremony has taken place s/he is not formally recognized by the host country and cannot officially act as an ambassador. The letters are termed "letters of credence" because they request the receiving chief of state to give "full credence" to what the ambassador will say of behalf of his/her government. CONSULATE An office that is part of an embassy or established by one nation in an important city of another nation for the purpose of supporting and protecting its citizens traveling or residing there. In addition, these offices are charged with performing other important duties such as issuing visas (where this is required) to host country nationals wishing to travel to the country the consulate represents. All , whether located in the capital city or in other communities, are administratively under the ambassador and the embassy. CONVENTION An assembly of persons who meet for a common purpose especially a meeting of delegates for the purpose of formulating a written agreement on specific issues. The word also refers to the written agreement itself. Back to top D

DEFECTION When an official gives up his or her allegiance to one state in preference for another, usually because of disagreement over government policy, often immigrating to or seeking asylum in the new state. Defecting generally indicates a desire to participate in opposition or political activity that is illegal or impossible in the original country, differentiating it from a simple change in citizenship. DEPARTMENT OF STATE The oldest and head agency in the President’s cabinet. The Secretary of State leads the Department of State in carrying out the President's foreign policies. The Department was initially founded as the Department of Foreign Affairs in 1781 and then renamed in 1789 in the Constitution as the Department of State. The art and practice of conducting negotiations and maintaining relations between nations; skill in handling affairs without arousing hostility. A diplomat is one employed or skilled in diplomacy. A member of a entrusted with bearing messages is referred to as a diplomatic courier. The formal protection given to by their host country which shields them from prosecution or arrest. It also allows freedom of movement and is considered customary worldwide except in special circumstances. DISARMAMENT Disarmament refers to the practice of removing or destroying already created weapons. Back to top E

EMBASSY The diplomatic delegation from one country to another. Embassy is often used to refer to the chancery – containing the office of the chief of mission, or ambassador – and other buildings for the offices of diplomatic staff. EMBARGO An embargo is an order of a government prohibiting the departure of commercial ships and other vehicles from its ports. It is a legal prohibition on commerce. EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN Every Foreign Service post is required to have an operative Emergency Action Plan (EAP) with procedures in place to respond to emergencies such as natural disaster, civil unrest, a pandemic or mass casualties. The post EAP is a living document, updated on a continuous basis, and comprehensively reviewed once a year. Diplomatic missions are also required to run mock emergency training drills (usually, an intense two day session every two years) to test their capabilities and the relevance of their EAPs. In the past a diplomatic minister who was accredited to a foreign government and who ranked between an ambassador and a was also called "envoy extraordinary". Today, the term is generally synonymous with diplomat, or in the case of a Special Envoy, a person sent to deal with a specific issue. ESPIONAGE The collection of classified or secret information by a foreign individual for his or her native government or governmental agency. EXTRADITION The legal process by which an accused or confirmed criminal is transferred from one country to another. Generally, treaties signed between governments determine the precise requirements, rules, and exemptions for transferring suspected criminals from one sovereign legal authority to another. EXPULSION The formal deportation of a diplomat, often as a form of protest against the diplomat’s home country or as a result of actions by the diplomat, such as espionage. Back to top F

FOREIGN AID Assistance (often in the form of economic aid) provided by one nation to another. FOREIGN AFFAIRS The relations among states within the international system, including the roles of states and international organizations; can also include the roles of non-governmental organizations and multinational corporations. FOREIGN POLICY In the United States, the plan or strategy that the President and senior policymakers define and establish to achieve national objectives and interests. FORMAL DIPLOMACY This is government-to-government diplomacy – also called Track I Diplomacy – that goes through formal, traditional channels of communication to communicate with foreign governments (written documents, meetings, summits, diplomatic visits, etc). This type of diplomacy is conducted by diplomats of one nation with diplomats and other officials of another nation or international organization. Back to top I

INFORMAL DIPLOMACY Informal diplomacy includes which involves government- to-people diplomacy and reaching out to non-executive branch officials and the broader public, particularly opinion-shapers, in foreign countries, explaining both foreign policy and the national context out of which that policy arises. Public Diplomacy is carried out by both diplomats and, under their programs and auspices, non-officials such as academic scholars, journalists, experts in various fields, members of non-governmental organizations, public figures such as state and local government officials, and social activists. INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS An organization with an international membership, mission, or presence. There are two main types: International nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) are nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that operate internationally, such as the International Olympic Committee or the International Committee of the Red Cross. Intergovernmental organizations, also known as international governmental organizations (IGOs), the type of organization most closely associated with the term "international organization" are organizations that are made up primarily of sovereign states (referred to as member states). Examples include the United Nations; NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization); OAS (Organization of American States); APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation); ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations); and the WTO (World Trade Organization). Back to top L

LOCALLY EMPLOYED STAFF Staff that work at a Foreign Service post (Embassy/Consulate/Mission) abroad. The overwhelming majority are citizens of the country the post is located in, but some are American citizens living in the country and family members of Foreign Service Officers and other full time USG employees who are assigned to a post. More than 53,000 Locally Employed Staff work at U.S. Missions around the world. They provide local expertise, language skills, continuity and contacts within the host country. They are indispensible full-fledged members of our American missions abroad. Back to top M

MISSION A diplomatic representation to an international organization. Mission is also used to refer to an embassy. MINISTERIAL A formally arranged meeting of ministers of various states, such as the Defense or Foreign Ministers of the member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. MULTILATERAL Involving more than two nations (which would be bilateral). International organizations, such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, are multilateral in nature. Back to top N

NEGOTIATION Discussion between the representatives of two or more parties intended to reach a compromise on a disputed topic of interest. Governmental negotiations can be bilateral (between two states or between a state and a non-state entity, such as an International Organization or Non- Governmental Organization) or multilateral. NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION A private institution that is independent of the government. Back to top O

OPERATIONS CENTER The Operations Center (Ops Center) is the Secretary's and the Department's communications and crisis management center. Working 24 hours a day, the Operations Center monitors world events, prepares briefings for the Secretary and other Department principals, and facilitates communication between the Department and the rest of the world. The Operations Center also coordinates the Department's response to crises and supports task forces, monitoring groups, and other crisis-related activities. Back to top P

PASSPORT A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify United States passports. A Latin phrase meaning “unwelcome person.” As a legal term, it refers to the practice of a state prohibiting a diplomat from entering the country as a diplomat, or censuring a diplomat already resident in the country for conduct unbecoming of the status of a diplomat. Refers to the ceremonial side of diplomacy, including matters of diplomatic courtesy and precedence. Back to top R

RATIFICATION To approve and sanction formally, as with a treaty. RECOGNITION Commonly used in connection with the recognition by one state of the existence of another state (for example when a new one is formed), or the existence of a government which is in effective control of a state. Back to top S

SANCTIONS A form of hard power, these are coercive measures taken by one or more states to protest another state’s actions and to force a change of behavior. Although sanctions may technically include military action, they usually refer to measures taken by diplomats in lieu of military action. Diplomatically, sanctions may include the breaking of formal relations or the removal of a country’s embassy. Other forms include economic sanctions to ban certain types of trade, and sports sanctions to prevent a country’s people and teams from competing in international events. SMART POWER The flexible and combined use of hard power – military force or economic sanctions – and soft power – diplomatic and cultural influence – to overcome a foreign policy challenge. A formally arranged meeting of heads of governments. Back to top T

TREATY An agreement or arrangement made by negotiation; a contract in writing between two or more political authorities such as sovereign states, formally signed by authorized representatives, and usually approved by the legislature of the state. V

VISA A document issued by a country giving an individual permission to formally request entrance to the country during a given period of time and for certain purposes and usually stamped or glued inside a passport, or sometimes issued as separate pieces of paper. http://glossary.usip.org/resource/diplomacy Home > New Diplomat

Glossary of Diplomatic Terms

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Accession The procedure by which a nation becomes a party to an agreement already in force between other nations

Accords International agreements originally thought to be for lesser subjects than covered by treaties , but now really treaties by a different name.

Ad Referendum An agreement reached ad referendum means an agreement reached by negotiators at the table, subject to the subsequent concurrence of their governments.

Agrément Diplomatic courtesy requires that before a state appoints a new chief of diplomatic mission to represent it in another state, it must be first ascertained whether the proposed appointee is acceptable to the receiving state. The acquiescence of the receiving state is signified by its granting its agrément to the appointment. It is unusual for an agrément to be refused, but it occasionally happens.

Aide Mémoire A written summary of the key points made by a diplomat in an official conversation. Literally, a document left with the other party to the conversation, either at the time of the conversation or subsequently, as an aid to memory.

Alternat When an agreement is signed between two states, or among several states, each signatory keeps an official copy for itself. Alternat refers to the principle which provides that a state’s own name will be listed ahead of the other signatory, or signatories, in its own official copy. It is a practice devised centuries ago to handle sensitivities over precedence.

Ambassador Extraordinary and The chief of a diplomatic mission; the ranking official diplomatic representative of his country to the country to which he is accredited, and the personal representative of his own head of state to the head of state of the host country. The term "extraordinary" has no real meaning. Years ago it was given only to nonresident on temporary missions and was used to distinguish them from regular resident ambassadors. The latter resented others having this appellation, as it seemed to imply a lesser position for themselves. Eventually therefore, it was accorded to them as well. "Plenipotentiary" also comes down through the years. Today it simply means possessed Glossary

For trade-related terms see the WTO glossary [external link]

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The procedure by which a nation becomes a party to an Accession agreement already in force between other nations International agreements originally thought to be for lesser Accords subjects than covered by treaties, but now really treaties by a different name When a diplomatic mission based in one country is the Accredited concurrent representative to two or more countries An agreement reached ad referendum means an agreement Ad Referendum reached by negotiators at the table, subject to the subsequent concurrence of their governments Diplomatic courtesy requires that before a state appoints a new head of a diplomatic mission to represent it in another state, it must first ascertain whether the proposed appointee is Agrément acceptable to the receiving state. The agreement of the receiving state is signified by its granting its agrément to the appointment. It is unusual for an agrément to be refused, but it occasionally happens A written summary of the key points made by a diplomat in an official conversation. Literally, a document left with the other Aide Memoire party to the conversation, either at the time of the conversation or subsequently, as an aid to memory When an agreement is signed between two states, or among several states, each signatory keeps an official copy for itself. The term alternat refers to the principle which provides that a Alternat state’s own name will be listed ahead of the other signatory, or signatories, in its own official copy. It is a practice devised centuries ago to handle sensitivities over precedence A diplomat or an official envoy accredited to a foreign government as the official of his/her own government; or an official appointed for a special, usually Ambassador temporary, diplomatic assignment. In Commonwealth countries the senior diplomatic representatives of other Commonwealth countries are called high commissioners An official who has been named to be an ambassador, but who Ambassador-Designate has not yet presented his/her credentials to the authorities of the receiving state Used in diplomacy to mean providing refuge. In some cases this means providing refuge within the extra-territorial grounds Asylum of an embassy, in others it is when one state allows someone to live within its borders, out of reach of the authority of a second state from which the person seeks protection Civilian attachés are either junior officers in an embassy/high commission or, senior officers who have a professional specialisation such as "labour attaché", "commercial attaché", "", etc. On the military side, an embassy will generally have a defence attaché or in larger embassies there will also be an army attaché, naval attaché, and or air attaché. Attaché In smaller missions one attaché may cover tri-service activities and responsibilities. These consist primarily of liaison work with local military authorities and reporting on defence matters in the host country. When serving in high commissions, defence, army, navy and air representatives are designated as advisers rather than attaches top of page B

A state of belligerency is a state of armed conflict. Belligerents Belligerency are direct participants in the conflict Bilateral discussions or negotiations are between a state and Bilateral one other. A bilateral treaty is between one state and one other. "Multilateral" is used when more than two states are involved A very informal means of conveying written information; more Bout de papier informal than an aide memoire, memorandum or letter The formal act of severing diplomatic relations with another state, which is intended convey disapproval of its actions or policies. This step is not taken lightly. When relations between states are strained, it is usually considered that it is important to maintain diplomatic relations. A less serious step that Breaking Relations indicates displeasure but stops short of breaking diplomatic relations is for a government to recall its ambassador. Such a step means that the embassy/high commission can continue to function. Sometimes, in order to convey displeasure, a government will publicly recall its ambassador/ “for consultations” top of page C

Calls Calling has largely disappeared from private life, but it is a practice which is still useful for diplomats when the early establishment of extensive contacts is useful.. Soon after arrival at a new post, a diplomat will embark on a program of calls on those with whom he/she will be dealing and whom it will be useful to get to know An action by one state regarded as so contrary to the interests Casus Belli of another state as to be considered by that second state as a cause for war Chancelleries As in "chancelleries of Europe", i.e. foreign offices The office where the and his staff work. This office is often called the embassy, but for clarity’s sake it is Chancery useful to use the terms distinguish between the two by using the terms "ambassador’s/high commissioner’s residence" and "embassy/high commission’ A senior position in British embassies/high commissions, but not commonly found in other diplomatic offices. An officer, Chancery, Head of usually head of the political section, charged with coordinating the substantive policy and administrative work of the embassy/high commission Chargé d’ Affaires e.p.(en A diplomat accredited by letter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs pied) of a country in lieu of an accredited resident ambassador A senior officer taking charge of the embassy when the ambassador is absent from the post (e.g. on leave) or in the Chargé d’Affaires,a.i.(ad interval between the departure of the ambassador and the interim) arrival of a successor. At high commissions, the senior officer taking charge of the post temporarily is designated as acting high commissioner The senior officer in an embassy, high commission, permanent mission, , consulate-general or consulate (i.e. Chief of Mission ambassador, high commissioner, minister, -general, or consul) A brief public summary statement issued following important Communiqué bilateral or multilateral meetings An effort to achieve agreement and, hopefully, increased Conciliation goodwill between two opposed parties Concordat A treaty to which the Pope is a party International meetings. In the diplomatic sense, a congress has Conference or Congress the same meaning as a conference. A consular officer of the highest rank; i.e. the senior official at a Consul-General consulate-general A host-country national appointed by a foreign state to perform Consul, Honorary limited consular functions in a locality where the appointing state has no other consular representation An official doing consular work for a nation in a locality where it Consular Agent does not maintain a regular consulate. This official is usually a national of the host state, and his/her work is usually part-time Consulate-General or Offices established by one state in important cities of another Consulate state for the purpose of supporting and protecting its citizens travelling or residing there. In addition, these offices are charged with performing other administrative duties such as issuing visas (where necessary) to host country nationals wishing to travel to the country represented by the consulate- general or consulate. Consulates-general or consulates in the capital city or in other cities come under the control of the ambassador/high commissioner. In carrying out their consular duties, they also serve as branch offices for the embassy/high commission, supporting the latter’s political and economic responsibilities. Consulates also have a useful role in connection with the promotion of their country’s exports and other commercial activities. Officers performing consular duties are known as consuls-general, consuls or, vice consuls. The consul- general is in charge of a consulate-general, while consulates are headed by a consul A legal agreement between two or more states concerning matters of common interest. While supposedly used for lesser Convention matters than embraced in a treaty, it often deals with important subjects – international postal and copyright laws, the law of the sea, whaling, human rights etc The name for letters given to an ambassador by his chief of state, and addressed to the chief of state of his host country. They are delivered to the latter by ambassadors in a formal credentials ceremony, which generally takes place shortly after his arrival at a new post. Until this ceremony has taken place he Credentials is not formally recognized by the host country, and he cannot officially act as an ambassador. The letters are termed "letters of credence" because they request the receiving chief of state to give "full credence" to what the ambassador will say or do on behalf of his government When an ambassador or high commissioner is concurrently Cross accreditation accredited to two or more countries

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Not a commonly used term, but it is sometimes used to mean a joint statement by two or more states having the same binding Declaration effect as a treaty. Such declarations can be made on a stand- alone basis or appended to a treaty as an added understanding or interpretation Delegation can be used to refer to specific powers delegated by a government to a Cabinet minister or a diplomat to act in Delegation certain specific circumstances e.g. to sign a treaty. It also refers to an official party sent to an international conference A request or intercession with a foreign official, e.g., a request demarche for support of a policy, or a protest about the host government’s policy or actions Demarché A formal approach or intervention by a diplomat, making representations to another government. Normally indicates formally raising an issue with host country government, usually involving a specific request for some action or decision in connection with the issue The second in command at an embassy who becomes the chargé d’ affaires in the absence of the ambassador. At high (DCM) commissions, the officer in such a position would be called the acting high commissioner Détente An easing of tension between states This is a bag in which mail is sent to and from diplomatic/consular missions and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. If the bag contains classified documents it is carried by a special security-cleared courier, if not, the bag is sent by airfreight The group of foreign diplomats resident in a nation’s capital. In cities where consuls and consuls-general are resident, they are collectively known as the . The dean of both corps is usually the official who had been at his/her post the longest. There are some exceptions to this rule, for example, in some Catholic countries, the papal is usually the dean of the corps. The dean represents the corps in collective dealings with host country officials on matters of a ceremonial or administrative character affecting the corps as a whole The practice of feigning illness to avoid participation in a diplomatic event of one kind or another and at the same time to avoid giving formal offence. "Diplomatic deafness" is a somewhat related concept whereby older diplomats allegedly turn this infirmity to advantage by not hearing what they prefer not to hear Exemption of foreign diplomatic agents or representatives from Diplomatic Immunity local jurisdiction Diplomatic Note A formal written means of communication among embassies Historically accorded in recognition that the diplomat represents (and is responsible to) a different sovereignty; also in order that the legitimate pursuit of his official duties will not be Diplomatic Privileges and impeded in any unnecessary way. They include inviolability of Immunities person and diplomatic premises and exemption from taxation and the civil and criminal jurisdiction of local courts. See also Diplomatic Immunity It has the same meaning as "diplomat". An outdated word Diplomatist rarely used now in spoken diplomacy but occasionally still appearing in the literature of diplomacy A written report, as opposed to a telegraphic, message from an Dispatch embassy to its home office or vice versa. Nowadays such reports are called memoranda When an ambassador or high commissioner is concurrently accredited to two or more states top of page E

A career diplomat who specialized in economics rather than Economic Officer political, administrative, or other matters The offices of the ambassador and other key members of his/her staff. (The British Foreign Service, however, uses the Embassy term “chancery”) Sometimes, in order to avoid confusion, the terms “ambassador’s residence” and “ambassador’s office” may be used A diplomatic mission in the capital city of a foreign country Embassy headed by an ambassador Denotes a close understanding between certain nations. It suggests mutual and complementary efforts, and a sense of Entente compatible objectives. It can be agreed on orally or in writing, but as a concept is generally less binding than a treaty relationship Usually refers to a senior diplomat, but can be used to describe Envoy a senior official representing his/her government at a conference or on a special mission of limited duration Something which is done as a gesture of good will and not on Ex Gratia the basis of an accepted legal obligation The formal title for addressing an ambassador/high Excellency commissioner A common way of recording an agreement. The contents of the Exchange of Notes notes are, of course, agreed upon in advance by the two governments participating in the exchange A document issued to a consular officer by the host country government authorizing the officer to carry out his/her consular duties The term for the process, governed by formally concluded agreements, by which fugitives fleeing justice from one country Extradition are returned from the country where they have sought refuge. It does not apply to political offences The exercise by one nation, as a result of formally concluded agreements, of certain functions within the territory of another Extraterritoriality state. A curtailment of the jurisdiction of the host government in certain specified areas and/or in certain specified respects top of page F

A formal summary statement, drawn up at the conclusion of a Final Act (Acte Finale) conference Full Powers A legal document which authorizes a diplomat to conduct special business on behalf of his government, such as the settlement of a dispute or the negotiation of a treaty. Before signing a treaty, a diplomat is obligated to show his full-powers document to the other parties involved top of page G

An effort by a third state, or by an individual or an international Good Offices body, designed to stimulate the processes of settlement in a dispute between two other states top of page H

The senior officer of a diplomatic mission, with the title of Head of Mission ambassador, high commissioner, minister, or chargé d’ affaires Diplomatic mission of one Commonwealth country in another High Commission Commonwealth country High Commissioner The head of a high commission Principal representative of one Commonwealth country in High Commissioner another Commonwealth country top of page I

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These are rare now, but a legation is a diplomatic mission Legation similar for most practical purposes to an embassy, but lower in rank, and is headed by a minister rather than an ambassador Letters of Credence See Credentials Also presented by a new ambassador, along with his , to the head of state of the host country during the Letters of Recall credentials presentation ceremony. It is the official document which formally advises of the recall of his/her predecessor top of page M

A generic term for an embassy, high commission, consulate- Mission general or consulate A temporary agreement, in writing, of an interim character, Modus Vivendi pending the negotiation of more definitive arrangements top of page N

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The official document issued to a person by his/her government certifying citizenship and requesting foreign governments to Passport grant the individual safe passage, lawful aid and protection while under that government's jurisdiction Permanent Mission An individual who is unacceptable to or unwelcome by the host Persona Non Grata government Priority among ambassadors, consuls-general or consuls on ceremonial or formal occasions. Precedence is normally Precedence determined by the order in which they presented their credentials to the host government Refers to the ceremonial side of diplomacy, including matters of diplomatic courtesy etiquette and precedence. It may also be Protocol used as another name for an agreement, or it may denote sections added to an agreement clarifying or defining some specific aspects of an agreement top of page Q

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Diplomatic ranks in order of seniority are ambassador/high Ranks (Diplomatic and commissioner, minister, counsellor, first secretary, second Consular) secretary, third secretary, attaché. The consular ranks are consul-general, consul, vice-consul, attaché The official of a committee or subcommittee whose job is to Rapporteur prepare a summary report of its discussions and conclusions Rapprochement The establishment of improved relations between two countries Following the negotiation of a treaty, ratification is the act by Ratification which a government formally commits itself to adhere to that treaty Commonly used in connection with the recognition by one state of the existence of another state (for example when a new state Recognition is formed), or the recognition of a government which is in effective control of a state top of page S

top of page T A diplomatic discussion covering a range of subjects of current Tour d’horizon and common interest Treaty A formal binding agreement between countries top of page U

A formal statement indicating serious displeasure. On occasion it may be a prelude to taking serious action e.g. military activity, trade embargo, severance of diplomatic relations A term used when one government wishes to tell another that Unfriendly Act an action the latter has taken is regarded as causing serious damage to the bilateral relationship top of page V

Vienna Convention on UN convention, adopted in 1961, formalizing the rights and Diplomatic Relations privileges of diplomats Written authority to enter a country for either temporary Visa residence, (e.g. for tourism, education, or business) or for permanent residence top of page W

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A Dictionary of Diplomatic Terminology Currently in Circulation A agrément – the host government’s acceptance of the nomination of an ambassador to the country ambassador-designate – a diplomatic agent who has been designated by the President as his/her choice as personal representative but who has not yet been confirmed by the Senate and who has not taken the oath of office (U.S. only) ambassador – an official envoy or diplomatic agent of the highest rank accredited to a foreign government as the official resident representative of his own government; or an official appointed for a special, often temporary, diplomatic assignment ambassador at large – an ambassador whose portfolio addresses specific issues rather than one specific country ambassador extraordinaire and plenipotentiary – a diplomatic agent who is the personal representative of the head of one state accredited to the head of another attaché – a civilian or military technical expert or specialist on the mission

C chancery – the embassy office building chargé d’ affaires – a diplomatic agent accredited by letter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Secretary of State of one country by his/her counterpart in lieu of a duly accredited ambassador chargé d’ affaires ad interim – also referred to as chargé; a subordinate diplomat who substitutes for an ambassador or minister in his/her absence chief of mission – principal officer of an overseas mission, with the title of Ambassador, Minister, or Chargé d’ affaires. consul – a consular officer of the highest rank; senior official at the consulate general consular agent – individuals who perform limited consular functions in cities where there is no mission consulate – a constituent or subordinate post; also the office of the consul and his/her staff consulate general – a large constituent or subordinate post counsellor – a diplomatic title accorded to a head of a section in the embassy, such as "Counsellor for Political Affairs" or "Political Counsellor"

D demarche – a request or intercession with a foreign official, e.g., a request for support of a policy, or a protest about the host government’s policy or actions deputy chief of mission (DCM) – the second in command at an embassy who becomes the chargé d’ affaires in the ambassador’s absence diplomatic agent – a generic term denoting a person who carries out regular diplomatic relations of the nation he/she represents in the nation to which he/she has been accredited diplomatic note – a formal written means of communication among embassies diplomatic corps – the collective heads of foreign diplomatic missions and their staff members diplomatic immunity – exemption of foreign diplomatic agents or representatives from local jurisdiction diplomatic ranks – Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Minister Plenipotentiary Ministers Chargé d’ affaires ad hoc or pro tempore Chargé d’ affaires ad interim Minister-Counsellors Counsellors (or Senior Secretaries in the absence of Counsellors) Army, Naval and Air Attaches Civilian Attaches First Secretaries Second Secretaries Assistant Army, Naval and Air Attaches Civilian Assistant Attaches Third Secretaries and Assistant Attaches Dual accreditation – having two or more responsibilities, such as an ambassador who is simultaneously accredited to two nations

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Embassy – a diplomatic mission in the capital city of a foreign country headed by an ambassador

Exequatur – written, official recognition of a consular officer issued by the government to which one is accredited

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Interest section – the office responsible for protecting the interests of the US, housed in a third country embassy, in a country which the US has no formal diplomatic relations

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Legation – a diplomatic mission in a foreign country headed by a minister. The US has none at present, but a few other countries do

M

Mission – a generic term for embassy. Mission also describes the entirety of official US representation in a given foreign country, which functions under the supervision of the ambassador, including civilian and military personnel (except US military reporting to a unified command and official US representation to a multilateral organization).

P

Passport – the official document issued to a person by his/her government certifying citizenship and requesting foreign governments to grant the individual safe passage, lawful aid and protection while under that government’s jurisdiction p.c. – used in written social correspondence, "pour condoler" (to express sympathy) p.f. – used in written social correspondence, "pour feliciter" (to extend congratulations) p.m. – used in written social correspondence, "pour memoire" (to remind) p.p. - used in written social correspondence, "pour presenter" (to introduce) p.p.c. – used in written social correspondence, "pou prendre conge" (to say goodbye) p.r. – used in written social correspondence, "pour remercier" (to express thanks) persona non grata – an individual who is unacceptable to or unwelcome by the host government precedence – priority; the right to superior honor on a ceremonial or formal occasion; for ambassadors in a country, precedence is determined by the order in which they presented their credentials to the host government

S secretary (third, second, first) – of officers posted overseas, in ascending order of seniority

V

Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations – UN convention, adopted in 1961, formalizing the rights and privileges of diplomatic agents. vice-consul – a junior ranking consular officer visa – a seal or endorsement made on a passport by the proper officials of a country which entitles the bearer to apply for entry into another country at the port of admission.