Consular Relations in General

Abstract

Although many of the important and traditional consular functions have been taken over in recent years by diplomatic agents including those of protection of the nationals of the sending state and looking after their trading and other interests, the institution of consul remains an important link in the relations between nations. This is especially so in view of the reluctance on the part of states to permit diplomatic missions to have more than one office in the territories of the receiving state with the consequence that a good deal of work, particularly in connection with the trading and commercial interests of the sending state and its nationals in the various territorial subdivisions of the receiving state has to be undertaken by the consul. Moreover, in cases where no diplomatic relations exist between the states concerned, the interests of the nations are entrusted to the care of the consul.