Diplomatic privileges, immunities and duties

Gamage KARUNASIRI

In 1970 the coalition partners made a resounding victory at the election winning 2/3 majority. It was followed by drastic changes on policy matters including our foreign affairs. A fairly large number of heads of missions overseas appointed by the previous regime were withdrawn and a new set of ambassadors were selected in pursuance of the new policies of the Government led by Srimavo R D Bandaranaike.

A historic seminar was held in Colombo in mid 1970 for the new ambassador designates. It was the Prime Minister's desire to emphasize the need for greater professionalism in the conduct of the diplomatic service. The public opinion called for a detailed study and a specialized approach in the conduct of foreign affairs and this was particularly important for the many duties that were to be shouldered by the new heads of missions. The following are some of the excerpts from her speech:-

"It is very essential, that our Heads of Missions should understand the new policies with a sympathy and genuine understanding of them so that they could bring to bear a sense of dedication and also be able to project a correct picture of the Government and its policies. This is particularly needed at this moment, because I see that there is a large scale misrepresentation of our aspirations and motives in certain quarters, particularly the foreign press and other publicity media. One of your immediate tasks will be to deal with these problems effectively combating distortions and publicizing the truth.

"Whether we like it or not small countries like Ceylon have to assert themselves and considering the moral and political values which we represent. We need not be modest about doing so. Diplomatic initiative today is really a matter of basic national interest." The greatest dangers facing small countries like Ceylon today is that, we might be made the pawns of big powers in a larger great power conflict. Ceylon is particularly vulnerable to this danger, because of our geographical position.

As regards the controversial subject of foreign aid she mentioned the following:- " I wish to take the opportunity to emphasize that nothing our Government has said or done implies any unwillingness on our part to accept economic aid from other countries provided, of course, that consistent with our national self respect and our dignity as a sovereign State. Such aid should not be on a basis or have overtones which will circumscribe or prejudice our freedom of action. To use a common phrase it should be aid without strings, because to do otherwise is the negation of non-alignment and political independence."

For the first time in the history of the foreign service no less than four members of the service who after long careers in the diplomatic service were appointed as heads of missions.

Addressing the four career members of the service, the Prime Minister said:

"I have given due recognition to the claims of the career service. To those four members I wish to say that this is a challenge to you. These four are not political members but nevertheless we expect you to serve our Government which has given you this wonderful opportunity for the first time, with absolute loyalty and to the best of your ability. All four of you have served missions abroad and you have the experience and better understanding of running a mission. Therefore I expect greater results and efficiencies from you."

Regarding the conduct and responsibilities of the Heads of Missions in general, she mentioned that our envoys would have to be dynamic, and energetic live -wires. They should be constantly in a state of vigil. The point to appreciate is that diplomacy is a luxury which a small country can ill afford. Our envoys have to project a right image of the country and relentlessly stamp out malicious distortions."

"What must always be foremost in the minds of every one of you is that you are an Ambassador of the country you represent and not the country you are serving in. This is most important. I say this because I am aware of certain cases where our diplomats behaved as if they were the Ambassadors of the country they were serving in."

She concluded her review touching upon the administrative aspect of our missions and expressed her opinion and advice.

"I regret to say as the reports of the Cope have shown, that the records of the missions and particularly of heads of missions, have not been what they should be. Some Heads of Missions have behaved as they were outside the law or not bound by Public Service Regulations. I need hardly say that this is a complete misunderstanding of a Head of a Mission's responsibilities, because he is much bound as any other officer to rectitude and proper procedures in the administration of a mission. Procedures and rules will have to be complied with however irksome they may appear to be. Discipline should be maintained."

In reminisce of 33 years of my diplomatic career, I will not hesitate to agree with many of my colleagues in the Foreign Service that Bandaranaike was the best Foreign Minister we had. We were proud to work under her either here or abroad. That was the privilege we enjoyed. Other Ministers hardly interfered with our work. That was the immunity we appreciated.

With the blessings of that immunity and privilege we could perform our duties very well.