A Guide to Diplomatic Practice

Recruited straight from university, Ernest Satow (1843–1929) became one of the most respected British diplomats, particularly in Japan, where he is still remembered. After a career spent mostly in the rapidly developing Far East, he retired in 1906. Just before the outbreak of war, he was asked to compile a work on international diplomacy, and 'Satow', as it has become known, was first published in 1917, and in updated versions has not been out of print since. Satow's work was pioneering, there being at that time no comprehensive study in English of diplomacy. Volume 1 covers the history of international diplomacy, its practice and legal matters, and is notable for the author's clear language, and the inclusion of often whimsical anecdotes to illustrate a point in discussion. Writing at a time of enormous international upheaval, Satow provides an illuminating insight into diplomacy before the age of instant communications.

Preface; Book I: 1. Diplomacy; 2. Immunities of the head of a foreign state; 3. The minister for foreign affairs; 4. Precedence among states and similar matters; 5. Titles and precedence among sovereigns; 6. Maritime history; 7. The language of diplomatic intercourse, and forms of documents; 8. Credentials and full-powers; 9. Counsels to diplomatists; 10. Latin and French phrases; Book II. Diplomatic Agents: 11. Of diplomatic agents in general; 12. The right of legation; 13. The selection of diplomatic agents; 14. Persona grata; 15. Diplomatic agent proceeding to his post; 16. Classification of diplomatic agents; 17. Extraterritoriality; 18. Immunities of diplomatic agents; 19. Exemption from taxation; 20. Immunities of the residence of a diplomatic agent; 21. Right of diplomatic agent to the exercise of his religion; 22. Position of diplomatic agent in regard to third states; 23. The diplomatic body; 24. Termination of a mission.

Ernest Satow was one of the most respected British diplomats, particularly in Japan. Since publication in 1917, 'Satow' has become the standard work on the practice of diplomacy, being regularly updated. This first edition provides an illuminating insight into international relations before the age of the telephone and e-mail.