VOLUME 75
11.4
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AGREID LINE OF CONDUCT WITH COLLEAGUES
It may be useful for British representatives to discuss these guidelines intormally and privately with their European Community colleagues so that, wherever possible, a common practice is observed. If necessary, the 100 could be asked to pursue the issue through the EC's political cooperation machinery. Simular discussions with other leading non-EC Western colleagues could also be useful but if there is any risk of this receiving undesirable publicity, it is wiser to do nothing until an actual case occurs.
11.5
11.5.1
RECEIPT OF COMMUNICATIONS
Communications from States, or their representatives, which HMG recognise but with which the United Kingdom does not currently have diplomatic relations may be accepted by British representatives in whatever way they are delivered. They are most likely to be received through a third party, to whom a normal acknowledgement of receipt should be sent. If, however, a communication is received direct the FCO should be informed by telegram and no other action taken until instructions are received.
11.5.2 Communications from other entities should not be acknowledged, irrespective of whether they are received direct or through an intermediary. Their nature and circumstances of delivery should be reported to the FCO by telegram with a request for instructions, unless the Post already has specific instructions.
11.5.3 There may be an attempt to deliver a communication, either directly through a British Mission or through the government or representative of a third country, to an individual in the United Kingdom who, although holding a position of authority, is not a member of Her Majesty's Government (eg the Speaker of the House of Commons). If the originator is simply attempting to use Brutish official channels for delivering a message to an independent person, the communication should be returned without delay. If it is sent by the local representative of the originating entity it should be returned without comment. If it is received through the representative of a third country or party with whom HMG are in normal diplomatic relations, the communication should be returned to him with the explanation (either oral or written, as appropriate) that it cannot be accepted for onward transmission because, for example, it purports to be an official communication from the independent government of a sovereign State, which HMG do not recognise as such.
11.5.4
These general guidelines cannot cover all possible contingencies and whenever there is doubt as to the proper course of action, details should be reported to the FCO asking for guidance or instructions. In the meantime, the communication should not be acknowledged.
11.6
11.6.1
May 1981
DOYENS
A Brit representative who assumes the position of Doyen of the local diplomatic corps does so on the ..nderstanding, which he makes known, that there is a clear distinction between his position as Doy in and as the British representative. As Doyen, he conducts the business of the corps with impartilhy and without regard to HMG's attitude to the status of any entity represented in the corps. In this capacity he communicates with all representatives but, as far as HMG are concerned, such communications do not imply any recognition of the Ambassadorial status of the recipients.
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