Diplomatic ceremonial and protocol: principles, procedures & practices

The termination of the Second World War set in motion the most spectacular evolution of nations which the world has ever witnessed. It brought with it radical changes in the political structure of states, in their relations with one another, in the sudden mass creation of in dependent entities, and a flood of personalities new to world diplomacy. We live in a streamlined world community with ever-increasing tempo, tensions and fast communications. Perhaps there never has been a time, certainly not since the Congress of Vienna, when a serious work pro viding practical guidance to diplomatic and consular officers, whatever their nationality, is more needed and appropriate.
Throughout most of the years of my own experience in the diplomatic and consular fields there was a comparative paucity of helpful reference works. Of course we were fortunate to have always the good old standby Guide to Diplomatic Practice by the Right Honourable Sir Ernest Satow, even though I fear we did not consult it as often as we should. More recently competent practitioners in the diplomatic art, such as Jules Cambon and Harold Nicolson, have made invaluable contributions.

The present work Diplomatic Ceremonial and Protocol is the fruit of the lengthy and varied experience of its two authors, one of whom, Jean Serres, enjoyed a distinguished career in the French diplomatic service. His associate, John R. Wood, has been able to contribute an equally comprehensive store of knowledge and experience gained over the years in the American Foreign Service with emphasis on consular activity. Thus the book is a happy compendium of useful information and guidance for both branches of the Foreign Service. The work, of course, reflects their essentially European experience and background.