Diplomacy and Diplomatic Missions
As the most important means for states to be represented in the Community of Nations, diplomacy is a critical function. It is the means by which states express their desires, further their national strategies, solve their differences, and provide for civilised, peaceful co-existence of the peoples of the world. As the vehicle for the exchange of ideas, culture, and commerce among nations, diplomacy is, therefore, the highest endeavor states undertake on behalf of their citizens.
Diplomatic Immunity
The duties of foreign diplomacy preclude the complete knowledge of the laws and customs of the host country. To penalise foreign diplomats who transgress local laws when their focus is on the greater concerns of international matters runs contrary to common sense. Schwerdt in the main, therefore, supports the concept of diplomatic immunity.
There are, however, certain universally held crimes, such as murder or espionage, that Schwerdt believes diplomats should also be held accountable for. Immunity within Schwerdt is extended to accredited members of diplomatic missions for all but such high capital crimes. Members of diplomatic missions who repeatedly, flagrantly, or intentionally violate Schwerdtan law will be expelled, with the strongest protests lodged to their governments and appropriate international bodies.
Safeguarding Diplomatic Missions
Sanctity and security of foreign missions is critical to the constructive exchange of diplomats. First, the foreign mission is an extension of the nation it represents and should be treated as such. Within the limits of international convention, therefore, it should be considered as sovereign to the nation whose diplomatic staff it houses.
Second, by virtue of the diplomatic mission's location within the territory of the host nation, that host nation must undertake to provide appropriate security and supportive services in order to properly safeguard the diplomatic mission and ensure its members have sound working conditions in a manner that has come to be expected through international custom and tradition.
