Diplomatic Service, British

Click a letter for the index

Or search the encyclopaedia:

 

 

Go

 

Body that represents Britain abroad in regard to its international interests, consisting of diplomatic agents and occasionally consuls, although the latter are in general concerned only with the interests of British subjects resident abroad. Diplomatic agents include ambassadors, or envoys, who are officials permanently accredited (appointed) to a foreign state, and chargés d'affaires who either act as deputy for an ambassador or are accredited as the British representative to a foreign country of minor importance.

The Diplomatic Service employs some 5,500 (1998) people for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and diplomatic missions abroad. It has its own grade structure.

Green symbolizes hopes of prosperity. Yellow stands for economic development and work. Blue represents peace and happiness. The sun represents light and enlightenment. Effective date: 31 December 2001. >>