ORDER: Regarding the scope of responsibilities and practices for diplomatic agents and consuls.

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Record Information

Title
ORDER: Regarding the scope of responsibilities and practices for diplomatic agents and consuls.
Reference
430-001-04-009
Description
  • Series # - 430
  • Box # - 001
  • Folder # - 04
  • Item # - 009
  • Description - An Order of the Privy Council approved by the King on August 25, 1848, defining the instructions issued by Robert C. Wyllie, Minister of Foreign Relations, to be given to Diplomatic Agents and Consuls of the Hawaiian Islands. The Order detailed the protocol and lines of communication that Consuls must follow, and stated that Consuls must abstain from internal affairs and foreign relations of the country where they reside. The Order listed specific fees that the Consuls would charge for different verification services (e.g. signature of a ships manifest, notary, visa and passport applications, Wills, valuations of ships & goods) and outlined the annual reporting system that had to be submitted to the Minister of Foreign Relations in Honolulu. The Order also explained how Consuls should communicate with their superiors, described how official documents had to be properly formatted, and provided instructions on how documents received by the Consul could be recorded and then organized into specific categories. The Order reminded the Consul that "it is his principal duty to protect and promote the lawful and trading interest of the Hawaiian nation" and to abide by the laws of the nation where he serves. Consuls were expected to represent Hawaiian nationals, but that they must also maintain a level of decorum and impartiality. The Order specified that Consuls should not issue passports to deserters, alcoholics, or gamblers, but should be reserved for individuals who can be beneficial to Hawaii.
  • Comments - Copy 3 (Best Copy -- Copy 2)
ID
ark:70111/51N9
Level
Record
Parent ID
ark:70111/51Lp
Start Date
1848-08-25
End date
1848-08-25
Covering Dates
1848 August 25
Language
English
Closure Type
Open
Open/Closed
true
Closure Status
Open document, open description