Legal Definitions - letters of credence

"Letters of credence" are formal diplomatic documents issued by the head of state of one country to the head of state of another. These letters serve as a critical instrument in international relations, officially appointing a specific individual, typically an ambassador, as the legitimate and authorized representative of their sending country.

Crucially, letters of credence also formally request the receiving head of state to accept the ambassador's statements and actions as authoritative and trustworthy. By presenting these letters, the ambassador gains full diplomatic recognition, privileges, and the authority to conduct official business on behalf of their nation.

• Example 1: A New Ambassador's Arrival

  When a newly appointed Ambassador from South Africa arrives in Germany, they cannot immediately begin their official duties. They must first present their letters of credence, signed by the President of South Africa and addressed to the President of Germany, at a formal ceremony.

  This act formally introduces the ambassador, confirms their authority to represent South Africa, and requests Germany to accept their statements and actions as official communications from the South African government, thereby granting them full diplomatic status.

• Example 2: Reaffirming Diplomatic Ties After a Political Transition

  Suppose a new President is elected in Argentina. While the existing Ambassador to Spain might remain in their post, the new Argentine President might issue new letters of credence for that ambassador, addressed to the King of Spain.

  These new letters would reaffirm the ambassador's mandate under the new administration, ensuring continued diplomatic recognition and trust from the Spanish government, and signaling that the ambassador still speaks with the full authority of the Argentine state.

• Example 3: Facilitating International Negotiations

  Imagine an Ambassador from Canada is tasked with negotiating a complex environmental treaty with the United States. During these sensitive discussions, the U.S. government needs assurance that the Canadian Ambassador's proposals and commitments genuinely reflect Canada's official stance.

  The letters of credence, issued by the Governor General of Canada (representing the head of state) to the President of the United States, explicitly state that the U.S. should "give full credence" to what the ambassador says. This formal document underpins the legitimacy of the negotiations, ensuring that both parties can trust the authority behind the ambassador's words.