"In spite of his quotation from Eric Clarke that "Consuls are the Cinderellas of the diplomatic service," this study shows through a historical evolution, the relevance of Consuls through their structure, competence, privileges and immunities. " from the Foreword by H.E. Professor Guido de Marco, President of the 45th UN General Assembly, President Emeritus of the Republic of Malta Contents of this work include: The Consul through the Ages The Appointment of Consuls Consular Privileges and Immunities Functions of Consuls Assistance to Nationals Notarial Functions of Consuls The Consul's Role in the Protection of Foreign Interests The Honorary Consul Appendices Withdrawal from the Optional Protocol Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963 UK-Sweden Agreement GUUAM Convention on Consular Relations An invaluable purchase for Governments, lawyers and those who study them - as well as for Consuls themselves."