"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.