Severance of Diplomatic Relations

the cessation of normal diplomatic relations between two states, entailing the recall of diplomatic representatives and the shutting down of diplomatic missions. A severance of diplomatic relations usually occurs as a result of the onset of war (a declaration of war or an armed attack) or during serious complications in relations between states. The severance of diplomatic relations sometimes precedes the outbreak of war. For example, Japan’s severance of diplomatic relations with Russia on Jan. 24 (Feb. 6), 1904, was followed on Jan. 27 (Feb. 9), 1904, by a perfidious attack on the Russian squadron in Port Arthur.

In accordance with the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, when diplomatic relations are severed the host state must provide assistance for the rapid departure of the staff members of the diplomatic mission and their families.

States that have severed diplomatic relations can maintain contacts on certain, usually current, matters through the diplomatic mission of some third state, to which these states entrust the protection of their interests and the interests of their citizens, as well as the safeguarding of the premises of the mission being recalled, its property and files.

Imperialist powers frequently use the severance of diplomatic relations or the threat of severance as a means of interfering in the internal affairs of other states and as a means of bringing political pressure and provoking international conflicts. Such was the case when the USA and a number of Latin American countries severed diplomatic relations with Cuba in 1961–62.

The UN Charter permits the severance of diplomatic relations as a possible collective measure to be carried out in accordance with a resolution of the UN Security Council.