Explanatory note

This Order, which is made pursuant to the Consular Relations Act 1968, provides, with respect to consular posts of the Italian Republic and persons connected with them, for according privileges additional to those accorded by Schedule 1 to the Act, namely—

(i)relief from dues and taxes for the residences of career consular officers;

(ii)the same treatment in respect of consular bags as is accorded to a diplomatic bag.

It gives effect to the relevant provisions of the Consular Convention between the United Kingdom and the Italian Republic which was signed at Rome on 1st June 1954 (Cmnd. 1135) as these provisions have been interpreted by an Exchange of Notes between the two Governments which took place at Rome on 27th January 1970 (Cmnd. 4322).