seizure. The diplomatic bag need not be an actual bag. The Vienna
Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961) ensures that diplomats
and their official belongings are given safe passage in transit or in the
host country.DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY.Diplomatic immunity, as defined by the
Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), allows designated
diplomats to engage in their official duties without interference from
the host government to which they are accredited. The home country
can waive immunity if it so desires, but this tends only to happen when
the individual has committed a serious crime, unconnected with the
diplomatic role, or has witnessed such a crime. Alternatively, the home
country may decide to prosecute the individual. Even though diplomats
are exempt from host country laws, they may be expelled for “actions
inconsistent with their diplomatic status” (spying), smuggling, child
custody law violations, and even murder in a few cases.DIPLOMATIC SECURITY. Security within the Department of
Statewas formally established in 1916 under Secretary of State
Robert Lansing. In 1918, Congresspassed legislation requiring pass-
ports for Americans traveling abroad and visas for aliens wishing to
enter the United States, and responsibility for enforcing the new law
fell on the State Department’s security office. At this time, diplomatic
security also protected distinguished visitors to the United States.
During World War I, the State Department also acquired responsi-
bility for incarcerating and exchanging diplomatic officials of enemy
powers and assisting in screening people repatriated from enemy-
controlled areas, a job it also undertook during World War II.
After the war, reorganization enabled the State Department’s security
office to maintain bureaus and to station U.S. Marines at U.S. em-
bassies abroad. With the rise of the terroristthreat against U.S. inter-
ests in the 1980s, the State Department established the Bureau of Diplo-
matic Security (DS) and the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) on 4
November 1985. The Diplomatic Courier Service joined the new Bu-
reau at this time. The DS acquired the Rewards for Justice Program in
1992, in which the State Department pays for information to resolve
acts of international terrorism against Americans. The DS also conducts
criminal and personnel security investigations and provides protective
services to distinguished dignitaries visiting the United States.DIPLOMATIC SECURITY•5505-398 (2) Dictionary.qxd 10/20/05 6:27 AM Page 55