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Chapter 5: Full powers

Chapter 5: Full powers

pp. 71-78

Authors

, London School of Economics and Political Science
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Summary

We have judged it expedient to invest a fit person with Full Power to conduct negotiations on Our part in respect of Our United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: Know, therefore, that We, reposing especial Trust and Confidence in the Wisdom, Loyalty, Diligence and Circumspection of our Trusty and Well-beloved Sir Patrick Henry Dean, Knight Commander of Our Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George…

The quotation is but a small extract from old-style full powers that was still being used by the United Kingdom not so long ago. Some states may still use similar antiquated nonsense. It is therefore not so surprising that an air of mystery still surrounds the topic. Admittedly, it is not the most thrilling aspect of the law of treaties, but failure to follow the complex, but clear, rules on full powers can lead to much needless extra work, vexation and, indeed, even embarrassment. So, please read on.

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