Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1923-02-03
CONGRESS UNLIKELY
To RESTRICT LIQUOR
SUPPLIES Of ENJOYS
BY DAVID LAWRENCE

Heased Wire Service to The Journal.)
Copyright, 1929
WASHINGTON, Feb. Con
gressional action with respect to the
restriction or limitation of the liquor
supply for the embassies and lega-
tions here is very unlikely. Presi-
dent Harding had suggested that If
anything was to be done on the sub
ject congress could do it. and that
he wouldn't undertake to say what
is and what is not a reasonable sup
ply of stimulant for ambassadors,
gress will not act unless the execu-
tive recommends-and that's where
the matter will rest.
Inquiry. however, as to- how con-
gress can possibly legislate on the
importation of liquor for the diplo-
matte corps brings out some inter
esting phases of the present prac-
tice and makes it appear doubtful
whether congress really can do any
thing about it, even if it wishes. The
amendment make no eXceptions-all
importations of liquor are barred.
Members of the diplomatic corps
are really being permitted to bring
in their supply of liquor without
reference to the existing law on the
theory that diplomats are immune
from all the laws of the land to
which they are accredited.
Immunity Is Courtesy
The American government would
hardly think it wise to disturb this
custom of diplomatic immunity
which has been in effect for gen
eratlons and means as much to the
freedom of action of American diplo-
mats in foreign countries as it does
to the diplomats located in Wash
ington.
Diplomatic immunity is a courte-
sy, recognized in international law,
and no member of a legation staff
can be arrested or tried for any of
Tense, either against the American
constitution or the acts of congress-
The only recourse the American
government has is to ask the for
eign government to recall a diplo-
mat who has flagrantly violated
American laws. If the crime is
serious, a foreign government may
even withdraw its cloak of diplo-
matte immunity and permit one of
is citizens to answer for a crime.
AS far as liquor importations are
concerned, members of the diplo-
matte corps are permitted TO receive
shipments because these are included
under the broad term, personal eff
fects." Some legal questions have
arisen from time to time as to
whether diplomat must travel with
his personal effects to gain immunity
from customs as the transportation
of liquors, for instance, on trains
or in American ships is in itself a
violation Of American law and the
ship owners and railroads. do not
like to be in the position Of ignor-
ing laws.
Whether any article is imported,
either for wearing apparel or house
hold use, no customs duties are paid
by diplomats. But should a legation
or embassy receive an unreasonable
supply of any product, the customs
authorities would naturally have
their curiosity aroused as 6o>Whether
the diplomatic immunity wasn't be.
ing used for commercial objects.
Informal Settlement
Whenever such a contingency
arises, the treasury department,
which has charge of customs, would
notify the state department, which
deals with ambassadors and min
listers and their stats and a polite
| inquiry would be made as to the
reason for the shipment.
Under the same theory some day
| a dispute may arise as 10 what is
a reasonable or unreasonable supply
of liquor for an embassy or Iega-
ton. But the chances are the mat
ter will be ironed out informally be-
tween the department of state and
a foreign government without re.
course to legislation. Theoretically
all diplomats are immune, for in
stance, from obedience to the traffic
laws of the national capital, and the
Washington police had good deal
of difficulty before the state depart
ment persuaded the ambassadors and
ministers to ask their staffs IN the
interest of public safety to obey the
speed laws. Something Of the same
sort may have to be done ultimate
ly but there is no evidence row that
the embassies or legations are using
their supply improperly. The iso-
lated cases rather prove that on the
whole little if any liquor of this kind
is being sold.