Page:Diplomacy and the Study of International Relations (1919).djvu/273

 Effect of telegraphic communications upon the responsibility of diplomatic missions: (1) Evidence of Lord Stratford de Redcliffe:

'Has it been your experience with regard to the introduction of much more rapid locomotion, and the use of telegrams, that an increase, or a diminution, or that no difference has been made in the responsibility and the difficulties of the position of ambassador?—That, I conceive, is as the case may be.

'You are aware that arguments have been used of this kind that, with the present facilities of communication, the necessity for diplomatic servants of a high character is diminished; do you agree with that?—By no means; telegraphic communications, whatever may happen hereafter, have not yet operated to the exclusion of Despatches. They are subject, to all appearance, by their very nature, to the risk of conveying erroneous information, or premature instructions, equally involving much responsibility, and sometimes requiring the exercise of a superior judgment. They are, moreover, liable to frequent mistakes in the transmission. Time and practice will probably bring them to greater perfection. Meanwhile, the invention of the electric telegraph does not appear to have superseded the usefulness either of Despatches or of the Ministers who write them.

'I take it that in former times it was usual that the Despatch was written in such terms in the Foreign Office as left very little discretion to the ambassador in his mode of communication, for the very terms were used which he ought to use himself in communicating with foreign Governments, whereas if the instructions are received only by telegram, a great deal