AUTHORITY OF CONSULAR OFFICERS IN WELFARE CASES

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP91-00965R000500010061-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 21, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 16, 2008
• Sequence Number: 61
• Content Type: REGULATION

Approved For Release 2008/12/16: CIA-RDP91-00965R000500010061-8
Subject: Authority of Consular Officers in Welfare Cases
1. Statutor y
United States Code, Title V, Section 151c:
"The Secretary of State may promulgate such rules and regulations as
may be necessary to carry out the functions now or hereafter vested
in the Secretary of State or the Department of State, and he may
delegate authority to perform any of such functions to officers and
employees under his direction and supervision. "
11. Regulatory
A. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 22 (Foreign Relations), Section 109. 4
(renumbered as Section 71. 6, December 27, 1957, 22 Federal Register 10841):
"Services for distressed Americans. Officers of the Foreign Service shall
extend every possible aid and assistance within their power to distressed
American citizens within their districts, .. . "
B. Foreign Service Manual, Volume II (Consular Affairs), Section 422.1:
"Assistance to the Distressed. Assistance to American nationals stranded,
destitute, sick, injured, or otherwise in need or distress consists
essentially of (a) exerting the good offices of the post to the end of
obtaining for the distressed person such emergency assistance as he may
be eligible to receive from the resources of the locality or from the
local welfare organization of the American community, if one exists, and
(b) establishing as promptly as possible communication with relatives or
friends to obtain needed cooperation, funds, and directions. Prompt and
humane action in regard to emergency local assistance is facilitated by
knowledge of local laws and procedures relating to social welfare and the
care of public charges, and by maintenance of friendly relations with
the competent authorities, and with public and private hospitals and other
institutions, philanthropic or religious, in a position to be of assistance
...11 (Emphasis added.)
III. Consular Practice
A. American consular officers, when aware of American citizens within their
districts who are in distress because of apparent mental unbalance,
endeavor to have the individual consult competent psychiatric services.
If the individual refuses or is immediately dangerous, it is customary,
in the absence of other facilities, to call upon the local police who
may then invoke legal procedures to have the person submit to medical
examination.
Approved For Release 2008/12/16: CIA-RDP91-00965R000500010061-8
 Approved For Release 2008/12/16: CIA-RDP91-00965R000500010061-8
Next 1 Page(s) In Document Denied
Approved For Release 2008/12/16: CIA-RDP91-00965R000500010061-8