Laforest v. Commercial Department of the Spanish Embassy.

Abstract

States as international persons — Sovereignty and independence — Conduct of foreign relations — Effect of statements of Executive — Letter from Foreign Office relating to status of "Commercial Department" of foreign Embassy — The law of France.

Jurisdiction — Exemptions from — Foreign States — "Commercial Department" of foreign Embassy — Whether immunity distinct from immunity of Embassy — Whether immunity waived by terms of lease — The law of France.

Permanent diplomatic envoys — Privileges and immunities of — Official premises — Whether including offices of “Commercial Department” — Whether conclusion of lease constitutes waiver of immunity — The law of France.

Permanent diplomatic envoys — Position and functions of "Commercial Department" of foreign Embassy — Whether distinct from Embassy — Waiver of immunity — Whether waived by lease — Effect of clause submitting to local jurisdiction — Whether waiver can be implied — The law of France.