How big is a diplomatic bag?

Question

How big is a diplomatic bag, and why should the goverment be allowed to bring what they want into a country without custom offices inspecting them? Who watchers the watchers?

Answer 1

It can be any size.  It doesn't even have to be a bag.  

It is agreed to so that the host country can bring what they want into the other country without customs offices inspecting them.

Answer 2

Yes, it can be as big as required, as long as it's sealed under diplomatic seal.  Doesn't need to be a bag, can be a freight container even.

It's a reciprocal arrangement between countries which accept foreign diplomats - we can (and probably do) do the same.  In fact, that's how our embassies in Muslim countries get alcohol into the country, despite it being forbidden. Part of the same arrangement declares that a foreign embassy stands on its country's soil, despite the fact that it patently doesn't.

If we, for instance, feel that a foreign diplomat is " not acting in a manner consistent with his status" (usually a euphemism for spying), we cannot arrest him but we can have him declared "persona non grata" and thrown out.  It's all part of the quaint way these things are done.

Answer 3

As big as it needs to be to encompass the item(s) needing to bypass regular customs inspections.

I'd imagine the safeguards are Top Secret.

Answer 4

Hi Mr. Clean.

I used to live and work for a very, very  freindly foreign to the UK Governement.

No problem, and good fun.

One week, the "dip-bag" was two containers from the port.

I found my personal belongings and electrical measuring stuff at the back.

I cannot say here what else was in said sealed containers, although I know, but curious crates were duly unloaded.

No customs or paperwork involved.

There are certain diplomatic agreements in place, but I wonder what is coming in through the UK ports to Embassies & Consulates.

We will probably never know.

It seems that no-one watches the watchers, if all these big sealed boxes have a dip-seal on them, and have to be waved through the gate.

As was in my case, when abroad, as I recieved an extra small crate to my abode with things that go bang.

"Sale or return," I joked.

I sent my car back to the UK in the dip-bag, as there were three containers going out.

I suppose people imagine some security bloke on an aircraft with a breifcase of paperwork.

Not so by a chalk that is very long.

There you go,

Bob.

Answer 5

A diplomatic bag is just a term for an unfair process which allows governments and their officials to bring anything they want into countries with reciprocal arrangements. It could be a plane load of stuff. Yet the rest of us have our suitcases checked out for carrying too many cigarettes. Rise up and revolt!

Answer 6

Honestly, I've only ever used to diplomatic pouch for mail.  However, diplomats are honestly subject to a different standard due to their positions.  Whether that is good or bad is debatable.  It is up to the Host Country to watch the diplomats and can get them declared "persona non grata" if necessary.

Answer 7

As big as they want it. The seal on the "container" could contain many things including bodies if they want.

Thats how a lot of Iranian students in Manchester disappeared when the Shah was deposed.