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SUMMARY GUIDE
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WORKING WITH FOREIGN DIGNITARIES
2007
Office of the Chief of Protocol
Summary Guide to Working with Foreign Officials
2007
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Introduction
C. Ceremonials/Receptions
• United States Precedence List
• Flag Display
• Sample Invitation and Sample Menu
• Suggested Fonts for Invitations, Menus, and Place Cards
• Seating and Table Diagrams
• Receiving Lines
• Event Planning
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Office of the Chief of Protocol
Summary Guide to Working with Foreign Officials
2007
The Office of the Chief of Protocol recognizes the work you do with foreign governments and
dignitaries visiting the United States and the efforts you put forth to foster and further diplomatic
relations. In accordance with our desire to provide consistent levels of professionalism and openness to
all foreign visitors, we thought it would be beneficial to share some operations and ideas we have
implemented to sustain such goals. We are aware you may already know and follow many of these
suggestions, but we hope this pamphlet will serve as a guide and answer some questions you may have
to benefit you and the visits of foreign government leaders.
Under the direction of the Chief of Protocol, the office is responsible for activities including the
planning, hosting, and officiating of ceremonial events for visiting heads of state, as well as coordinating
logistics for the visits; managing Blair House, the President's guesthouse; and overseeing all protocol
matters for Presidential and Vice Presidential travel abroad.
There are 5 sections in the Office of the Chief of Protocol: Visits, Ceremonials, Blair House, Diplomatic
Affairs and Management.
VISITS
• Plan and execute detailed programs for Chiefs of State and Heads of Government meeting
with the President, Vice President or Secretary of State
• Coordinate foreign media
• Arrange arrivals of visiting dignitaries to the United States
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Office of the Chief of Protocol
Summary Guide to Working with Foreign Officials
2007
CEREMONIALS
• Arrange official entertainment by the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of State in the Diplomatic
Reception Rooms
• Organize participation of the Diplomatic Corps in special events, Joint Sessions of Congress,
inaugurations, funerals and other ceremonies
• Maintain the Order of Precedence of the United States
BLAIR HOUSE
• The President’s official guest house for monarchs, presidents and prime ministers while in
Washington
• Four interconnected townhouses; 110 rooms totaling 70,000 square feet; across the street from
White House
• Built in 1824; owned by the Francis Preston Blair family from 1835 to 1943
• Purchased by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1943 as the President’s Guest House
DIPLOMATIC AFFAIRS
• Oversee the accreditation of foreign Ambassadors and organize the presentation of their
credentials to the President and Secretary of State
• Act as the President’s personal representative and liaison to foreign Ambassadors in Washington
• Determine the acceptability of foreign government personnel accredited to the United States
• Resolve Diplomatic Immunity cases
• Publish and maintain the Diplomatic List and the list of Foreign Consular Offices in the United
States
MANAGEMENT
• Administer the human resources, financial and information management systems, security and
general services of the Office of the Chief of Protocol
• Provide guidance and support to all divisions of the office
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Office of the Chief of Protocol
Summary Guide to Working with Foreign Officials
2007
Port Courtesies
The term "expedited port clearance" refers to the procedure by which certain designated persons and
their personal effects may enter the United States duty-free and be entitled to expedited inspection
procedures at the first port of entry. The Office of the Chief of Protocol arranges for "expedited port
clearance" with the United States Customs Border Protection (CBP).
Persons who are eligible for "expedited port clearance" through federal inspection areas are those
persons designated as high ranking officials or distinguished foreign visitors. High ranking officials
include chiefs of state, heads of government, cabinet members, and other senior government personnel.
Distinguished foreign visitors include the immediate family members of Chiefs of State and Heads of
Government, members of royal families, and other distinguished foreign visitors as designated by the
Department.
If you have any questions about port courtesies, please call the Office of the Chief of Protocol port
courtesies number at (202) 647-4074.
Security
Working with United States Secret Service and the United States Department of State Dignitary
Protection Division
The men and women of the United States Secret Service (USSS) and Diplomatic Security (DS) are some
of the most able minded and professional individuals you will have the pleasure to work with. They
ensure the security of the foreign leader and the venues in which they visit and maintain a level of
vigilance that is respected around the world.
If you are in the position to work with the USSS and DS, make sure you afford them the courtesy of
going through the schedule, venues and other event information in advance. More than likely, the USSS
and DS will already have a working scenario of the event but your added input to the dignitary’s visit
will add to the security, communication and success of an event.
The USSS and DS will go over many items with you and they will be reaching out to state, county and
local law enforcement. It is at times best to let the law enforcement experts work these trips out with one
another due to the nature of their profession and responsibilities.
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Office of the Chief of Protocol
Summary Guide to Working with Foreign Officials
2007
If you have any questions in regards to dealing with a foreign security team, please contact the Office of
the Chief of Protocol at (202) 647-1277.
If the foreign delegation has protection provided by the United States Secret Service or United States
Department of State Dignitary Protection Division, you will not need to worry about the foreign leader’s
vehicle but the delegation members will need to have transportation available to them. If that is the case,
you will need to work with or allow the foreign delegation to assemble its own vehicles.
If the foreign dignitary is not traveling with a U.S. security agency or a foreign security agency, please
be sure you or the foreign delegation has the necessary contacts to arrange vehicles.
Handicap requirements of the delegation. Will you need a van for wheelchair, etc.?
Size and shape of vehicles. If you are going to be pulling into a parking garage, some vans do not
meet the height restrictions.
Determine number of vehicles and manifest. Who is going and in what car?
Water in each of the vehicles. This is preferable but not necessary.
If you hire drivers or have volunteers, make sure they are present before any departures take
place.
Have an emergency number for the rental company in case there is an issue with one of the
vehicles.
Identification for vehicles / access to event site. Do they have ALL ACCESS passes?
Determine who will drive the vehicles, obtain a background check on drivers and verify that they
have a cell phone with them at all times.
Ensure that the drivers have directions to the event sites, know the routes and are familiar with
the area. Ask if the drivers have done a dry run of the route; if not, ask that they do so.
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Office of the Chief of Protocol
Summary Guide to Working with Foreign Officials
2007
Schedules
It is extremely important when you first meet or speak with your foreign guests that you determine the
schedule for the foreign leader and discuss locations, times and possible venues of interest. If security is
involved or should be involved, you may want to schedule a meeting during which time security
representatives are present. Because of certain security issues, some items may need to be worked out
off line and not in a public setting or in an open group. Please consult with your foreign guests or your
security personnel prior to your meeting.
Once you are able to go over the schedule, you may want to walk through the venues.
Event Site
In working with your foreign delegation or advance party to plan bilateral meetings, private events, or
media events, the event site or venue should be worked into the overall timeline of the schedule. Last
minute changes, although common, need to be avoided as much as possible. A well thought through
event site that encompasses the foreign leader’s requirements, the arrangement for the delegation, press
and security needs to be worked on days, if not weeks in advance.
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Office of the Chief of Protocol
Summary Guide to Working with Foreign Officials
2007
Greeters
Greeting/Farewell Committees – Be sure to consider who will greet the dignitary upon arrival and
departure. This list should be in proper rank order and include honorific, full names and titles.
Hotel Accommodations
Hotels are inclusive and customer service oriented so most of your work is done for you. Many times, a
foreign delegation will already have their hotel chosen but you should have a list of hotels you could
suggest to a delegation. Here is a brief check list on what a foreign delegation would consider to support
their leaders overnight:
• Walk through of the hotel rooms. Check on the delegation about any smoking or non
smoking requirements (allergic reactions or smoking needs).
• Business Center (computers, Internet access, printers, copiers, etc.).
• Monetary exchange.
• Shuttle Service to and from airports.
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Office of the Chief of Protocol
Summary Guide to Working with Foreign Officials
2007
The Office of the Chief of Protocol does not engage with hotel arrangements with foreign delegations
but if you are providing the arrangements, be sure to confirm when the rooms will be ready for check-in
and do a walk-through of the hotel prior to the delegations arrival.
The proper title and spelling of a foreign leader and delegation is of paramount importance. Before you
go to print on programs, schedule, engravings or media announcements, you MUST consult with the
foreign delegation on the proper spelling, title, abbreviations and honorifics.
Dietary Restrictions
If there are any meals being served during a visit, it is essential that you determine what the food
preferences and, if any, allergic reactions (flowers, smoking) are for the foreign dignitary and his/her
delegation.
Make sure you work with your foreign counterparts on the preferred meal of the delegation whether it is
breakfast, lunch or dinner. It may be necessary to have them provide you with a list of things not to
serve or that they are allergic to. Religious customs must be followed so when scheduling an event, you
may want to consult a religious calendar on holidays, etc. In addition to holidays, you may want to
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Office of the Chief of Protocol
Summary Guide to Working with Foreign Officials
2007
inquire on any birthdays, celebrations or anniversaries in your planning. If you decide to have any
surprises, please consult with the foreign delegation and or staff.
Delegation Information
When hosting a delegation, be sure to confirm that you have the correct information for all of the
delegation members, meeting participants, and essential staff. You should ask for a list of all official and
accompanying delegation members to include honorific, full names, titles and phonetics in rank order.
Having such a list that is approved by your foreign guest will help you in determining meeting
participants, seating charts, tent cards, gift cards, and identifying delegates in photo opportunities. The
list should also include the photographer, interpreter, and security (if any).
If there are certain areas that require identification or lanyards (credentials) please be sure to determine
who and how many need them. If the credentials require names, please double check that the names are
spelled correctly. Often times, the dignitary does not wear credentials because of their significance to the
visit so check ahead of time on what is deemed appropriate.
Each delegate has an official and access related credential. Is it ALL ACCESS?
How do the delegates receive their credentials?
Do these credentials require a photo?
Press Credentials?
If possible, please have additional credentials available if one is lost or a guest is added at the
last minute.
This is a very important factor to the overall success of the trip. We always confirm the language
capability of the entire delegation and whether or not they need additional interpretation or interpreters.
The staging of the interpreters is one matter to discuss and the other is if simultaneous or consecutive
interpretation will be necessary for the meetings, bi-lats, press conferences and press statements.
Prior to the arrival of the foreign leader and delegation, it is incumbent upon you to check with the
foreign delegation and advance staff concerning the needs of all delegation members on their English
speaking capabilities. There is a lot of planning, staff and cost involved with covering interpretation.
Dependant upon the requirements for both the leader and the delegation and the type of coverage
needed, you must consider the following:
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Office of the Chief of Protocol
Summary Guide to Working with Foreign Officials
2007
• Simultaneous Interpretation requires an interpreters’ booth (area) and earpieces for members of
the delegation, essential staff and press. Microphones will be required for the leaders to speak
through in addition to a sound system so that members of the delegation not requiring
interpretation can hear what is being said.
• Consider the needs of the press in terms of interpretation (i.e. will the press need headsets?)
• Consecutive Interpretation requires that there are breaks within sentences—for this reason,
Consecutive Interpretation takes twice as long as Simultaneous Interpretation. Therefore, you
should prepared to double the amount of time for Consecutive Interpretation into your schedule.
• For Simultaneous Interpretation, make sure you have additional ear pieces on site and that they
have been tested and charged.
• Determine whether the interpreter needs to be seated next to the delegate or delegation.
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Office of the Chief of Protocol
Summary Guide to Working with Foreign Officials
2007
Press
In any event, considerations should be made for press at all times, whether it is an open or closed press
event. Careful planning must be made with the visiting delegation concerning what events are open to
the press, who handles press releases, press handouts, and how the press will be set up to cover an event
(i.e. lighting, sound, mult box, chairs, staging, backdrop, etc.).
• Determining the location of an event has implications. If you are outside, weather can become an
issue, so a rain site should be considered. If you are inside, consider when the space is available,
overtime charges, user fees, etc.
• The size of the venue determines both how much audio is necessary and the necessary proximity
of the press to capture the event. (NOTE: a camera throw shouldn’t be more than 75 feet)
• Determine whether guests will be seated or standing and whether there is a section for disabled
guests. You should also consider the length of the program and how long individuals would be
standing for.
• Work with security in matters involving the delegation, attendees and press.
• Consider what the back drop will be and whether or not you need a stage. If you do have a stage,
the stage should be in compliance with in-house or local regulations on height, railings and
accessibility. FYI – the stage should be the same height as the press platform so that the camera
is on equal height to the guest. Avoid white or light backdrops.
• If the event is open to the press, consider a press area with phone lines, a mult box, power
source, chairs, etc. You may want to do a walk through with an audio-visual vendor.
• Determine if a podium or podiums are needed for joint remarks, press conferences, etc. Podiums
should be of the same make and when dealing with height issues, make sure you can adjust the
height of the podium or speaker if necessary (speaker box). Check to make sure there is enough
light on the podium so remarks can be read and have water close by.
• If flags are being used for the event, ensure that proper flag protocol is followed.
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Office of the Chief of Protocol
Summary Guide to Working with Foreign Officials
2007
Gifts
Please confirm if the foreign dignitary and or his/her delegation plan on giving any gifts. It is important
that gifts be discussed in advance so that both parties can have a detailed timeline of when and how gifts
are to be handled. This will avoid any surprises but assure that presentations, whether they are protocol
to protocol or leader to leader, are done correctly.
Gifts are typically presented in a protocol to protocol exchange; meaning gifts are handled between staff
members assigned to handle the gifts of two or more leaders. At times, the foreign leader and his/her
U.S. counterpart may decide to do a leader to leader gift exchange. Please be sure to negotiate prior to
the gift exchange so the appropriate measures are taken to ensure a smooth gift presentation.
It should also be recommended that both parties speak of what the gifts will be so that surprises or the
appearance of a surprise be avoided.
Ex: If you know the foreign leader enjoys reading, perhaps consider a series of books to his/her taste. If
you know the foreign leader enjoys working out, consider running shoes, jogging suit or a work out bag.
It is appropriate to have a state seal and or name of the leader on such items as long the name and title
are approved by the foreign delegation.
Gifts for a delegation member can also be given but need to be thought through on whom of the
delegation should get a gift. At times, gifts are given only to individuals involved in the events or
meetings.
Spouse Program
Be sure to ask whether there will be a separate spouse program for the dignitary’s spouse. We typically
assign a Protocol Officer to support the spouse program as many of the same issues are involved. Be
prepared to recommend activities that may be of interest such as visiting businesses, visiting schools and
other suggestions that may be of interest to him or her personally.
Local Attractions
Have a suggested list of local attractions, places to eat, etc. for the dignitary and delegation. There may
be some specific things they would like to see or do so have packets of information available to them.
Thank you letters on behalf of the lead government official to the foreign leader and his/her delegation is
extremely important to the diplomatic process. More often than not, you could be either visiting the
leader’s country or receiving future guests with whom you have established relations in the past.
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Office of the Chief of Protocol
Summary Guide to Working with Foreign Officials
2007
CEREMONIALS/RECEPTIONS
• American guests are placed according to the United States Order of Precedence. The observance
of the Order of Precedence is one of the cardinal rules of protocol.
• Members of Congress rank according to length of continuous service. When two or more
representatives are attending the same dinner, the highest rank is given to those who have served
the greatest number of consecutive years. However, leadership ranks higher, i.e. Speaker of the
House ranks just below the Vice President (refer to Precedence List).
• The Cabinet (other than the Secretary of State who ranks higher), is ranked according to the date
of establishment of the department. The Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Defense
rank the highest after the Secretary of State.
• Protocol of foreign guests is determined from the foreign government (although there is typically
set precedence for chiefs of state, heads of government, foreign ministers, Chiefs of Mission etc.)
Flag Display
Whether it is the United States flag, country flag, state flag or city flag, there is a protocol mechanism in
place that addresses the proper set up of flags when more than one person or country is present on stage.
Regardless of the country or state, flags should be flown on separate staff of equal height and the flag(s)
should be of equal size. This is particularly important when you have foreign flags on stage along with
the United States flag. The U.S. flag and foreign flag should be of equal staff height and size.
The order of precedence for flags generally is National flags (US first, then others in alphabetical order
in English), State (host state first, then others in the order of admission) and territories (Guam, Puerto
Rico, etc.), Military (in order of establishment: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard),
then other.
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Office of the Chief of Protocol
Summary Guide to Working with Foreign Officials
2007
Sample Invitation
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Office of the Chief of Protocol
Summary Guide to Working with Foreign Officials
2007
Sample Menu
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Office of the Chief of Protocol
Summary Guide to Working with Foreign Officials
2007
• Our basic fonts include “Edwardian Script ITC” (XwãtÜw|tÇ fvÜ|Ñà \gV< and
“Monotype Corsiva” (Monotype Corsiva), both of which are best used in medium or
large sizes.
• Our basic seating template for a working event of 20 or fewer is to place the guest of
honor across from the host/hostess. Typically, spouses are not included in working
lunches and dinners.
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Office of the Chief of Protocol
Summary Guide to Working with Foreign Officials
2007
• For other seatings, such as at a round table, the place of honor is to the right of the
host. If the host is married, the spouse would sit directly across from him or her to serve
as the co-host. If the guest of honor is married, their spouse has equal rank and could be
seated either next to the host or next to the host’s spouse, depending on which the host
would like to do. Many times men and women are alternated. The next highest ranking
person would be to the left of the host.
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Office of the Chief of Protocol
Summary Guide to Working with Foreign Officials
2007
Table Diagrams
Working Lunch – includes a seating chart and pen and note card.
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Office of the Chief of Protocol
Summary Guide to Working with Foreign Officials
2007
Receiving Lines
• The main purpose of a receiving line is to allow the guests to meet the host and guest of
honor.
• If properly executed, a receiving line is the most efficient and effective way for everyone
to have an opportunity to interact with the host.
• Times when a receiving line might not be appropriate would be, for example, if the
guests had been in a conference all day and had already met the host or hostess. There are
events where the nature of the event dictates whether a receiving line would be
appropriate.
• Time Factor: At many large receptions, the decision is made to not have a receiving line
because of the time allowed. Depending on the number of guests and the number of
people in the receiving line, the time factor can dictate whether or not a receiving line can
happen.
• Photographs: If you are having photographs, you need to consider the time the
photographs will take. For instance, are they posed photos or just candid? A posed photo
can take up to 30 seconds and when you multiply that by 300 or 400 guests, the process
could take at least a couple of hours.
• Determine cultural and diplomatic sensitivities of your foreign leader, delegation and
guests.
• The most traditional receiving line consists of the host, guest of honor, hostess and spouse of
guest of honor
• Order: A protocol officer typically facilitates the order and gives instructions to the guest, i.e.,
please give your name and your spouse’s name
• The Chief of Protocol or someone else makes the introductions to the Host/Hostess (the Guest of
Honor is introduced first and then their spouse)
• The direction that you feed into the receiving line can vary
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Office of the Chief of Protocol
Summary Guide to Working with Foreign Officials
2007
• Purse holder
• Two photographers
• Announce cards:
- Better than nametags
- Assist host in identifying guests, even though it may seem unnecessary
- Help with photo identification after event
• Waiter with tray to get drinks before going through the line
• Hot towels
• Hand sanitizer
Event Planning
• Place cards or toe cards are a nice touch and are encouraged
• Give at least very clear direction on where to sit or stand
• There is a reason why people are placed in precedence order – you know your counterpart, or at least
know who the highest ranking people in the room are based on their proximity to the host or guest of
honor.
In business and social settings, it is the responsibility of the host to take the initiative to start the program,
make opening remarks, etc.
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Office of the Chief of Protocol
Summary Guide to Working with Foreign Officials
2007
Menu Planning
• Be sure food is appropriate for your guests, (i.e. serving kosher foods to adhere to dietary laws of
Judaism)
• Colors can also be very important in setting the tone for an event. For example, white flowers
have the connotation of death in Asian countries, which would be an important thing to know
when deciding on flowers for a luncheon or dinner. Colors can also be used to add a special
touch. For example, for a State dinner last year, the chocolate brown ink on the invitations and
menu cards matched the table linens. You can also try to somehow tie in the country colors of
the visiting delegation.
The Office of the Chief of Protocol can assist if you have a delegation traveling outside of the United States
in regards to passport and visa requirements. It is extremely important to research countries before traveling
to them. Refer to the State Department website for country updates and background notes.
CultureGrams.com is a website where you can learn the proper etiquette, dress, etc. for different countries.
Try to learn the language (at least the basics – it will be appreciated).
Helpful Information
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/
http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/what/c18027.htm
• World Factbook
https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html
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Office of the Chief of Protocol
Summary Guide to Working with Foreign Officials
2007
CONTACT INFO
Public Affairs/Press
Yale Scott 202.647.2299
Gifts
Tiffany Divis 202.647.1161
Customs
Jessie Johnson 202.647.4074
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