Calling Cards

Calling Cards in Diplomatic Law

Calls and Calling Cards

“Calling” has largely disappeared from private life, but it is a practice which is still useful in a diplomatic community where the early establishment of extensive contacts is a must. Soon after a diplomat’s arrival at a new post, therefore, he will embark on a program of call on those with whom he will be dealing – and whom he must lose no time in getting to know. In modern, less formal times, calling cards do not have nearly the same role in diplomatic life they once did. But with the traditional initials, p.p. (pour présenter); p.f. (pour féliciter); p.c. (pour condoléance); p.r. (pour remercier); or p.p.c. (pour prendre congé) inscribed at their bottom left-hand corner, they remain a still useful and accepted way to convey simple messages of presentation, congratulation, condolence, thanks, and farewell.

Resources

See Also

• Diplomacy entries in the World Encyclopedia
• Diplomacy entries in the American Legal Encyclopedia

Further Reading

• Satow’s Diplomatic Practice, Ivor Roberts
• Modern Diplomacy, R.P. Barnston