In short
This law defines how Saorstát Eireann handles its external relations, specifically regarding diplomatic appointments and international agreements. It also addresses the role of the King in these matters and the abdication of King Edward the Eighth.
What it regulates
- The appointment of diplomatic representatives of Saorstát Eireann in other countries.
- The appointment of consular representatives of Saorstát Eireann in other countries.
- The conclusion of international agreements on behalf of Saorstát Eireann.
- The role of the King in external relations for Saorstát Eireann while associated with certain nations.
Who it concerns
- The Executive Council of Saorstát Eireann.
- Diplomatic and consular representatives of Saorstát Eireann.
- The King recognized by Australia, Canada, Great Britain, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Key points
- Diplomatic representatives are appointed on the authority of the Executive Council (Section 1 (1)).
- Consular representatives are appointed by or on the authority of the Executive Council (Section 1 (2)).
- International agreements are concluded by or on the authority of the Executive Council (Section 2).
- The King may act on behalf of Saorstát Eireann for diplomatic appointments and international agreements when advised by the Executive Council, as long as Saorstát Eireann is associated with Australia, Canada, Great Britain, New Zealand, and South Africa (Section 3 (1)).
📄 Legal text
Executive Authority (External Relations) Act, 1936
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1936
Executive Authority (External Relations) Act, 1936
Executive Authority (External Relations) Act, 1936
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Number 58 of 1936.
EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY (EXTERNAL RELATIONS) ACT, 1936.
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
Section
1.
Appointment of diplomatic and consular representatives.
2.
Treaty-making power.
3.
Exercise of foregoing power.
4.
Short title.
SCHEDULE.
Number 58 of 1936.
EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY (EXTERNAL RELATIONS) ACT, 1936.
AN ACT TO MAKE PROVISION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONSTITUTION, FOR THE EXERCISE OF THE EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY OF SAORSTÁT EIREANN IN RELATION TO CERTAIN MATTERS IN THE DOMAIN OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS AND FOR OTHER MATTERS CONNECTED WITH THE MATTERS AFORESAID. [12th December, 1936.]
BE IT ENACTED BY THE OIREACHTAS OF SAORSTÁT EIREANN AS FOLLOWS:—
Appointment of diplomatic and consular representatives.
1.—(1) The diplomatic representatives of Saorstát Eireann in other countries shall be appointed on the authority of the Executive Council.
(2) The consular representatives of Saorstát Eireann in other countries shall be appointed by or on the authority of the Executive Council.
Treaty-making power.
2.—Every international agreement concluded on behalf of Saorstát Eireann shall be concluded by or on the authority of the Executive Council.
Exercise of foregoing power.
3.—(1) It is hereby declared and enacted that, so long as Saorstát Eireann is associated with the following nations, that is to say, Australia, Canada, Great Britain, New Zealand, and South Africa, and so long as the king recognised by those nations as the symbol of their co-operation continues to act on behalf of each of those nations (on the advice of the several Governments thereof) for the purposes of the appointment of diplomatic and consular representatives and the conclusion of international agreements, the king so recognised may, and is hereby authorised to, act on behalf of Saorstát Eireann for the like purposes as and when advised by the Executive Council so to do.
(2) Immediately upon the passing of this Act, the instrument of abdication executed by His Majesty King Edward the Eighth on the 10th day of December, 1936, (a copy whereof is set out in the
Schedule
to this Act) shall have effect according to the tenor thereof and His said Majesty shall, for the purposes of the foregoing sub-section of this section and all other (if any) purposes, cease to be king, and the king for those purposes shall henceforth be the person who, if His said Majesty had died on the 10th day of December, 1936, unmarried, would for the time being be his successor under the law of Saorstát Eireann.
Short title.
4.—This Act may be cited as the Executive Authority (External Relations) Act, 1936.
SCHEDULE.
I, Edward the Eighth, of Great Britain, Ireland, and the British Dominions beyond the Seas, King, Emperor of India, do hereby declare My irrevocable determination to renounce the Throne for Myself and for My descendants, and My desire that effect should be given to this Instrument of Abdication immediately.
In token whereof I have hereunto set My hand this tenth day of December, Nineteen hundred and thirty-six, in the presence of the witnesses whose signatures are subscribed.
EDWARD R.I.
Signed at Fort Belvedere
in the Presence of
ALBERT
HENRY
GEORGE.
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