Konwencja konsularna z 1960 roku jako próba uregulowania problematyki konsularnej w stosunkach polsko-czechosłowackich

Abstract

The 1960 consular convention as an attempt to resolve Polish-Czechoslovak consular problems Relations between Poland and Czechoslovakia, based on the 1947 pactof mutual assistance and cooperation within the communistbloc, were notregulated by con­sular convention following WW II. This State of affairs continued until 1960, which is highly surprising considering the number of Poles residing in Czechoslovakia and the wide range of business undertaken there by Polish diplomatic and consular posts. Consular relations between the two countries were therefore initially based on internal law and bilateral agreements. The development of mutual Polish and Czechoslovak relations, and above all the existence of the Polish minority in Czechoslovakia, was in particular down to the insti- tution of consul, whose function was adjusted to meet new needs; relatively late, it has to be said, since it was only on 17 May 1960 that the consular convention was signed. The convention was one of three (the other two being Bulgaria and Yugoslavia) which contained a most favoured nation clause. After accepting these general regulations, Polish consular practice headed in the direction of widening consular function to protect not only its citizens’ interests, but also those of the State. The treaty’s conclusion forced to some extent invigorated Polish - Czechoslovak contacts, along with the range of issues dealt with by the consulates of both countries. The provisions of the 1960 agreement, however, departed from International practice, as became obvious in 1963 with the signing of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. The Polish-Czechoslovak convention became, however, the basis for regulating a hostof issues arising from consular cooperation and brought aboutboth Warsaw’s and Prague’s decision to work to deal with the (later resolved) following ąuestions: citizenship, visa and border movement regulations, legal protection and assistance, social aid, criminal affairs and also transport and fiscal issues.