Cap. 144 Art. 10Exemption from liability.

(1) A consular officer or employee shall not be liable in proceedings in the courts, in respect of acts performed in his official capacity, falling within the functions of a consular officer unless his Government requests or assents to the proceedings through its diplomatic representative: Provided that nothing in this subarticle shall preclude a consular officer or employee from being held liable in a civil action arising out of a contract concluded by him in which he did not expressly contract as agent for his Government and in which the other party looked to him for performance, and the provisions of article 9 shall not entitle a consular officer or employee to refuse to produce any document or to give evidence relating to any such contract.

(2) Any court or authority requiring the testimony of any consular officer shall take all reasonable steps to avoid interference with the performance of his official duties and shall, wherever possible or permissible, arrange for the taking of such testimony at his residence or office.