Foreign embassies during war time?

Question

What happens to diplomatic staff from a hostile nation during war time, for example the British Embassy in Berlin during ww2? Are the staff sent home straight away or do they tend to stay? Thanks!

Answer 1

Standard procedure is to close the embassy and recall all staff to the home nation (or reassigned to a different embassy). Often this is done in advance of hostilities, as it is much easier to accomplish then. It also doubles as a "last chance" warning to the nation that is to be attacked.

Answer 2

Depending on the situation, a nation may recall its ambassadors, or the "enemy" nation may send them home. If you keep an ear open, you'll find this happens fairly often when two countries are at odds, but short of going to war; it's sort of a figurative warning shot across the other country's bow, and demonstrates the gravity of a particular situation without violence.

Answer 3

Usual procedure is to withdraw all personel, and to ask a neutral country to represent your interests and sometimes to watch over your embassy and consulate buildings.