San Marino – United Kingdom relations date back to 1899, when the
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the European mainland, continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotlan ...
and
San Marino
San Marino (, ), officially the Republic of San Marino ( it, Repubblica di San Marino; ), also known as the Most Serene Republic of San Marino ( it, Serenissima Repubblica di San Marino, links=no), is the fifth-smallest country in the world an ...
signed an extradition treaty.
History
In 1899, the United Kingdom and San Marino signed an extradition treaty and a British consul general was appointed to San Marino in 1900.
During the Second World War, after neighbouring Italy declared war on the United Kingdom, San Marino was reported to have joined Italy in declaring war on Britain. However, the Sammarinese government later denied these reports.
Then, when Italy surrendered, San Marino declared neutrality. On 26 June 1944, the
Allied Forces under British command erroneously bombed San Marino in the belief that it was harbouring German forces.
[ On 21 September 1944, San Marino declared war on Germany.
]
Reparations
At UN-sponsored talks between 17 and 22 July 1961, the British government agreed to pay San Marino reparations to the sum of £80,000 for their part in the erroneous wartime bombing of the republic after the latter had filed a claim for 732 million lire.
Diplomacy
His Majesty's Ambassador to the Italian Republic is accredited as Non-Resident Ambassador to San Marino and the UK Embassy in Rome also covers San Marino. San Marino appoints a non-resident ambassador to the UK and the only diplomatic representation with a physical presence in the UK is the Honorary Consulate.
See also
*Foreign relations of the United Kingdom
The diplomatic foreign relations of the United Kingdom are conducted by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, headed by the Foreign Secretary. The prime minister and numerous other agencies play a role in setting policy, and many ...
*Foreign relations of San Marino
San Marino is an independent and sovereign member of the international community. It maintains an extensive diplomatic network relative to its diminutive size, as well as an active foreign policy and international presence.
International organizat ...
* Britons in San Marino
References
Bilateral relations of the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the European mainland, continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotlan ...
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