Diplomat: India withdraws privileges for US embassy

[slapout]

Hope they permit the Club to remain open. It was a oasis in the slums for many foreigner, not just US citizens. Food, drinks were good and price very reasonable (cheap). One of the few places to have a relax and not have the smell of smoke from the manure fires.

The membership card for the club for non government people was accepted in the clubs at US embassies throughout Asia. I wonder if the Indians even have the right to order it shut down???

Edited January 11, 2014 by slapout

[zydeco]

Hope they permit the Club to remain open. It was a oasis in the slums for many foreigner, not just US citizens. Food, drinks were good and price very reasonable (cheap). One of the few places to have a relax and not have the smell of smoke from the manure fires.

The membership card for the club for non government people was accepted in the clubs at US embassies throughout Asia. I wonder if the Indians even have the right to order it shut down???

Interesting question. I thought "our" embassy was technically American soil. Can't American officials allow whomever they wish on American territory? Indian officials have seemed to go berzerk over this issue. Are they that keen to be seen as defenders of human trafficking?

[slapout]

I think the Indians were citing a violation of Vienna convention, (operating a commercial establishment on embassey grounds) The Axia club certainly never made a profit with the prices they charged. I never used the tennis courts, pool nor bowling ally, so can not speak for them.

I doubt that the Indians would want to try to get past the security at the gate to verfy the club was not operating. I would not think that the Indian government has a right to enforce their declared intention on embassey grounds, but I do not have knowledge of the cans and cannots on a legal basis.

[Scott]

It will be interesting to see if the club actually violates the Vienna Convention. I believe a lot of embassy compounds and military facilities have shopping and other facilities available.