Joseph……….
Lawyers like to split hairs.
I stated that the Secretary of State is not responsible for the defense of embassies, the Secretary of Defense is.
I stand by it because the defense of a US embassy is done by Marine Corp personnel who fall under the DOD, not State Dept. This has nothing to do with the SOS being charged with implementing policies. She has to request Marine or other armed forces from the DOD and they are the defenders.
Coffee Addict>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Ensuring the protection of the US Govt to US citizens, property and interests in foreign countries has nothing to do with what goes on on embassy or consular properties.
It means that if a US citizen, corporation and or its holdings are subject to action by a foreign country, the embassy staff does its best to see they are treated fairly..meaning no different than citizens of the host country. Since Embassy/Consular grounds are treated as if US soil, the protection you cite is off those grounds.
Point/counterpoint..match.