The phrase "letter credence" refers to a letter that provides evidence or verification. The phonetic transcription of this phrase is /ˈlɛtər ˈkridəns/, where the stress is on the second syllable of each word. The "t" in "letter" is pronounced as a flap sound, similar to the "tt" in the word "butter." The "e" sound in both words is pronounced as a short "e" sound. This phrase is important in legal and business contexts where a written piece of evidence or verification is required.
Letter of credence refers to a formal document issued by a government or head of state, typically the president or monarch, that appoints and authorizes a diplomat as the official representative of their country to a foreign government or international organization. It is essentially a letter of introduction, expressing the confidence and trust that the sending country or entity places in the appointed diplomat.
The purpose of a letter of credence is to establish diplomatic relations between nations and to signify the diplomat's legitimacy and authority to act on behalf of their country or organization in matters of international diplomacy. It serves as proof of the diplomat's credentials and grants them the necessary powers and privileges to carry out their duties in the host country.
The letter of credence typically provides information about the diplomat's name, rank or position, and includes a request for the receiving government or organization to accept and acknowledge the appointed diplomat as the official representative. It may also contain general diplomatic courtesies and expressions of well-wishing between the sending and receiving parties.
Upon receipt of the letter of credence, the receiving government or organization conducts a formal and diplomatic ceremony, often known as the presentation of credentials, where the diplomat presents the letter to the appropriate authorities. The letter of credence is then scrutinized and accepted as a formal recognition of the diplomatic appointment, granting the diplomat the authority to fulfill their diplomatic mission.
The word "letter credence" is not a standard English phrase or term and therefore does not have a specific etymology. However, the word "letter" comes from the Old French word "lettre", which originated from the Latin word "littera" meaning "letter of the alphabet" or "epistle". "Credence" comes from the Middle English word "credence", which originated from the Old French word "credeance" or "credance", meaning "belief" or "confidence". The two words are combined in this phrase to possibly indicate the notion of a written communication that is considered trustworthy or reliable.