Would the violation of a diplomatic bag be a cassus belli for US?

ccdsah

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Would the violation of a diplomatic bag be a casus belli for US?
I've just seen the last episode of "Homeland" and I have this question.
 
Depends on what's in the bag. I could imagine situations where opening such a bag would be a casus belli, but these days, it's unlikely anyone will ever go to war over it.
 
Would the violation of a diplomatic bag be a casus belli for US?
I've just seen the last episode of "Homeland" and I have this question.

It depends on what kind of sensitive information was in the bag. If it's nothing super sensitive like nuclear secrets, then I think that it would just be a diplomatic incident and the US would sit on the country in question, potentially take economic measures against them like cancelling contracts or foreign aid.
 
Yes, it could be a casus belli, technically, - but lots of things are and don't start wars. The Panay incident is a prime example.

Violating a diplomatic bag would lead to war only if the country involved were really looking for an excuse. IMO.
 
Only if the two countries are so mistrustful and already on the brink of war that opening a bag would be the "straw that breaks the camel". Even if Chinese agents open a US bag (or vice versa) it will likely be quickly swept aside and someone in the intelligence department is scapegoated.
 
Only if the two countries are so mistrustful and already on the brink of war that opening a bag would be the "straw that breaks the camel". Even if Chinese agents open a US bag (or vice versa) it will likely be quickly swept aside and someone in the intelligence department is scapegoated.
Precisely.
 
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