MINISTER'S ENVOY An envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary, usually known as a minister, was a head of diplomatic mission who was ranked below ambassador. A diplomatic mission headed by an envoy is known as a legation rather than an embassy, as occurs in Switzerland, where countries, such as Chile, according to the Vienna Convention of 1815, install legations and not embassies. The minister may send persons on his behalf, usually with first, second or third secretary positions. Ministers, who were appointed by or for smaller countries, have disappeared since 1961 as they are considered similarly sovereign and equal to all countries.
