The overall objective of this booklet is to assist in ensuring that foreign governments can extend appropriate consular services to their nationals in the United States and that the United States complies with its legal obligations to these governments. The summary of requirements that pertain to foreign nationals advises that when foreign nationals are arrested or detained, they must be advised of the right to have their consular officials notified. In some cases, the nearest consular officials must be notified of the arrest or detention of a foreign national regardless of the wishes of the foreign national. Further, consular officials are entitled to access to their nationals in detention and to provide consular assistance. Also, when a government official becomes aware of the death of a foreign national, consular officials must be notified; and when a guardianship or trusteeship is being considered with respect to a foreign national who is a minor or incompetent, consular officials must be notified. Another requirement noted in the summary is that when a foreign ship or aircraft wrecks or crashes on U.S. soil, consular officials must be notified. Detailed instructions are provided for the fulfillment of each of these requirements, along with frequently asked questions, translations of suggested statements, relevant legal material, and a listing of phone and fax numbers for foreign embassies and consulates in the United States.