This is against all diplomatic protocols as I understand them.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity, citing diplomatic protocol.

The official asked not to be identified, citing diplomatic protocol.

Ms. Rice's action was a departure from diplomatic protocol on several levels.

The mission staff is hard pressed to attend social events, a sacred part of diplomatic protocol.

This statement, coming from the French head of state, was considered a serious breach of diplomatic protocol.

It was, for a Tarn, a major concession to diplomatic protocol.

The diplomatic protocol of it was all rather interesting.

I welcome his call to allow judicial authorities to speak to each other without diplomatic protocol.

He declined to discuss the case further, citing diplomatic protocol.