701.4711/56

The Secretary of State to the British Ambassador (Lothian)

Memorandum

The Secretary of State was delighted to learn through the British Ambassador of the intention of the Australian Government to establish a Legation in Washington. This move is most welcome to the Government of the United States, and no objection is perceived to [Page 330] the Legation being opened under the direction of a Chargé d’Affaires pending the appointment of a Minister some two to three months hence.

For its part, the Government of the United States will promptly take steps preparatory to the establishment of an American Legation at Canberra. In all probability, however, the Legation will not be officially opened until an American Minister to Australia has been duly appointed and confirmed by the Senate. The Secretary of State hopes that the arrival of an American Minister in Australia will in general synchronize with the arrival of an Australian Minister to the United States.