Editorial Note
On December 24 the United Kingdom of Libya proclaimed its independence. The United States Government extended full recognition to the new Government, and elevated the American Consulate General to the status of a Legation. The Consul General was to serve as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim until a Minister arrived. President Truman sent a message of congratulations to King Idris I of Libya, and the Secretary of State sent a message to the Foreign Minister. Texts of the messages are in Department of State Bulletin, December 31, 1951, page 1057; and American Foreign Policy, 1950–1955: Basic Documents, volume V, pages 2302–2303.