465. Editorial Note
On August 31, the Federation of Malaya celebrated its independence. The first Prime Minister of the new state of Malaya was Tengku Abdul Rahman, who had been Chief Minister of the Federation until independence. The American observers at the independence day celebrations were Under Secretary of State Christian A. Herter and Ambassador James P. Richards. Herter presented Prime Minister Rahman with a personal letter from Secretary Dulles, in which Dulles offered “the congratulations and warm good wishes of the Government and people of the United States of America on the occasion of the independence of the Federation of Malaya.” (Department of State, Central Files, 797.02/8–3157) The first Malayan Ambassador to the United States was Dr. Ismail bin Dato Abdul Rahman, who flew to Washington immediately after the independence ceremonies and presented his credentials. The first American Ambassador to Malaya was Homer M. Byington, Jr., who was appointed on October 3, and presented his credentials on December 2.