May 31, 1951
DEPARTMENT OF STATE Memorandum of Conversation
SUBJECT: First Call of the Ambassador-designate of Australia
PARTICIPANTS: The Secretary The Ambassador-designates of Australia Mr. C.T. Moodie, Counselor, Embassy of Australia John F. Simmons, Chief of Protocol
COPIES TO: S S/S S/S-PR EUR BNA
His Excellency The Honorable Percy C. Spender, newly appointed Ambassador of Australia, called on me today at 2:30 p.m. to present the copies of his credentials and to request an appointment with the President.
After the usual exchange of courtesies, the Ambassador expressed his happiness at being appointed to this country as ambassador. He spoke of his pleasure at having already visited this country last year when, as Australian Foreign Minister, he had the opportunity of talking with President Truman and myself regarding various important matters touching on the Pacific situation.
I mentioned to the Ambassador my great pleasure and satisfaction at his appointment here, reminding him of our friendly talks last year and also of my great respect and admiration for Prime Minister Menzies.
A number of remarks of a relatively personal character were exchanged, and the Ambassador then said that he had an appointment later this afternoon with Mr. John Foster Dulles, who had wished to see him and to discuss certain matters pertaining to the international situations. I expressed pleasure at this proposed meeting, and assured him of my wish to cooperate with him at all times, wishing him the greatest success in connection with his new appointment.
S/S-PR:JFSimmons:ejen