CHANCERIESTHE DIPLOMATIC ATLAS

Richard Casey Presents Credentials as Australia’s First Minister to the United States

1940-03-01

Richard Casey presented his credentials in Washington on 1 March 1940 as Australia’s own minister to the United States. White Oaks soon housed the new legation. [3] [2]

Australia had previously made much of its diplomatic approach to foreign governments through Britain. Announcing Casey’s appointment in January, Robert Menzies argued for direct attention to the Pacific: Australia was already fighting in Europe, yet needed stronger contacts around its own ocean, including with a United States that remained outside the war. [1]

Menzies maintained that an Australian minister would strengthen the British Empire’s position in Washington. Washington reciprocated by opening a legation in Canberra. White Oaks remained Australia’s working base until a separate embassy building was acquired in 1946. [1] [3] [2]

Related Diplomats

  1. Richard Casey [3] [2] [1]

Sources

  1. Menzies announces the appointment of a minister to Washington

    Documents on Australian Foreign Policy, volume 3, document 7

  2. Commonwealth heritage listing of the ambassador’s residence

    White Oaks as diplomatic base; Howard press conference

  3. Office of the Historian: Australia recognition and relations

    Recognition and establishment of diplomatic relations, 1940

Related Reading

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Richard Casey Presents Credentials as Australia’s First Minister to the United States. Chanceries Diplopedia. Record e2853cf301273c5133ca. https://chanceries.org/research/history/australia-1940-70beef7aa9/

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