Vincent Massey Presents Canada’s Credentials in Washington

Vincent Massey presented his credentials in Washington on 18 February 1927 as Canada’s own minister, with authority to speak for the Canadian government. The United States treated the occasion as recognition of Canada’s independent control over its foreign relations. [2]

Canada had existed as a dominion since 1867, but its external affairs had long remained under British control. Through joint commissions and direct dealings with the United States, Canadian officials gained experience managing problems across the border, and in 1923 the two countries negotiated a fisheries treaty. The 1926 Imperial Conference acknowledged the dominions’ autonomy in external as well as domestic affairs. [2]

Washington reciprocated on 1 June, when William Phillips presented his credentials in Ottawa. Both missions began as legations, headed by ministers; embassy status came later. [2]

Massey and the State Department objected to the informal arrangements for receiving William Phillips in Ottawa. O. D. Skelton, Canada's senior external affairs official, responded that American diplomats should first understand that Canada's government was distinct from Britain's. [1]

Related Diplomats

1. Vincent Massey [2]

Related Reading

• Canada and the United States