543

Spender to McIntyre

Cablegram 208 CANBERRA, 26 December 1949

SECRET

Please deliver to Dr. Hatta on 27th December the following message from the Prime Minister on behalf of the Government and people of Australia begins:

The Australian Government and people send to the Government and people of the United States of Indonesia warmest congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of the inauguration of the Republic. As a near neighbour Australia has a deep and constant interest in the well-being and prosperity of Indonesia and we look forward to most intimate and friendly relations with you. Ends.

Please convey also to Dr. Hatta as Minister for Foreign Affairs my sincere congratulations on the establishment of the United States of Indonesia and inform him that as Minister for External Affairs of Australia it will be my earnest endeavour to ensure the closest co-operation at all times between Australia and Indonesia. I regret that I cannot be present on this happy occasion but Mr. L.

R. McIntyre, Counsellor of my Department, will be representing Australia, and I look forward to an opportunity to convey greetings in person in the near future, in Batavia.

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[AA : A4357/2, 353, i]