123C853/15: Telegram
The Commission to Negotiate Peace to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received June 4, 1919, 7.32 a.m.]
2402. From Prague.
“[3.] June 2 [3?], 10 a.m. Presented copy of letter of credence to Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs yesterday morning. He informed me that they wished to make a special ceremony my formal presentation to the President. It will take a week to arrange this. French at present have Minister Resident, British and Italians have Chargé d’Affaires. The only full Minister is from Jugo-Slavia. Germans, Viennese and Ukrainians have de facto representatives. Would appreciate information as to why Allied countries have not sent full ministers here. If I am formally presented as Minister, before other colleagues, who have been here many months my position as regards precedence may cause embarrassment. Would appreciate instructions on this point. Believe Czech Government [perplexed] by this situation or may be using it as a means of expediting appointment of ministers by Allies. Unless otherwise advised will deal informally with the various Ministries and foreign representatives pending formal presentation. Repeat Secretary of State.[”]