811.3347/89: Telegram

The British Chargé (Chilton) to the Secretary of State

I have the honor to communicate to you the following message which I have received by cable from the Governor General of Australia and which His Excellency requests may be passed to the President of the United States:

On behalf of the Government and people of Australia I send this message of greeting. To you as President and through you to the people of your great country we are delighted to express our most cordial feelings of friendship and good will in welcoming to Australian points the commander-in-chief, the officers and men of the great fleet of the United States of America.

The people of the United States of America have shown to the world its will to peace and its deep desire to strengthen the bonds of [Page 285] friendship between nations. Under the guidance of your government the powers and peoples of the Pacific have given practical effort [effect?] to this will and this desire, and the achievements of the Washington Conference are the happiest augury for the future peace of the world.

The visit of the United States Fleet will strengthen the friendship between our peoples and widen and deepen our mutual understanding. Australia trusts that under Divine guidance we shall realize the destiny that lies before us in peace and amity with all the nations of the world. Signed Forster, Governor General.

Chilton