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DCER : Volume #13 - 35.DEA/3358-R-40 :

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Volume #13 - 35.

CHAPITRE I

CONDUITE DES RELATIONS EXTÉRIEURES

2E PARTIE

REPRÉSENTATION DIPLOMATIQUE ET CONSULAIRE

SECTION P

SUISSE

35.

 DEA/3358-R-40

Memorandum from Under-Secretary of State for External Affairs
to Secretary of State for External Affairs

Ottawa, le 24 mars 1947

As you know, we will shortly be opening a diplomatic mission in Switzerland. In this regard a decision will have to be taken whether it should be an Embassy or a Legation. Our general policy is to have Embassies, only in order to remove the now completely artificial distinction between them and Legations and make easier The transfer of Heads from one post to another. There are, however, certain difficulties in respect of Switzerland. Swiss Missions are all Legations and they have let us know that whatever we may do they propose to continue a Legation in Ottawa. They do not object to the establishment of a Canadian Embassy in Berne but they point out that there is at present only one Embassy there, the French, and that all other missions are Legations.

The advantages of having an Embassy are: (I) Uniformity within our service, as mentioned above; (2) Mr. Wilgress is already an Ambassador and it would be simpler if he could retain that title in his new post.

The disadvantages are: (I) We would start off in a rather over-conspicuous fashion; (2) our mission would in status be senior to that of the United Kingdom, United States, and U.S.S.R.; (3) the size and importance of our mission would not justify this superior status.

I suggest, therefore, that we establish in Berne a Legation, not an Embassy, but that, if and when other Legations are raised to Embassies there, we should alter ours accordingly.

I suggest also that while Mr. Wilgress would be appointed to a Legation, he should retain his personal rank of Ambassador which he could use when representing Canada at international meetings.

L.B. PEARSON



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