On December 15th last, I sent you a memorandum on this subject, copy of which is, for convenience, attached.¹⁴ Since this memorandum was written, we have had approaches from both the Polish and Czechoslovak Governments, expressing their disappointment that we have not appointed Ministers to their countries. The matter has been brought to a head in both capitals by the announcement that we have sent a fully accredited Minister to Yugoslavia.

The Czechoslovak Minister has told me, informally, that his Government would, he thought, be disappointed if the appointment of our Minister to Yugoslavia were not followed up very shortly by the appointment of a Canadian Minister to Czechoslovakia. We have had the same report from Mr. Macdonnell in Prague.

There is no question that the Prague post should be one of the most important in our diplomatic service in present circumstances. Czechoslovakia is almost the last bridge between the east and the west, and I am satisfied, myself, that we should do everything we can to emphasize the importance of that bridge. I would, myself, like to see our Czech Legation raised to an Embassy, and an outstanding Canadian made Ambassador. General Crerar might, even now, be persuaded to accept this post, and a man of his calibre could, I think, exercise a very important influence in this very strategic sphere.

However, if this is not possible, I would strongly urge that we promote Macdonnell to Minister. As I have pointed out previously, this does not mean that he would he promoted in our hierarchy, as he would remain classified as a Foreign Service Officer, but it would he a recognition of the importance we attach to the Czech post, and would remove any feeling of disappointment that the Czech Government has.

As for Poland, substantially the scone considerations apply. Mr. Kirkwood, in a letter which we have recently received from him dated January 15, says that the Polish Government has continuously shown some disappointment that we have not yet appointed a Minister to Warsaw. He goes on to say that the recent appointment of a new Polish Minister to Canada is a fresh indication of the Polish expectation that Canada will reciprocate. He fears that Poland would consider it a continued affront if we withhold the appointment of a Minister very much longer, especially since we have now appointed a Minister to Yugoslavia and to Turkey and contemplate sending one to Sweden.

Here, again, I would suggest that Mr. Kirkwood he given the rank of Minister, though, also, this would not mean any reclassification. There arc particular reasons why he should be left in Warsaw. Living conditions there arc very difficult indeed, and there would certainly be few candidates in Canada anxious for this post. Kirkwood lives in the Hotel Bristol, which was almost completely destroyed, but some parts of which have been rebuilt. It certainly would be no place for a new Minister with a wife and family. Kirkwood has the advantage, dubious in all other respects, of being a bachelor, and is doing a good job in Warsaw, under very difficult conditions.

I would be most grateful if you could have a word with the Prime Minister about this at an early date.

L.B. P[EARSON]

¹⁴Voir volume 13, document 21./See Volume 13, Document 21.