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U.S. Embassy 1/1/92 [OA 8332]
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U.S. Embassy 1/1/92 [OA 8332]
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Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Speech Backup Chronological Files
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MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Backup Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13788
Folder ID Number:
13788-006
Folder Title:
U.S. Embassy 1/1/92 [OA 8332]
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G
26
22
1
6
Staffed copy of FACT CHECK COPY
Nix
December 11, 1991
ALSEMB
Draft One
PRESIDENTIAL TALKING POINTS:
EMBASSY GREETINGS
AMERICAN EMBASSY AUSTRALIA
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 1992
yes
Thank you. Ambassador and Mrs. Sembler [Betty]. (( Mel, did
Embassy's Per
you wear that tie just for me? )) // [Sembler is known for
wearing very loud ties.] [ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS]
Robert Carlson
Barbara and I are very pleased to be here. We are aware of
the hard work that goes into visits like this, especially when
a difficult schedule obliged us to come during the holiday
season. We truly appreciate your commitment and sacrifice.
China
Barbara and I have served in a Mission far from Washington,
and we are both aware and deeply appreciative of the work that
you do -- both Americans and national staff -- and the
personal sacrifices that are often made by your families.
Our two countries share many similarities in language, history
and love of liberty and democracy. We are partners in one of
the strongest alliances of this century. We are friends.
ten
ten tears
Nearly nine years ago, as a "Coral Sea visitor, " I planted a
yellow poplar on these grounds as Vice President. I am glad
Caal Sea April
to see that the tree -- as is the relationship between
30, 1982
Australia and the United States -- is flourishing.
Embassy's Roberts Carlson
It is an honor for me to be the first person to plant two
trees at the embassy.
My sincere hope is that this pink
wisteria will prosper and flower as a reminder of the mutual
benefits of Australian-American friendship.
Thank you for your wonderful work. May God bless you all.
Nix
December 11, 1991
AUSEMB
Draft One
PRESIDENTIAL TALKING POINTS:
EMBASSY GREETINGS
AMERICAN EMBASSY AUSTRALIA
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 1992
Thank you. Ambassador and Mrs. Sembler [Betty]. (( Mel, did
you wear that tie just for me? )) // [Sembler is known for
wearing very loud ties.] [ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS]
Barbara and I are very pleased to be here. We are aware of
the hard work that goes into visits like this, especially when
a difficult schedule obliged us to come during the holiday
season. We truly appreciate your commitment and sacrifice.
Barbara and I have served in a Mission far from Washington,
and we are both aware and deeply appreciative of the work that
you do -- both Americans and national staff -- and the
personal sacrifices that are often made by your families.
Our two countries share many similarities in language, history
and love of liberty and democracy. We are partners in one of
the strongest alliances of this century. We are friends.
Nearly ten years ago, as a "Coral Sea visitor," I planted a
yellow poplar on these grounds as Vice President. I am glad
to see that the tree -- as is the relationship between
Australia and the United States -- is flourishing.
It is an honor for me to be the first person to plant two
trees at the embassy. My sincere hope is that this pink
wisteria will prosper and flower as a reminder of the mutual
benefits of Australian-American friendship.
Thank you for your wonderful work. May God bless you all.
Notes on Tree Planting Ceremony
Ambassador Sembler will introduce President
Ambassador Sembler is known for wearing very loud ties --
something to tease him about.
Recognize Ambassador Sembler [wife, Betty] and Admin Officer
Herb Shulz
Tree will be in hole before Pres gets there. Pres will use
shovel to throw dirt on the tree.
Every high level dignitary who's visited the embassy has
planted a tree. Bush planted one as Vice President. Dan
Quayle planted one in 1989.
IMPORTANT: Mention the Bush's appreciation for the staff's
hard work that has gone into this visit. Many of the embassy
staff lost their deposits on their vacations.
500 people expected to attend
The tree planting will be held by the Ambassador's residence
The Ambassador's residence is 50 years old as are formal
Australian-American diplomatic relations.
"an intimate partnership between two peoples."
"the front window of the nation"
Mrs. Roosevelt planted a tree at the embassy.
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7021 11-12-91 ; 21:29 ;
062705940-
CCITT G3:# 1
Embassy of the USA
Moonah Place
Yarralumia, ACT 2600
Australia
Phone: (06) 270 5000
INTL (61) (6) 270 5000
Fax: (06) 270 5970
INTL (61) (6) 270 5970
Telex: AA62104 (USAEMB)
UNCLASSIFIED
FACSIMILE COVERSHEET
Michele Nix
TO:
White House
FAX NO.:
202-456-6218
FROM:
Mort Dworken, POLCOUNS
DATE:
December 11, 1991
SUBJECT:
1982 Speeches - Canberra Visit
NO. OF PAGES
26 (twenty six)
(Including cover sheet):
COMMENTS:
PER YOUR REQUEST
OFFICIALIPERSONAL
(Signature).
(0072C)
UNCLASSIFIED
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7021 11-12-91 ; 21:29
;
062705940-
CCITT G3:# 2
REMARKS MADE BY VICE-PRESIDENT BUSH
ON THE GROUNDS OF THE AMERICAN EMBASSY RESIDENCE
CANBERRA, AUSTRRALIA,
ON THE OCCASION OF THE PLANTING OF THE YELLOW
POPLAR TREE. APRIL 30, 1982.
(APPLAUSE) ...I AM NOT SURE I NEED THIS (THE
MICROPHONE) BUT IN ANY EVENT LET ME TELL YOU HOW
VERY, VERY PLEASED WE ARE TO BE HERE AND FIRST
TO THANK YOU FOR THE FANTASTIC SUPPORT.
A
VISIT LIKE THIS JUST REALLY OVERLOADS ALL
CIRCUITS AND I, HAVING BEEN IN AN EMBASSY FAR
AWAY FROM WASHINGTON, KNOW WHAT 1 AM TALKING
ABOUT IN THAT REGARD, I EXPECT ALL OF YOU DO
TOO, so THANK YOU FOR THE SUPERB ARRANGEMENTS
AND FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT FOR A VISIT LIKE THIS.
AND THE SECOND THING I WANT TO SAY IS HOW MUCH
CONFIDENCE AND RESPECT I HAVE FOR THE FOREIGN
SERVICE AND FOR THOSE WHO DEVOTE THEIR LIVES TO
FOREIGN SERVICE -- WHATEVER CAPACITY. AND ALSO
FOR THOSE WHO SERVE IN THE ATTACHED COMPONENTS
TO AN EMBASSY. WITHOUT THE PROFESSIONALISM IN
EMBASSIES OF THIS NATURE AND WITHOUT THE
INTEGRITY OF THE SERVICE IN THE OTHER
DEPARTMENTS THAT ARE SUPPORTING THE EMBASSY, THE
U.S. WOULD BE UNDERREPRESENTED FOR A GREAT
COUNTRY. AND so, I KNOW SOMETIMES IT SEEMS FAR
AWAY AND YOU WONDER IF PEOPLE IN THE WHITE HOUSE
REALLY DO CARE ABOUT THE WORK YOU'RE DOING. ALL
I WANT TO DO IS TO SAY HERE STANDS ONE WHO IS
DEEPLY APPRECIATIVE FOR IT ALL.
I WANT TO THANK THE AMBASSADOR AND HIS CHARMING
WIFE FOR PUTTING US UP AND FOR GIVING THIS VISIT
THE PROPER LEADERSHIP. THANKS TO THE BRIEFING
PAPERS THAT I AM SURE MANY OF YOU HAD AN INPUT
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7021 11-12-91 ; 21:29
062705940-
CCITT G3:# 3
ON I COME HERE FEELING VERY GOOD ABOUT THE
FUNDAMENTAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AUSTRALIA AND
THE UNITED STATES. EVERYBODY HERE THAT'S FROM
THE U.S. -- SOME IN THE EMBASSY ARE NOT OF
COURSE -- BUT EVERYBODY HERE I KNOW WOULD ECHO
MY SENTIMENTS WHEN I SAY THAT I THINK THIS
RELATIONSHIP IS IN EXCELLENT SHAPE. IT'S ONE
THAT'S ENDURED THE TEST OF TIME. WE'RE HERE TO
GO UP TO COMMEMORATE, ALONG WITH THIS TREE, THE
BATTLE OF THE CORAL SEA. THE RELATIONSHIP WAS
IN GOOD SHAPE BEFORE THE BATTLE OF THE CORAL
SEA, ENHANCED BY THE STRENGTH THAT THE U.S. AND
AUSTRALIA SHOWED AS ALLIES IN THE BATTLE OF THE
CORAL SEA AND IT'S ENDURED IN STRENGTH, GOTTEN
STRONGER EVER SINCE. so I'M GOING OFF AT NOON
TO TAKE A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS ON SOME
CONTROVERSIAL THING. IF YOU'RE IN THE ECONOMICS
SECTION OR THE TRADE SECTION I KNOW YOU WORRY
ABOUT SOME OF THE PROBLEMS, AND I DO TOO. BUT
OVERRIDING THESE BILATERAL PROBLEMS THAT CROP UP
PROM TIME TO TIME IS THE FACT THAT AUSTRALIA,
THE UNITED STATES ARE STRAUNCH FRIENDS AND
EVERYBODY HERE IN THIS EMBASSY HAS IN MY VIEW
DONE SOMETHING TO ENHANCE AND CONTRIBUTE TO
THAT. so THIS IS WHAT OUR VISIT IS ABOUT - WE
WERE RECEIVED SO GRACIOUSLY LAST NIGHT BY THE
PRIME MINISTER, A LOVELY INFORMAL, RELAXED --
FORMERLY ATTIRED -- INFORMAL, DINNER AND THEN
PRIVILEGED TO MEET WITH HIM AND THE CABINET
TODAY. THEN WE'LL GO ON THIS AFTERNOON TO
SYDNEY. I WISH I HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO TELL
EACH OF YOU PERSONALLY HOW MUCH WE APPRECIATE IT
BUT I WILL FLIP THIS THING AWAY AND AT LEAST GET
A CHANCE TO SAY HELLO. THANK YOU ALL FOR WHAT
YOU DO FOR YOUR COUNTRY. WE ARE DEEPLY
APPRECIATIVE.
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7021 11-12-91 ; 21:31 ;
062705940-
CCITT G3:# 5
- 2 -
PRESIDENT. I NORMALLY DON'T DO (THAT) BUT, ON THIS
SUBJECT, I WILL. HE HAS GREAT CONFIDENCE IN THE FOCUS
THAT THE PRIME MINISTER IS TAKING ON PROBLEMS OF MUTUAL
CONCERN. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OUR COUNTRIES IS STRONG
AND VIABLE. WHERE PROBLEMS EXIST WE CAN SIT IN THERE AND
TALK ABOUT THEM VERY FRANKLY ACROSS THE TABLE WITH NO
HOLDS BARRED. THAT'S EXACTLY THE WAY IT SHOULD BE. I AM
JUST GRATEFUL TO THE PRIME MINISTER FOR ALL OF HIS
PERSONAL TIME AND THE TIME HIS VARIOUS MINISTERS ACCORDED
US ON THIS QUICK VISIT.
THE OTHER THING I WANTED TO SAY IS THAT OUR PRESIDENT HAS
INVITED THE PRIME MINISTER TO MEET WITH HIM IN WASHINGTON,
D.C. ON MAY 17, (THIS VISIT ) THE PRIME MINISTER
AGREEING TO THIS - AND I THINK YOUR (PRIME MINISTER
FRASER'S) LAST VISIT, I NOTED, WAS ON JUNE 30 (1981) so
IT'S MOST TIMELY. THE PRESIDENT IS LOOKING FORWARD TO AN
OPPORTUNITY TO EXCHANGE VIEWS WITH PRIME MINISTER FRASER.
THAT'S IT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH SIR.
Q: PRIME MINISTER, THAT OBVIOUSLY MEANS YOU'LL MISS THE
FEDERAL COUNCIL OF YOUR PARTY. ISN'T THAT IMPORTANT?
PRIME MINISTER: NO, I WON'T BE MISSING THE FEDERAL
COUNCIL OF MY PARTY. BUT I OBVIOUSLY VALUE THE
OPPORTUNITY TO CONTINUE DISCUSSIONS WITH SOME OF THE
ASPECTS THAT WE WERE TALKING ABOUT THIS MORNING, WITH THE
PRESIDENT, AND ESPECIALLY $0 SINCE IT COMES AT A CRITICAL
TIME BEFORE THE VARIOUS MEETINGS TAKING PLACE IN EUROPE IN
JUNE. ALTHOUGH WE ARE NOT A PARTICIPANT OF THOSE MEETINGS,
WE ARE OBVIOUSLY VERY MUCH AFFECTED BY THEIR FINAL
OUTCOMES, JUST AS ALL COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD WILL BE
AFFECTED BY THEM. so I VALUE THAT OPPORTUNITY VERY MUCH
INDEED.
WELCOME
TO THE
EMBASSY OF
THE UNITED STATES
OF AMERICA
This leaflet is designed to tell you something
about us, our activities and our buildings.
As the Chancery and other support buildings are
devoted entirely to office space and the Ambassador's
Residence is private living quarters, we regret that it is
not feasible to permit visits through the buildings.
The Embassy Residence
Though eminently typical of Virginia architecture of the time of Washing-
ton and Jefferson, the buildings you see here were inspired by those designed by
Christopher Wren for Williamsburg, the capital of the Colony of Virginia from 1699
to 1780. The spirit and atmosphere of Williamsburg construction is very evident.
Through the architecture of the Embassy buildings the observer is provided a
glimpse of the charm and stately beauty of the Colonial Williamsburg that was a
fountainhead of liberty and freedom in the life of the new American republic, and
ranked with Boston, Philadelphia and Charleston, South Carolina, as a cultural,
social and political centre in the New World.
Australian Materials, U.S. Architecture
Excellent examples of the Williamsburg style of architecture, the Embassy
buildings represent a unique American design based on English Georgian style.
Australian marble in black and white squares, quarried on the south coast
of New South Wales and in other parts of Australia, has been used in the main
entrance and hallways. Other floors are of Australian tallow-wood. Most of the
Embassy bricks were kilned in Canberra but additional bricks from the same source
were not available in 1959 when it became necessary to expand the Chancery by
construction of the wings on either side of the centre building. When an exhaustive
search made it evident that it would not be possible to match the original bricks in
Australia, it became necessary to obtain matching bricks from the United States
from a source near Williamsburg. As they stand today, the Chancery and Embassy
stand as a happy blending of Australian and American materials and craftsman-
Embassy of the United States of America, Canberra, A.C.T.
ship.
The American Ambassador to Australia
The current Ambassador to Australia is Mr. Mel Sembler. Ambassador and Mrs. Sembler
are from Treasure Island Florida. The American Ambassador to Australia is the personal
These offices operate under the general direction of the Ambassador and
representative of the President of the United States. He is accredited to the Queen in her
assist the Embassy, especially in its reporting functions. Essentially, however, their
capacity as Sovereign of Australia and resides at the seat of Government of the Common-
purpose is different from that of the Embassy. Whereas the Embassy devotes itself
wealth.
to relations between the governments of the two countries, the Consulates General
The Ambassador, assisted by members of the Embassy staff, conducts the
and Consulate dedicate the major portion of their time to problems of individual
official business of the Government of the United States of America in Australia.
citizens, including the issuance of visas for Australians travelling to the United
This includes the negotiation of treaties and agreements, the exchange of informa-
States, the issuance of passports and the performance of other services for Ameri-
tion on problems of mutual interest to the two countries, and the sending of a flow
can citizens in Australia, and the fostering of commerical relations between
of information to the United States on various subjects to enable officials and
America and Australia.
citizens of the United States to understand the attitudes and interests of Australians.
He also endeavours to make United States policies better known and understood
History of Australian . American Relations.
in Australia. The Australian Embassy in Washington performs similar tasks on
behalf of the Government of the Commonwealth.
The first United States ship to enter an Australian port was the "Philadelphia" which
arrived in Sydney in 1792.
The Embassy Staff
The Embassy staff includes a Deputy Chief of Mission, who acts as the Ambassador`s
Subsequently, American trading ships, usually bound for China, and
second - in - command and assumes the title of charge d' Affaires ad interim in the event
American whaling vessels appeared in Port Jackson for trade or for replenishment
the Ambassador should be absent from Australia.
of supplies. In 1883 American merchants opened trading branches in Australia.
This led to increased commercial intercourse and resulted in the appointment of the
The United States Information Service is responsible to the Ambassador
first Consul in Sydney. Mr James Hartwell Williams, on May 20, 1836. However,
for information and cultural activites and for the educational exchange programs
he did not arrive to take office until February 19, 1839.
operated by the United States Government in Australia, is a branch of the United
States International Communications Agency in Washington. It is directed by the
There was a considerable interchange of Australians and Americans
Counselor for Public Affairs.
during the Gold Rush days of the last century and several thousand Americans
arrived in this country during the 1850's United States consular representation was
The Political, Economic, Public Affairs and Administrative Sections of the
gradually expanded but official diplomatic relations, which had previously been
Embassy are each in the charge of a Counselor of Embassy. The Ambassador, and
conducted through the Government of the United Kingdom were not established
the officers of the staff through him, report directly to the Department of State in
until January 1940. At the time, the right Honorable R.G. Casey, now Lord Casey,
Washington Army, Naval and Air Attaches, grouped under a Defense Attache, the
became Australia`s Minister to Washington and Mr Clarence E. Gauss was
Counselor for Agricultural Affairs and the Drug Enforcement Agency are respon-
appointed United States Minister to Australia. In July 1946, the rank of the repre-
sible to the Ambassador for general guidance in their activities but report directly
sentatives exchanged by the two countries was raised to that of Ambassador. The
to their respective Departments in Washington. There is also a Labor Attache and
American Embassy was the first embassy to be established in Canberra.
a Regional Resources Officer on the Ambassador staff. The Labor Attache follows
developments in labor - management relations for both U.S. and Australian
interests and the Regional Resources Officer reports on minerals energy and petro-
The architecture of the Embassy
leum developments in Australia and the southwest pacific, including New Zeal-
and.
In constructing its Embassy in Canberra the United States Goverment was anxious to
show Australians something typically American which would nevertheless blend well with
Consular Offices
the atmosphere of Canberra
In addition to the Embassy in Canberra, the United States has three Consulates General
The architecture chosen was a Georgian style which was modified and
in Australia - one in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth and a Consulate in Brisbane. There
adapted for usein the southern parts of the United States during the Colonial period
is also a Consular Agent in Adelaide.
of the 17th and 18th centuries.
U.S.A. EMBASSY,
CANBERRA, F.C.T.
MALCOLM J. MOIR, B.ARCH. (A.) (MOIR AND SUTHERLAND,
CANBERRA), SUPERVISOR OF CONSTRUCTION.
In 1941 the United States Government acquired
The tender of Messrs. Simmie and Co. Pty. Ltd.,
from the Commonwealth the first of the special sites
of Melbourne and Canberra, was about to be accepted
set aside in Canberra for foreign missions.
when Japan attacked Pearl Harbour.
Sketches were prepared in Washington by the
The first reaction was to abandon the project tem-
Foreign Buildings Office of the State Department for
porarily, but instructions came from Washington to
an Embassy Residence, a Chancery Building, a Coun-
sign the contract. Excavation commenced immediately.
sellor's Residence and the landscape treatment of the
In the meantime, Canberra Government Brickworks
nine-acre site.
set about experimenting in the manufacture of face
It is the practice to build American buildings in
bricks resembling the sandstocks of Williamsburg
foreign countries in the indigenous style of each; but
which, in turn, had been made to match and supple-
as Australia has developed none, and as our most
ment English brick brought to Virginia as ships'
cherished buildings are of our Colonial period, it was
ballast. The final results were eminently satisfactory;
considered appropriate to adopt the kindred style of
but the manufacture of the requisite number of both
Williamsburg, Virginia, to which Sir Christopher Wren
hand-made face and common brick in sub-standard
contributed the design of the William and Mary
size (8)" X 4" X 21") absorbed a considerable time
College.
because of the labour shortage that was then acute.
Late in 1941, Mr. Moir became associated with the
On the fourth July, 1942, the foundation stone was
project, and after some amendments, dictated by site
laid jointly by the Prime Minister (Mr. Curtin),
conditions and material availability, had been made to
Senator Collings and America's Minister, Mr. Nelson T.
the drawings for the Embassy Residence, specifications
Johnson. War-time shortages of material and labour
were prepared for it in this country, and tenders were
lengthened the construction time, but the building was
called.
occupied by Christmas, 1943.
ARCHITECTURE, October, 1948
Page 41
PORTICO
TERRACE
TERRACE.
LIVING ROOM
DINING ROOM
LIBRARY
FIRST FLOOR PLAN
LOBBY
ENTRANCE
FLOVER
LOBBY
SUN R
RECEPTION
VOMENS
PANTRY
POVDER
AIN
VESTIBULE
HILL
KITCHEN
SERVANTS
DINING
LAUNDRY
SEDROOM
CITING
SAIN
BATH
SEDNOOM
C
SIDROOR
INCINERAT
STAIN
10015
VC
GARAGE
SAFE
SERVICE
BEDROOM
SECOND FLOOR PLAN
CITTING
TRUNK
680
BATH
LED
610
П
CIOLAGE
11
C
bio
'
NEO
BED
ATTIC FLOUR PLAN,
Every effort was made to avoid expediency in
The basic formation of the landscaping scheme
making substitutions of materials and simplifications,
proceeded, while native trees were pruned and supple-
80 that neither the design nor its permanent character
mented and exotic trees and shrubs were planted on the
would be impaired; but once the actual building con-
principle that the building should have an immediate
tract was completed no other work of consequence was
setting of species reminiscent of Virginia, but that these
undertaken on the site until after V.J. Day.
should blend quickly with the native red gum, yellow
box and other eucalypts of Canberra.
ARCHITECTURE, October. 1948
Latest 12/11 draft
21pm
Nix
December 11, 1991
AUSEMB
Draft One
PRESIDENTIAL TALKING POINTS:
EMBASSY GREETINGS
AMERICAN EMBASSY AUSTRALIA
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 1992
Thank you. Ambassador and Mrs. Sembler [Betty]. (( Mel, did
you wear that tie just for me? )) // [Sembler is known for
wearing very loud ties.] [ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS]
Barbara and I are very pleased to be here. We are aware of
the hard work that goes into visits like this, especially when
a difficult schedule obliged us to come during the holiday
season. We truly appreciate your commitment and sacrifice.
Barbara and I have served in a Mission far from Washington,
and we are both aware and deeply appreciative of the work that
you do -- both Americans and national staff --- and the
personal sacrifices that are often made by your families.
Our two countries share many similarities in language, history
and love of liberty and democracy. We are partners in one of
the strongest alliances of this century. We are friends.
Nearly nine years ago, as a "Coral Sea visitor,' I planted a
yellow poplar on these grounds as Vice President. I am glad
to see that the tree -- as is the relationship between
Australia and the United States -- is flourishing.
It is an honor for me to be the first person to plant two
trees at the embassy. My sincere hope is that this pink
wisteria will prosper and flower as a reminder of the mutual
benefits of Australian-American friendship.
Thank you for your wonderful work. May God bless you all.
Nix
December 11, 1991
AUSEMB
Draft One
PRESIDENTIAL TALKING POINTS:
EMBASSY GREETINGS
AMERICAN EMBASSY AUSTRALIA
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 1992
I want especially to thank Ambassador and Mrs. Sembler for
putting us up and for giving this visit the proper leadership.
We are very pleased to be here. We are aware of the hard work
that goes into visits like this, especially in this case when
a difficult schedule obliged us to come during the holiday
season. We truly appreciate your dedication and sacrifice.
Thank you for the superb arrangements and the tremendous
support you have provided.
I would like to express how much confidence and respect I have
for the foreign service and for those who devote their lives
to serving our nation overseas -- civilian and military. That
goes as well for all who represent the various departments
and agencies of our government. I also am aware of the
sacrifices made by the family members of those employees who
leave the United States.
Without professionalism and dedication at our embassies and
consulates and defense facilities around the world, the United
States would not have the great country that it is. I know
sometimes it seems far away and you wonder if people in the
White House really care about the work you are doing. Barbara
and I have served in an embassy far from Washington, and I
want to say that here stands one who is deeply appreciative
for it all.
Our two countries share many similarities in language, history
and love of liberty and democracy. We are partners in one of
the strongest alliances of this century. In this context,
there are some differences, but we should not let them blind
us to the significance of our friendship.
Overriding the bilateral problems that crop up from time to
time is the fact that Australia and the United States are
staunch friends and everybody here is this embassy has in my
view done something to enhance and contribute to that.
Nearly nine years ago, as a "Coral Sea Visitor," I planted a
yellow Poplar on these grounds as Vice President. I am glad
to see that, just as is the relationship between Australia and
the United States, the tree is flourishing.
It is an honor for me to be the first person to plant two
trees at the embassy. My sincere hope is that this pink
wisteria will prosper and flower as a reminder of the mutual
benefits of Australian-American friendship.
I will make sure this beautiful tree is given some soil, and
we will at least get the chance to say hello. God bless you
all.
UNCLASSIFIED
EMBASSY TREE PLANTING AND MEETING WITH MISSION
STAFF AND FAMILIES
SCENESETTER
PURPOSE
This will be an opportunity for you to meet with the American
Mission family and to carry on the tradition of high-level USG
officials' commemorating their visits with the planting of a
tree on the Embassy grounds. (You will also meet with
Consulate staff in Sydney and Melbourne.)
SETTING
Approximately 500 mission staff and family members will be
gathered around the circular garden area in the middle of the
residence driveway. Your remarks may be made from a platform
located next to the tree in the middle of the garden area. The
tree will already be in place, and a ceremonial shovel will be
provided to you to throw dirt into the hole. Children will be
seated in front. Media coverage by pool.
In addition to Ambassador and Mrs. Sembler, Embassy
participants will include approximately 115 American employees
including four joint defense facility commanders, along with
185 American dependents, 75 Foreign Service Nationals and their
dependents.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
POINTS TO MAKE AT EMBASSY TREE PLANTING
-- Barbara and I are very pleased to be here. We are aware of
the hard work that goes into visits like this, especially
in when a difficult schedule obliged us to come during the
holiday season. We truly appreciate your dedication and
sacrifice. Thank you for the superb arrangements and the
tremendous support you have provided.
Barbara and I have served in a Mission far from Washington,
and I want to say that here stands one who is deeply
appreciative of the work that you do -- both Americans and
national staff -- and the personal sacrifices that are
often made by your families.
-- Our two countries share many similarities in language,
history, and love of liberty and democracy. We are
partners in one of the strongest alliances on this century.
Nearly nine years ago, as a "Coral Sea Visitor," I planted
a yellow poplar on these grounds as Vice President. I am
glad to see that, just as the relationship between
Australia and the United States, the tree is flourishing.
-- It is an honor for me to be the first person to plant two
trees at the Embassy. My sincere hope is that this pink
Wisteria will grow and flower as a reminder of the mutual
benefits of Australia-American friendship.
UNCLASSIFIED
12-10-91 18:01
062705970;# 2/11
EVENT: MEET MISSION STAFF/FAMILIES-TREE PLANTING,
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 1, 1700 (MAY CHANGE SLIGHTLY),
AMBASSADOR'S RESIDENCE GROUNDS, CANBERRA
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PURPOSE: AN OPPORTUNITY TO MEET THE AMERICAN MISSION
FAMILY AND TO CARRY ON THE TRADITION OF HIGH-LEVEL
USG OFFICIALS' COMMEMORATING THEIR VISITS WITH THE
PLANTING OF A TREE.
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SETTING: APPROXIMATELY 500 (OR POSSIBLY MORE -- SEE
BELOW) MISSION STAFF AND FAMILY MEMBERS WILL BE
GATHERED AROUND THE CIRCULAR GARDEN AREA IN THE
MIDDLE OF THE RESIDENCE DRIVEWAY. THE PRESIDENT WILL
MAKE REMARKS FROM A PLATFORM WITH A MICROPHONE AND
SPEAKER, WHICH WILL BE LOCATED NEXT TO THE TREE IN
THE MIDDLE OF THE GARDEN AREA. THE TREE WILL BE IN
PLACE AND A CEREMONIAL SHOVEL WILL BE PROVIDED FOR
THE PRESIDENT TO THROW DIRT INTO THE HOLE. CHILDREN
WILL BE PLACED IN THE FRONT. PRESS COVERAGE BY POOL.
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KEY OBJECTIVES:
--TO MEET AND THANK MISSION PERSONNEL
--TO PLANT A TREE TO COMMEMORATE THE VISIT.
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PARTICIPANTS:
--PRESIDENT AND MRS. BUSH AND RELEVANT MEMBERS OF
THEIR PARTY
--AMBASSADOR AND MRS. SEMBLER
--APPROX 115 AMERICAN EMPLOYEES INCLUDING 4 JOINT
DEFENSE FACILITY COMMANDERS
--APPROX 185 AMERICAN DEPENDENTS
--APPROX 75 FOREIGN SERVICE NATIONALS, AND
--APPROX 125 AUSTRALIAN DEPENDENTS.
--IF MILITARY EXCHANGE OFFICERS ARE INCLUDED, WE
EXPECT ANOTHER APPROX 38 OFFICERS AND 68 DEPENDENTS
(TOTAL 106).
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TALKING POINTS:
WE ARE VERY PLEASED TO BE HERE. WE ARE AWARE OF THE
HARD WORK THAT GOES INTO VISITS LIKE THIS, ESPECIALLY
IN THIS CASE WHEN A DIFFICULT SCHEDULE OBLIGED US TO
COME DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON. WE TRULY APPRECIATE
YOUR DEDICATION AND SACRIFICE. THANK YOU FOR THE
SUPERB ARRANGEMENTS AND THE TREMENDOUS SUPPORT YOU
HAVE PROVIDED.
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I WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS HOW MUCH CONFIDENCE AND
RESPECT I HAVE FOR THE FOREIGN SERVICE AND FOR THOSE
WHO DEVOTE THEIR LIVES TO SERVING OUR NATION
OVERSEAS, CIVILIAN AND MILITARY. THAT GOES AS WELL
FOR ALL WHO REPRESENT THE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS AND
AGENCIES OF OUR GOVERNMENT. I ALSO AM AWARE OF THE
SACRIFICES MADE BY THE FAMILY MEMBERS OF THOSE
EMPLOYEES WHO LEAVE THE UNITED STATES
WITHOUT PROFESSIONALISM AND DEDICATION AT OUR
EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES AND DEFENSE FACILITIES
AROUND THE WORLD, THE U.S. WOULD NOT BE THE GREAT
COUNTRY THAT IT IS. I KNOW SOMETIMES IT SEEMS FAR
AWAY AND YOU WONDER IF PEOPLE IN THE WHITE HOUSE
REALLY CARE ABOUT THE WORK YOU ARE DOING. BARBARA
AND I HAVE SERVED IN AN EMBASSY FAR FROM WASHINGTON,
AND I WANT TO SAY THAT HERE STANDS ONE WHO IS DEEPLY
APPRECIATIVE FOR IT ALL.
I WANT ESPECIALLY TO THANK AMBASSADOR AND MRS.
SEMBLER FOR PUTTING US UP AND FOR GIVING THIS VISIT
THE PROPER LEADERSHIP.
THANKS ALSO FOR ALL THE WORK ON THE MANY PAPERS YOU
PREPARED. THEY SIGNALLED WHAT I COME HERE FEELING --
THAT THE FUNDAMENTAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AUSTRALIA
AND THE UNITED STATES IS SOUNDLY BASED AND IN
EXCELLENT SHAPE. IT'S ONE THAT HAS ENDURED THE TEST
OF TIME.
OUR TWO COUNTRIES SHARE MANY SIMILARITIES IN
LANGUAGE, HISTORY AND LOVE OF LIBERTY AND DEMOCRACY.
WE ARE PARTNERS IN ONE OF THE STRONGEST ALLIANCES OF
THIS CENTURY. IN THIS CONTEXT, THERE ARE SOME
DIFFERENCES, BUT WE SHOULD NOT ALLOW THEM TO BLIND US
TO THE SIGNIFICANCE OF OUR FRIENDSHIP.
OVERRIDING THE BILATERAL PROBLEMS THAT CROP UP FROM
TIME TO TIME IS THE FACT THAT AUSTRALIA AND THE
UNITED STATES ARE STAUNCH FRIENDS AND EVERYBODY HERE
IN THIS EMBASSY HAS IN MY VIEW DONE SOMETHING TO
ENHANCE AND CONTRIBUTE TO THAT.
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NEARLY NINE YEARS AGO, AS A "CORAL SEA VISITOR," I
PLANTED A YELLOW POPLAR ON THESE GROUNDS AS VICE
PRESIDENT. I AM GLAD TO SEE THAT, JUST AS THE
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AUSTRALIA AND THE UNITED STATES,
THE TREE IS FLOURISHING.
IT IS AN HONOR FOR ME TO BE THE FIRST PERSON TO PLANT
TWO TREES AT THE EMBASSY. MY SINCERE HOPE IS THAT
THIS PINK WISTERIA WILL PROSPER AND FLOWER AS A
REMINDER OF THE MUTUAL BENEFITS OF
AUSTRALIAN-AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP.
I WISH I HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO TELL EACH OF YOU
PERSONALLY HOW MUCH WE APPRECIATE THE WONDERFUL HELP
AND SUPPORT. I WILL MAKE SURE THIS BEAUTIFUL TREE IS
GIVEN SOME SOIL, AND WE WILL AT LEAST GET THE CHANCE
TO SAY HELLO. THANK YOU ALL -- BOTH AMERICANS AND
AUSTRALIANS -- FOR WHAT YOU DO FOR OUR TWO
COUNTRIES. WE ARE DEEPLY APPRECIATIVE.
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V. I. P. Visits to the Residence ('Human Interest'):
Oct. 1966 - Lyndon Baines & Ladybird Johnson - the only
President to visit Australia while in office. President
Johnson stayed at the Rex Hotel. He also came to Prime
Minister Harold Holt's funeral in 1967.
Vice President & Mrs. Hubert Humphrey
Secretary of State Dean Rusk
Actor Charlton Heston
Jan. 1970 - Vice President & Mrs. Spiro Agnew
1976 & 1985 - George Schulz
Vice President & MIS. Rockefeller
James & Mrs. Michener
Nancy Kissinger
Vice President & Mrs. Walter Mondale
Secretary of State & Mrs. Cyrus Vance
Amb. & Mrs. Andrew Young
Oct. 1981 - Former President Gerald Ford
Apr. 1982 - Vice President & Mrs. George Bush
Feb. 1984 - Former President & Mrs. Jimmy Carter
1984 - Dr. & Mrs. Henry Kissenger
1984 - Shirley Temple Black
Apr. 1989 - Vice-President & Mrs. Dan Quayle
1975 & 1986 - Secretary of Defense & Mrs. Caspar Weinberger
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Trees surrounding the Residence:
American Oak
Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt
September 1943
Texas Pecan
Gift of Amb. & Mrs. Ed Clark
December 7, 1965 planted by
Hon. Hale Boggs
Golden Elm
Mrs. Lyndon Baines Johnson
October 22, 1966
Dogwood
Amb Marshall Green
July 4, 1975
Michigan White Pine
Former President Gerald Ford
October 30, 1981
Yellow Poplar
Vice-President George Bush
April 30, 1982
Prunus
Former President Jimmy Carter
February 5, 1984
Cherry Tree
Ambassador R.D. Nesen
February 22, 1985
Liquidambar
Secretary of Defense and
Mrs. Weinberger
April 10, 1986
Claret Ash
Chief Justice W.H. Rehnquist
August 31, 1988
American Oak
Lady Gowrie (wife of
Governor-General) supposedly
planted this tree. Plaque added
26 March 1989 dedicated to
Minister Nelson T. Johnson,
recognizing the contribution he
made towards the construction of
the Residence and development
of the garden.
Scarlet Maple
Vice-President Dan Quayle
26 April 1989
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Elm
James Baker
Secretary of State
November, 1989
Box Elder
Robert Mosbacher
Secretary of Commerce
November 6, 1989
Chesnut
Richard Cheney
Secretary of Defense
November 6, 1989
Maiden Hair Tree
Admiral James Watkins
Secretary of Energy
May 11, 1990
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Embassy of the USA
Moonah Place
Yarralumia, ACT 2600
635
Australia
Phone: (06) 270 5000
INTL (61) (6) 270 5000
Fax: (06) 270 5970
INTL (61) (6) 270 5970
Telex: AA62104 (USAEMB)
UNCLASSIFIED
FACSIMILE COVERSHEET
TO:
Michelle Nix
White House Speechwriting
FAX NO.:
(0015) (1) (202) 456-6218
FROM:
Robert Carlson, Political Section
DATE:
December 10, 1991
SUBJECT:
Tree-planting ceremony
11
NO. OF PAGES
(Including cover sheet):
COMMENTS: As we discussed in our telcon yesterday. Regards.
(Signature).
OFFICIAL)PERSONAL
(0072C)
UNCLASSIFIED
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SEPT. 1991
RESIDENCE
HISTORY
Area of Compound: 9.6 acres was leased from the Australian
Government for 99 years (cost was 6,210 pounds) for what was
then the U.S. Legation.
Ceremonial signing of the lease: December 8, 1941
On the same day the Japanese struck Pearl Harbour and therefore
added deeper significance to the ceremony. Authority was given
to proceed with building although non-defense building had
stopped in both the United States and Australia. This was
considered as an act of faith and alliance.
The cornerstone was laid on July 4, 1942. The Canberra
Brickworks supplied the facade bricks to match samples sent
from Colonial Williamsburg. They were made to exact design,
color, texture and size. However, for later editions to the
Embassy, bricks had to be sent out from Virginia because the
original Canberra kiln had ceased operations.
The first family (Minister Johnson's) to move in did so in the
latter months of 1944 nearly three years after their arrival in
Canberra.
Style of the buildings: Georgian style found in the colonial
architecture of Williamsburg, Virginia around the 17th and 18th
Centuries. The Australian company awarded the contract was
Simmie & Co. who also built the War Memorial and the Institute
of Anatomy in Canberra.
Williamsburg archiecture was inspired by the contemporary work
in London of Sir Christopher Wren (Wren himself designed the
William & Mary College in Williamsburg). Some early Australian
architecture including St. James Church in Sydney stemed from
the same source.
Residence Miscellaneous:
In essence, the Residence entertaining area is comprised of a
foyer, lounge/drawing room, dining room, library, sunroom, and
two bathrooms on the ground floor. Behind the kitchen, there
is a staff room, laundry etc. There is also an office on the
ground floor which was originally the music room. The first
floor is comprised of a Master Bedroom Suite and three other
bedrooms, i.e. the Lincoln Room (tangerine), the Blue Room and
the Yellow Room.
There is also a large basement and attic area which has been
converted for live-in staff. There is also live-in
accommodations over the garage for staff.
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Fireplaces: Although a fireplace was included for the foyer in
initial drawings it was never built. There are however a total
of five fireplaces in the Residence (drawing room, dining,
library, master bedroom and Lincoln bedroom) - each one is
faced with a different marble.
When Eleanor Roosevelt visited in 1943 she declared that the
opening of the fireplace in the library was not large enough.
After a flurry of telegrams with Washington - it remained the
same. She was proven wrong and it works well.
Nearly all the construction materials are Australian. The
outstanding workmanship of the Australians in completing the
building along with the American design and the exquisite
workmanship of the furniture which was shipped in the 1940's is
a unique blend and a symbol even then of Americans and
Australians working together.
Downstairs floors: Jarrah wood
Upstairs floors: Tallow wood
Library panelling: Australian red cedar
Roof: Bangor slate from Wales
Bathroom fixtures: Imported from the U.S.A. in the 1940's.
Marble: black is Australian
white is Belgian
Cornices: were executed by Jack Tillyard a master craftsman in
plaster.
Hardware: Doorknobs and locks etc are solid brass. There was
a wartime embargo preventing the sale of brass in the US, so
for shipping the maker concealed the goods under a black iron
finish.
Portico: Designed to carry the weight of 20 people. Portico
columns and other stone trim is Hawkesbury sandstone.
Paints: The US Office of Foreign Buildings (FBO) wanted
neutral colors but the acting chief at the time held out for
authentic Williamsburg colors, i.e. dark indigo blue, rust,
ecru and peach. It is worth noting that the carpet in the
dining room, which arrived at the Residence in 1989, reflects
these colors.
Furnishings: Most of the furnishings are Mahogany pieces made
by Kittinger, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Chandeliers also came
from Craft House, Williamsburg are made of silver and pewter.
Over the past three years the rugs, draperies and furniture
coverings have been all been brought back to the traditional
18th Century style.
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Other Buildings
The stable garage at the foot of the garden was constructed
during the term of Ambassador Sebald (1957-1961). The bricks
used were 'leftovers' from the building of the Chancery. The
building is now known as the Villa which houses offices.
The swimming pool and change rooms were built during the term
of Ambassador Rice (1969 - 1973).
Additions to the Chancery were completed in 1960.
The Annex was originally built to house the Political Counselor
and was completed in 1950 for a cost of $361,165.
Between 1985-89 steps were taken to build a high brick wall
with iron paling fence and it was subsequently erected with
three guard posts to conform to new State Department security
regulations. Also built during this period - a communications
annex and a support annex (mail area).
Residence Artifacts:
The majority of the artwork is on loan from the Museum of Fine
Arts, St. Petersburg, Florida. It is assembled in the
Residence as part of the Art-in-Embassy program. Other pieces
are either owned by the Embassy or are on loan from the
Art-in-Embassy program.
Foyer -
Italian Carrara marble busts of George Washington and Benjamin
Franklin were acquired in 1960 after they were discovered in
the basement of the New South Wales Museum. They were
sculptured by Domenico Menconi, Florence in 1875. They were
originally bought for the colony by Sir Henry Parkes before
Federation, i.e. pre 1901.
The seat cushions on five chairs were stitched by wives of the
Embassy staff in 1974. Their initials and date are worked into
the pieces.
Flags are the US flag and the State Department standard.
Bird prints on the stairwell are original engravings (1831-33)
by John James Audubon. American naturalist/artist.
Clock is U.S. reproduction.
The open string staircase was turned in Melbourne and put
together on the job by Mr. Silvio Cadona, an Italian immigrant
in his early 20's. As chief carpenter, he crafted the interior
paneling and door pediments.
(The foyer and library pineapples were carved out of plaster
and wood and are symbolic of hospitality.)
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Dining Room -
The rug was made by the Karastan Company in the United States
and reflects the 18th century Turkish/Ushak reproduction
carpet. The original, whose dimensions are on a smaller scale,
is owned by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
Breakfront - Chippendale style with Chinese influence. It's a
reproduction.
Two American crystal eagles by Steuben. Elephant pipe holder.
Epergne used as a centerpiece with flowers, fruit etc.
The China and crystal glasses used for official dinners all
bear the State Department crest.
The painting of George Washington is an oil by Mary Jane
Peale. It was painted in 1864 after a Rembrandt Peale painted
in 1840.
Fireplace is Australian grey Mudgee marble.
Drawing Room -
Yamaha piano belongs to the Residence.
Fireplace is Pyrenees rose marble.
Peach carpet was made in New Zealand.
The gold clock and candlesticks belong to the Residence. Their
origin is unknown.
Library -
All Australian red cedar panels.
Fireplace is French black & gold marble.
Picture over the mantle : America's Cup Winner, 1887 Sloop
"Volunteer" by James Buttersworth. Buttersworth is the son of
a well-known English painter, Thomas Buttersworth. James
immigrated to New York and later became a marine painter.
Aboriginal piece is from the Tiwi tribe from the Bathurst and
Melville Islands, Northern Territory.
Patio Garden -
has been redesigned to an 18 Century geometric mode.
Sunroom -
also used for entertaining, childrens' games room etc.
Over the past four decades the Residence has been the home of
sixteen Ambassadors.
The present Ambassador - Mel Sembler and Betty Sembler are from
grandchildren. St. Petersburg, Florida. They have three sons and eight
The house is staffed by a Butler, Chef, two Housemaids, two
Stewards, and Mrs. Sembler's Assistant.