P..L.38

FOR PRESS ;  471

OPENING OF AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY,  * VIENNA Ã¢ÂÂ   - Ã¢ÂÂ   .

Statement Toy the Minister for External Affairs, The H0nÃ¢ÂÂ Paul Hasluck, ÃÂ.ÃÂ¡Â»

The Minister for External Affairs, the Hon. Paul Hasluck,

M.P., announced today that an Australian Embassy is to he

formally opened in Vienna this evening. This results from

the decision of the Australian and Austrian "Governments to

exchange representatives at the level of Ambassador which

was announced "by the Minister on March 21 lastÂ»

Mr. Hasluck said that he hoped shortly to he able to

announce the appointment of the first Australian Ambassador

in Vienna. He said that the new Ambassador is to reside in

another European capital, but will visit Vienna from time to

time for consultations with the Austrian Government,

Mr. F.B. Cooper, a career officer of the Department of

External Affairs, will open the Embassy and will reside in

Vienna as Charge d'Affaires ad interim.,

The Minister said that the Australian Migration Office,

which was established in Vienna in 1956$ would be attached

to the Embassy. The Embassy will also ensure continued

liaison with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the

headquarters of which is in Vienna and in v/hich the Australian

representative is a member of the Board of Governors, The

Department of Trade is also expected to attach a Commercial

Attache to the Embassy in the near future.

Mr. Hasluck said that the establishment of the Embassy

in Vienna, together with the elevation of the status of the

Austrian Legation in Canberra to Embassy level, reflected

Increasing contact and collaboration between the two countries

and the development of worm and friendly relations which he

hoped would continue to be enhanced to the mutual benefit

of both countries.

CANBERRA. A.C.T May 13, 1964 - P.M.

