Embassy of the United States, Canberra: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Embassy of the United States.jpg|thumb|U.S. Embassy, Canberra]] |
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[[File:US Embassy in Yarralumla, Australian Capital Territory.jpg|thumb|Exterior and front lawn]] |
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The '''Embassy of the United States''' '''in Canberra''' is the embassy of the [[United States]] to [[Australia]]. It is one of the largest embassies in the Australian capital of [[Canberra]], found in the centrally-located [[Yarralumla, Australian Capital Territory|Yarralumla]] suburb. It is situated close to [[The Lodge (Australia)|The Lodge]], the Australian [[Prime Minister of Australia|Prime Minister]]'s official residence in Canberra, and is equally close to [[Parliament House, Canberra|Parliament House]], the center of Australia's government. Built in the [[Georgian architecture|Georgian]] style of architecture, it was founded in 1942 and occupied by the end of the next year.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title = Embassy Information {{!}} Canberra, Australia - Embassy of the United States|url = http://canberra.usembassy.gov/history.html|website = canberra.usembassy.gov|access-date = 2016-02-16|deadurl = yes|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20051230165108/http://canberra.usembassy.gov/history.html|archivedate = 2005-12-30|df = }}</ref> The mission has also been the focus of multiple security threats. |
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{{Infobox diplomatic mission |
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The embassy has several functions, including communicating and collaborating with Australian media, issuing [[passport]]s and [[Visa (document)|visas]], assisting US citizens living in Australia, and presenting forums with visiting American experts. The mission has also helped prepare food for needy Australians in cooperation with the [[Our Big Kitchen]] organization of [[Sydney]]. The staff also organizes and arranges for key figures and thinkers in Australia to visit the United States to share ideas with American counterparts.<ref>{{Cite web|title = U.S. Embassy Canberra, Australia|url = http://diplomacy.state.gov/discoverdiplomacy/explorer/places/203573.htm|website = diplomacy.state.gov|access-date = 2016-02-16}}</ref> |
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| name = Embassy of the United States, Canberra |
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| image = [[File:Seal of an Embassy of the United States of America.svg|100px]]<br/>[[File:U.S. Embassy Canberra.jpg|250px]] |
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| location = {{ACTcity|Yarralumla}}, [[Canberra]], [[Australian Capital Territory]], Australia |
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| coordinates = {{coord|35|18|26|S|149|7|2|E|display=title,inline}}<!-- {{coord|latitude|longitude|type:landmark|display=inline,title}} --> |
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| ambassador = [[Caroline Kennedy]] |
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| opened = {{start date|1946|07|09|df=y}} |
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}} |
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The '''Embassy of the United States''' '''in Canberra''' is the [[embassy]] of the [[United States]] to [[Australia]]. It is one of the largest embassies in the Australian capital of [[Canberra]], located in the centrally-located suburb of [[Yarralumla, Australian Capital Territory|Yarralumla]]. It is situated close to [[The Lodge (Australia)|The Lodge]], the official Canberra residence of the [[Prime Minister of Australia]], and is equally close to [[Parliament House, Canberra|Parliament House]], the centre of Australia's government. Built in the [[Georgian architecture|Georgian]] style of architecture, it was founded in 1942 and occupied by the end of the next year.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Embassy Information {{!}} Canberra, Australia – Embassy of the United States |url=http://canberra.usembassy.gov/history.html |website = canberra.usembassy.gov |access-date=16 February 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051230165108/http://canberra.usembassy.gov/history.html |archive-date=30 December 2005 }}</ref> |
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The office of the [[United States Ambassador to Australia]] is currently vacant. |
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The embassy has several functions, including communicating and collaborating with Australian media, issuing passports and [[Visa (document)|visas]], assisting US citizens living in Australia, and presenting forums with visiting American experts. The mission has also helped prepare food for in need Australians in co-operation with the [[Our Big Kitchen]] organisation of Sydney. The staff also organises and arranges for key figures and thinkers in Australia to visit the United States to share ideas with American counterparts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S. Embassy Canberra, Australia |url=http://diplomacy.state.gov/discoverdiplomacy/explorer/places/203573.htm |website=diplomacy.state.gov |access-date=16 February 2016}}</ref> |
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== History == |
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Australia was recognized as a country by the United States and diplomatic relations were established between the US and Australia in 1940. The [[foundation stone]] for the current ambassador’s Residence was laid on June 4, 1942, and the residence was occupied by Christmas 1943.<ref name=":0" /> The site was advanced to embassy status on July 9, 1946. On September 25, [[Robert Butler (diplomat)|Robert Butler]] presented his credentials as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Australian Government, becoming the first ambassador to Australia.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Australia - Countries - Office of the Historian|url = https://history.state.gov/countries/australia|website = history.state.gov|access-date = 2016-02-16}}</ref> |
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The office of the [[United States Ambassador to Australia]] is currently held by [[Caroline Kennedy]], appointed with effect from July 25, 2022. |
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== Architecture and construction == |
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The embassy was designed in order to show off typically classical American architecture to Australians while still blending in with Canberra’s atmosphere. The final design chosen is a Georgian style, examples of which could be seen in the 17th and 18th centuries in southern parts of the United States. The blueprints were inspired by buildings designed by [[Christopher Wren]] for the colonial town of [[Williamsburg, Virginia|Williamsburg]], Virginia.<ref name=":0" /> The architect was Frederick Larkin, working for the [[United States Department of State|Department of State]]’s foreign building office. He was supervised by an Australian architect.<ref name=":2">''The Ambassador's Residence of the Embassy of the United States of America, Canberra, Australia.'' 1961. National Archives of Australia. ''Australian Government''. Web. 15 Feb. 2016.</ref> |
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==History== |
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[[File:U.S. Embassy Canberra CMR.jpg|thumb|Ambassador's Residence]] |
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Australia was recognised as a country by the United States and diplomatic relations were established between the US and Australia in 1940. The [[foundation stone]] for the current ambassador's Residence was laid on 4 June 1942, and the residence was occupied by Christmas 1943.<ref name=":0" /> The site was advanced to embassy status on 9 July 1946. On 25 September, [[Robert Butler (diplomat)|Robert Butler]] presented his credentials as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Australian Government, becoming the first ambassador to Australia.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Australia – Countries – Office of the Historian|url = https://history.state.gov/countries/australia|website = history.state.gov|access-date = 16 February 2016}}</ref> |
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==Architecture and construction== |
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The embassy was designed in order to show off typically classical American architecture to Australians while still blending in with Canberra's atmosphere. The final design chosen is a Georgian style, examples of which could be seen in the 17th and 18th centuries in southern parts of the United States. The blueprints were inspired by buildings designed by [[Christopher Wren]] for the colonial town of [[Williamsburg, Virginia|Williamsburg]], Virginia.<ref name=":0" /> The architect was Frederick Larkin, working for the [[United States Department of State|Department of State]]’s [[Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations|Foreign Building Office]]. He was supervised by an Australian architect, [[Malcolm Moir]].<ref name=":2">''The Ambassador's Residence of the Embassy of the United States of America, Canberra, Australia.'' 1961. National Archives of Australia. ''Australian Government''. Web. 15 February 2016.</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article27940754 |title=AMERICA IN CANBERRA |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=4 September 1943 |accessdate=22 February 2022 |page=7 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> |
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This style of architecture was chosen as Williamsburg is seen as having been a center of liberty and freedom in the colonial times, as well as a concentration of communal, political and artistic action.<ref name=":0" /> |
This style of architecture was chosen as Williamsburg is seen as having been a center of liberty and freedom in the colonial times, as well as a concentration of communal, political and artistic action.<ref name=":0" /> |
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The materials used for construction were mostly Australian-based. An exception of this occurred in 1959, when the [[Chancery (diplomacy)|Chancery]]’s expansion required bricks to match the existing style. The Canberra location that had previously [[kiln]]ed the bricks was no longer available, and as no other convenient location was available, bricks were transported from kilns located near Williamsburg in the United States.<ref name=":0" /> |
The materials used for construction were mostly Australian-based. An exception of this occurred in 1959, when the [[Chancery (diplomacy)|Chancery]]’s expansion required bricks to match the existing style. The Canberra location that had previously [[kiln]]ed the bricks was no longer available, and as no other convenient location was available, bricks were transported from kilns located near Williamsburg in the United States.<ref name=":0" /> |
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The main floors of the residence are either Australian wood or Australian white marble from southern [[New South Wales]], with the exception of the entrance hall, which has the same Australian white marble in a checkered pattern with Belgian black marble. Additionally, sandstone paves the way to the [[Sunroom|solarium]], and [[Eucalyptus marginata|jarrah]] [[parquetry]] is |
The main floors of the residence are either Australian wood or Australian white marble from southern [[New South Wales]], with the exception of the entrance hall, which has the same Australian white marble in a checkered pattern with Belgian black marble. Additionally, sandstone paves the way to the [[Sunroom|solarium]], and [[Eucalyptus marginata|jarrah]] [[parquetry]] is utilised for the main floor, with [[Eucalyptus microcorys|tallowwood]] parquetry for the upper floor. Finally, linoleum on pine flooring is used for flooring service areas. Outside, the roof is Bangor slate, with entrance columns and other stone adornments made of Hawkesbury sandstone.<ref name=":0" /> |
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Residence equipment mostly originates in the United States, as does the flag pole and furniture, creating what the embassy calls a "happy blending of Australian and American materials and craftsmanship."<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /> |
Residence equipment mostly originates in the United States, as does the flag pole and furniture, creating what the embassy calls a "happy blending of Australian and American materials and craftsmanship."<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /> |
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==Security concerns== |
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===September 11 attacks=== |
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=== September 11 attacks === |
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{{Main|September 11 attacks}} |
{{Main|September 11 attacks}} |
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Following the terrorist attacks on the [[World Trade Center (1973–2001)|World Trade Center]] in |
Following the terrorist attacks on the [[World Trade Center (1973–2001)|World Trade Center]] in New York City and [[The Pentagon]], road blocks were set up around the US Embassy in Canberra.<ref>{{cite news |title=Fed: Road Blocks Set Up Around US Embassy In Canberra |agency=[[Australian Associated Press|AAP]] General News |date=n.d. }}</ref> Additional officers were brought in to increase security at the mission in the morning hours, with all vehicles entering the premises checked and Australian police cars stationed at every gate. In addition, access to other embassies in the area was restricted.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Taylor, Rob |author2=Pollard, Krystyna |title=Fed: Security Cordon Goes Up At US Embassy |agency=[[Australian Associated Press|AAP]] General News |date=n.d. }}</ref> |
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=== Following airstrikes in Afghanistan === |
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{{Main|War in Afghanistan (2001–14)}} |
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On October 7, 2001, the United States military began carrying out airstrikes against [[Taliban]] and [[al-Qaeda]] training camps in [[Afghanistan]] as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. The following day, roads around the US Embassy in Canberra were closed off due to fears of retaliatory strikes or protests.<ref>"Fed: Access Restricted To US Embassy In Canberra." ''AAP General News'' (n.d.): ''Newspaper Source Plus''. Web. 15 Feb. 2016.</ref> |
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===Following airstrikes in Afghanistan=== |
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=== Protests of 2003 === |
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{{Main|War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)}} |
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On October 23, 2003, a crowd about approximately 3,000 held demonstrations outside the nearby Parliament House. The protests centered on President [[George W. Bush]], who arrived in Canberra earlier that day. As a planned rally, the protesters marched through streets that were closed off ahead of time. Due to an alleged militant presence in the crowd, temporary plastic barrier fencing was torn down outside the US Embassy, star pickets were thrown at guards, and minor fights between police and protesters erupted outside the mission. The crowds later moved on with few injuries sustained.<ref>{{Cite web|title = PM - 3,000 protest Bush visit in Canberra|url = http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2003/s973867.htm|website = www.abc.net.au|access-date = 2016-02-16}}</ref> |
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On 7 October 2001, the United States military began carrying out airstrikes against [[Taliban]] and [[al-Qaeda]] training camps in [[Afghanistan]] as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. The following day, roads around the US Embassy in Canberra were closed off due to fears of retaliatory strikes or protests.<ref>{{cite news |title=Fed: Access Restricted To US Embassy In Canberra |agency=[[Australian Associated Press|AAP]] General News |date=n.d. }}</ref> |
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=== Gate-crashing incident of 2013 === |
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On July 10, 2013, Adrian Richardson from [[Queensland]] checked out of an adult mental health facility and drove slowly around the US Embassy at about 6:00 pm. Soon after, he switched off his headlights, revved his engine, and crashed his car into the US Embassy’s gates, causing $15,000 of damage.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title = Mental health assessment for US embassy crash driver|url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-11/mental-health-assessment-for-us-embassy-driver/4813776|website = ABC News|access-date = 2016-02-16|language = en-AU}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title = US embassy crash driver found not guilty|url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-09-30/us-embassy-crash-driver-found-not-guilty-due-to-mental-illness/5779658|website = ABC News|access-date = 2016-02-16|language = en-AU}}</ref> Canberra’s bomb unit responded to the attack, along with police, ambulance, fire, and rescue crews. Roads were also closed around the embassy.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Bomb squad sent to US Embassy after car crashes into gates|url = http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/bomb-squad-sent-to-us-embassy-after-car-crashes-into-gates-20130710-2pqb8.html|website = Canberra Times|access-date = 2016-02-16}}</ref> |
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===Protests of 2003=== |
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A mental health assessment was ordered by a court, and Richardson was charged with damaging the premises of an [[Protection of Diplomats Convention|internationally protected person]].<ref name=":3" /> He gave multiple reasons for his actions, including being a journalist seeking a visa, and being the victim of a Chinese plot.<ref name=":4" /> |
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On 23 October 2003, a crowd of approximately 3,000 protestors held demonstrations outside the nearby Parliament House. The protests centered on President [[George W. Bush]], who arrived in Canberra earlier that day. As a planned rally, the protesters marched through streets that were closed off ahead of time. Due to an alleged militant presence in the crowd, temporary plastic barrier fencing was torn down outside the US Embassy, star pickets were thrown at guards, and minor fights between police and protesters erupted outside the mission. The crowds later moved on with few injuries sustained.<ref>{{Cite web |title=3,000 protest Bush visit in Canberra |url=http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2003/s973867.htm |work=[[PM (Australian radio program)|PM]]; [[ABC Local Radio]] |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |access-date=16 February 2016}}</ref> |
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===Gate-crashing incident of 2013=== |
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Richardson was placed on psychiatric order for 3 years after being diagnosed with a psychotic illness and pleading not guilty by [[Insanity defense|mental impairment]].<ref name=":4" /> |
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On 10 July 2013, Adrian Richardson from [[Queensland]] checked out of an adult mental health facility and drove slowly around the US Embassy at about 6:00 pm. Soon after, he switched off his headlights, revved his engine, and crashed his car into the US Embassy's gates, causing {{AUD}}15,000 of damage.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Mental health assessment for US embassy crash driver |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-11/mental-health-assessment-for-us-embassy-driver/4813776 |work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |location=Australia |access-date=16 February 2016}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=US embassy crash driver found not guilty |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-09-30/us-embassy-crash-driver-found-not-guilty-due-to-mental-illness/5779658 |work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |location=Australia |access-date=6 February 2016}}</ref> Canberra's bomb unit responded to the attack, along with police, ambulance, fire, and rescue crews. Roads were also closed around the embassy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bomb squad sent to US Embassy after car crashes into gates |url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/bomb-squad-sent-to-us-embassy-after-car-crashes-into-gates-20130710-2pqb8.html |website=[[The Canberra Times]] |access-date=16 February 2016}}</ref> |
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A mental health assessment was ordered by a court, and Richardson was charged with damaging the premises of an [[Protection of Diplomats Convention|internationally protected person]].<ref name=":3" /> He gave multiple reasons for his actions, including being a journalist seeking a visa, and being the victim of a Chinese plot.<ref name=":4" /> Richardson was placed on psychiatric order for three years after being diagnosed with a psychotic illness and pleading not guilty by [[Insanity defense|mental impairment]].<ref name=":4" /> |
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== Ambassadors == |
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The current Ambassador to the Commonwealth of Australia is John Berry. He took office on September 25, 2013, becoming the 25th person to hold the post. He holds degrees from both the [[University of Maryland, College Park|University of Maryland]] and [[Syracuse University]]’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. He is also the first US ambassador to serve a [[G-20 major economies|G20]] country that openly identifies as [[gay]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title = Berry, John|url = https://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/biog/217769.htm|website = U.S. Department of State|access-date = 2016-02-16}}</ref> |
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==Ambassadors== |
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Traditionally, the post of Ambassador to Australia has been considered a patronage post, and as such, the majority of those holding the office have been friends, donors, business associates, or political allies to the president at the time, as opposed to career diplomats. The Australian government welcomes this arrangement, as it often allows them to circumvent the State Department by utilizing the ambassador’s more direct link to the president. |
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{{main|List of ambassadors of the United States to Australia}} |
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[[Caroline Kennedy]] is the current [[United States Ambassador to Australia]]. |
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==Offices== |
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=== Past US Ambassadors to Australia === |
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The sections of the embassy include Public Affairs, Economic Affairs, Political Affairs, Commercial Affairs, and Agricultural Affairs, as well as Management, [[United States Security Assistance Organizations|Office of Defense Cooperation]], the [[Military attaché|Defense Attaché]], and the Consular section. In addition, there are representatives of other US government agencies at the embassy, like the [[United States Department of Justice|Department of Justice]] and the [[Drug Enforcement Administration]] (DEA).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sections & Offices {{!}} Canberra, Australia – Embassy of the United States |url=http://canberra.usembassy.gov/sections-offices.html |website=canberra.usembassy.gov |access-date=16 February 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306180023/http://canberra.usembassy.gov/sections-offices.html |archive-date=6 March 2016 }}</ref> |
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[[File:Nelson_T._Johnson_cph.3c35451.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Nelson T. Johnson]]]] |
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* [[Clarence E. Gauss]] (1940–41) |
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* [[Nelson T. Johnson]] (1941–45) |
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* Robert Butler (1946–48) |
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* [[Myron M. Cowen]] (1948–49) |
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* [[Pete Jarman]] (1949–53) |
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* Amos J. Peaslee (1953–56) |
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* Douglas M. Maffat (1956) |
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* [[William J. Sebald]] (1957–61) |
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* [[William C. Battle]] (1962–64) |
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* [[Edward A. Clark|Ed Clark]] (1965–67) |
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* William H. Crook (1968–73) |
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* Walter L. Rice (1973–75) |
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* [[Marshall Green]] (1969–73) |
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* James W. Hargrove (1976–77) |
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* [[Philip H. Alston]] (1977–81) |
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* [[Robert D. Nesen]] (1981–85) |
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* [[Bill Lane (publisher)|Laurence W. Lane]] (1985–89) |
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* [[Mel Sembler|Melvin F. Sembler]] (1989–93) |
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* [[Edward J. Perkins]] (1993–96) |
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* [[Genta H. Holmes]] (1997-2000) |
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* [[Edward Gnehm|Edward W. Gnehm]] (2000–01) |
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* [[Tom Schieffer|Thomas Schieffer]] (2001–05) |
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* [[Robert McCallum, Jr.]] (2006–09) |
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* [[Jeffrey L. Bleich|Jeff Bleich]] (2009–13) |
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== |
==See also== |
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{{Portal|United States|Australia}} |
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The sections of the embassy include Public Affairs, Economic Affairs, Political Affairs, Commercial Affairs, and Agricultural Affairs, as well as Management, [[United States Security Assistance Organizations|Office of Defense Cooperation]], the [[Military attaché|Defense Attaché]], and the Consular section. In addition, there are representatives of other US government agencies at the embassy, like the [[United States Department of Justice|Department of Justice]] and the [[Drug Enforcement Administration]] (DEA).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sections & Offices {{!}} Canberra, Australia - Embassy of the United States |url=http://canberra.usembassy.gov/sections-offices.html |website=canberra.usembassy.gov |access-date=2016-02-16 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306180023/http://canberra.usembassy.gov/sections-offices.html |archivedate=2016-03-06 |df= }}</ref> |
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* [[Australia–United States relations]] |
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* [[List of ambassadors of the United States to Australia]] |
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* [[Embassy of Australia, Washington, D.C.]] |
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* [[List of ambassadors of Australia to the United States]] |
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* [[List of Consuls-General of Australia in New York]] |
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* [[List of diplomatic missions of the United States]] |
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* [[List of diplomatic missions in Australia]] |
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== |
==References== |
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{{Reflist}} |
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*[[List of diplomatic missions in Australia]] |
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*[[Ambassadors of the United States]] |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{Commons category|Embassy of the United States in Canberra}} |
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*[https://au.usembassy.gov/ Official website], U.S. Embassy Canberra |
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*[https://web.archive.org/web/20051230165108/http://canberra.usembassy.gov/history.html History of the Embassy], U.S. Embassy Canberra |
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20051230165108/http://canberra.usembassy.gov/history.html History of the Embassy], U.S. Embassy Canberra |
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{{commons category|Embassy of the United States in Canberra}} |
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{{US diplomatic missions}} |
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== References == |
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<references />{{US diplomatic missions}} |
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{{Diplomatic missions in Australia}} |
{{Diplomatic missions in Australia}} |
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{{Australia–United States relations}} |
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{{coord|35|18|26|S|149|7|2|E|display=title}} |
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{{Authority control}} |
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[[Category:Diplomatic missions of the United States|Canberra]] |
[[Category:Diplomatic missions of the United States|Canberra]] |
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Latest revision as of 21:51, 3 July 2024
| Embassy of the United States, Canberra | |
|---|---|
  | |
 | |
| Location | Yarralumla, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia |
| Coordinates | 35°18′26″S 149°7′2″E / 35.30722°S 149.11722°E |
| Opened | 9 July 1946 |
| Ambassador | Caroline Kennedy |
The Embassy of the United States in Canberra is the embassy of the United States to Australia. It is one of the largest embassies in the Australian capital of Canberra, located in the centrally-located suburb of Yarralumla. It is situated close to The Lodge, the official Canberra residence of the Prime Minister of Australia, and is equally close to Parliament House, the centre of Australia's government. Built in the Georgian style of architecture, it was founded in 1942 and occupied by the end of the next year.[1]
The embassy has several functions, including communicating and collaborating with Australian media, issuing passports and visas, assisting US citizens living in Australia, and presenting forums with visiting American experts. The mission has also helped prepare food for in need Australians in co-operation with the Our Big Kitchen organisation of Sydney. The staff also organises and arranges for key figures and thinkers in Australia to visit the United States to share ideas with American counterparts.[2]
The office of the United States Ambassador to Australia is currently held by Caroline Kennedy, appointed with effect from July 25, 2022.
History
[edit]
Australia was recognised as a country by the United States and diplomatic relations were established between the US and Australia in 1940. The foundation stone for the current ambassador's Residence was laid on 4 June 1942, and the residence was occupied by Christmas 1943.[1] The site was advanced to embassy status on 9 July 1946. On 25 September, Robert Butler presented his credentials as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Australian Government, becoming the first ambassador to Australia.[3]
Architecture and construction
[edit]The embassy was designed in order to show off typically classical American architecture to Australians while still blending in with Canberra's atmosphere. The final design chosen is a Georgian style, examples of which could be seen in the 17th and 18th centuries in southern parts of the United States. The blueprints were inspired by buildings designed by Christopher Wren for the colonial town of Williamsburg, Virginia.[1] The architect was Frederick Larkin, working for the Department of State’s Foreign Building Office. He was supervised by an Australian architect, Malcolm Moir.[4][5]
This style of architecture was chosen as Williamsburg is seen as having been a center of liberty and freedom in the colonial times, as well as a concentration of communal, political and artistic action.[1]
The materials used for construction were mostly Australian-based. An exception of this occurred in 1959, when the Chancery’s expansion required bricks to match the existing style. The Canberra location that had previously kilned the bricks was no longer available, and as no other convenient location was available, bricks were transported from kilns located near Williamsburg in the United States.[1]
The main floors of the residence are either Australian wood or Australian white marble from southern New South Wales, with the exception of the entrance hall, which has the same Australian white marble in a checkered pattern with Belgian black marble. Additionally, sandstone paves the way to the solarium, and jarrah parquetry is utilised for the main floor, with tallowwood parquetry for the upper floor. Finally, linoleum on pine flooring is used for flooring service areas. Outside, the roof is Bangor slate, with entrance columns and other stone adornments made of Hawkesbury sandstone.[1]
Residence equipment mostly originates in the United States, as does the flag pole and furniture, creating what the embassy calls a "happy blending of Australian and American materials and craftsmanship."[1][4]
Security concerns
[edit]September 11 attacks
[edit]Following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and The Pentagon, road blocks were set up around the US Embassy in Canberra.[6] Additional officers were brought in to increase security at the mission in the morning hours, with all vehicles entering the premises checked and Australian police cars stationed at every gate. In addition, access to other embassies in the area was restricted.[7]
Following airstrikes in Afghanistan
[edit]On 7 October 2001, the United States military began carrying out airstrikes against Taliban and al-Qaeda training camps in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. The following day, roads around the US Embassy in Canberra were closed off due to fears of retaliatory strikes or protests.[8]
Protests of 2003
[edit]On 23 October 2003, a crowd of approximately 3,000 protestors held demonstrations outside the nearby Parliament House. The protests centered on President George W. Bush, who arrived in Canberra earlier that day. As a planned rally, the protesters marched through streets that were closed off ahead of time. Due to an alleged militant presence in the crowd, temporary plastic barrier fencing was torn down outside the US Embassy, star pickets were thrown at guards, and minor fights between police and protesters erupted outside the mission. The crowds later moved on with few injuries sustained.[9]
Gate-crashing incident of 2013
[edit]On 10 July 2013, Adrian Richardson from Queensland checked out of an adult mental health facility and drove slowly around the US Embassy at about 6:00 pm. Soon after, he switched off his headlights, revved his engine, and crashed his car into the US Embassy's gates, causing A$15,000 of damage.[10][11] Canberra's bomb unit responded to the attack, along with police, ambulance, fire, and rescue crews. Roads were also closed around the embassy.[12]
A mental health assessment was ordered by a court, and Richardson was charged with damaging the premises of an internationally protected person.[10] He gave multiple reasons for his actions, including being a journalist seeking a visa, and being the victim of a Chinese plot.[11] Richardson was placed on psychiatric order for three years after being diagnosed with a psychotic illness and pleading not guilty by mental impairment.[11]
Ambassadors
[edit]Caroline Kennedy is the current United States Ambassador to Australia.
Offices
[edit]The sections of the embassy include Public Affairs, Economic Affairs, Political Affairs, Commercial Affairs, and Agricultural Affairs, as well as Management, Office of Defense Cooperation, the Defense Attaché, and the Consular section. In addition, there are representatives of other US government agencies at the embassy, like the Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).[13]
See also
[edit]
- Australia–United States relations
- List of ambassadors of the United States to Australia
- Embassy of Australia, Washington, D.C.
- List of ambassadors of Australia to the United States
- List of Consuls-General of Australia in New York
- List of diplomatic missions of the United States
- List of diplomatic missions in Australia
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g "Embassy Information | Canberra, Australia – Embassy of the United States". canberra.usembassy.gov. Archived from the original on 30 December 2005. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
- ^ "U.S. Embassy Canberra, Australia". diplomacy.state.gov. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
- ^ "Australia – Countries – Office of the Historian". history.state.gov. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
- ^ a b The Ambassador's Residence of the Embassy of the United States of America, Canberra, Australia. 1961. National Archives of Australia. Australian Government. Web. 15 February 2016.
- ^ "AMERICA IN CANBERRA". The Sydney Morning Herald. New South Wales, Australia. 4 September 1943. p. 7. Retrieved 22 February 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Fed: Road Blocks Set Up Around US Embassy In Canberra". AAP General News. n.d.
- ^ Taylor, Rob; Pollard, Krystyna (n.d.). "Fed: Security Cordon Goes Up At US Embassy". AAP General News.
- ^ "Fed: Access Restricted To US Embassy In Canberra". AAP General News. n.d.
- ^ "3,000 protest Bush visit in Canberra". PM; ABC Local Radio. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
- ^ a b "Mental health assessment for US embassy crash driver". ABC News. Australia. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
- ^ a b c "US embassy crash driver found not guilty". ABC News. Australia. Retrieved 6 February 2016.
- ^ "Bomb squad sent to US Embassy after car crashes into gates". The Canberra Times. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
- ^ "Sections & Offices | Canberra, Australia – Embassy of the United States". canberra.usembassy.gov. Archived from the original on 6 March 2016. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Embassy of the United States in Canberra.
- Official website, U.S. Embassy Canberra
- History of the Embassy, U.S. Embassy Canberra
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