Office of the Historian

434. Memorandum From Secretary of State Rogers to President Nixon1

Washington, June 25, 1973.

SUBJECT

  • Diplomatic Relations with the Commonwealth of The Bahamas

The British colony of The Bahamas will become an independent member of the British Commonwealth on July 10, 1973. Her Majesty’s Government has advised us that it will accredit a resident High Commissioner to the new government. The Bahamas is also expected to apply for full membership in the United Nations and the Organization of American States.

Because of the large area they encompass and their proximity to the U.S., The Bahama Islands are of strategic importance to us. We have had military facilities in the area since World War II and we hope to retain and operate the three remaining bases after independence. In addition, U.S. economic interests in the islands are substantial. U.S. private investment totals some $1 billion and there are approximately one million tourists who visit The Bahamas each year.

In view of these important strategic and economic interests, I recommend that you approve:

1. United States recognition of the Government of The Bahamas immediately upon the achievement of independence on July 10, 1973.

2. The elevation of our Consulate General in Nassau to Embassy status, and the accreditation of a resident Ambassador.

William P. Rogers

  1. Summary: In a memorandum informing Nixon that The Bahamas would become independent on July 10, Rogers recommended recognition of the new nation and the elevation of the Consulate General in Nassau to Embassy status.

    Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files, 1970–1973, POL 17 US–BAH. Confidential. Drafted by Wauchope on June 5 and cleared by Burke, Hurwitch, Gantz, Malmborg, and Smoak. A note on the memorandum indicates it was approved by the White House on June 30. In telegram 134523 to Nassau, July 10, the Department transmitted to the Consulate General the text of a message from Nixon to Prime Minister Pindling that extended recognition to the Bahamian Government. (Ibid., Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number])

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