Singapore: U.S. Recognition and Diplomatic Relations since 1776

Summary

Informal relations between the United States and Singapore began when U.S. merchants engaged in the China trade began to visit the port on their way to and from China. As Singapore became one of the most important ports in the region, U.S.-Singaporean interaction increased through the 19th and 20th centuries.

Modern Flag of Singapore

Recognition

U.S. Recognition of Singapore, 1965

On August 11, 1965, the United States recognized the newly independent and sovereign state of Singapore in a letter from Secretary of State Dean Rusk to Singaporean Foreign Minister Sinnathamby Raja Ratnam. Singapore previously had been under the sovereignty of the British Empire since the early 19th century. After gaining its independence from the British Empire in 1963, Singapore briefly joined the Federation of Malaysia, before breaking away for independent sovereignty in 1965.

Consular Presence

Establishment of Consular Relations, 1836

The United States established a Consulate in Singapore when it appointed Joseph Balestier to the post on July 4, 1836.

Diplomatic Relations

Establishment of Diplomatic Relations and the American Embassy in Singapore, 1966

Diplomatic relations and the American Embassy were established on April 4, 1966, when the United States opened its embassy in Singapore under with Richard H. Donald as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim.

Resources

Where this page came from

This page was imported from U.S. Department of State, Office of the Historian. A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776, published by the Office of the Historian of the U.S. Department of State: a work of the United States government, in the public domain.

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