SECRETARY CLINTON'S RESPONSE TO AUSTRALIAN

UNCLAS STATE 022501


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON EFIN OPDC AS
SUBJECT: SECRETARY CLINTON'S RESPONSE TO AUSTRALIAN
PRIME MINISTER RUDD'S FEBRUARY 20 LETTER REGARDING
COORDINATION ON LONDON SUMMIT AND FINANCIAL CRISIS

REF: February 23, 2009 Incoming letter from the Embassy
of Australia


1. Please deliver the following message from Secretary
Clinton to Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. The
Department does not plan to release the text of the
message. No signed original to follow.


2. Begin text:

Dear Mr. Prime Minister:

Thank you for your letter in which you stress the
importance of coordinating our approach to the London
Summit and global financial and economic crisis. We
strongly value the close working relationship the United
States and Australia enjoy across a broad range of issues
and look forward to a continued discussion on how best to
respond to the current economic turmoil.

In particular, I want to thank you for your working
paper on toxic asset management. I share your opinion
that strengthened credit flows are critical to restoring
the strength of the global economy. It is my hope that
your paper will help to catalyze a broader discussion on
the merits of different toxic asset management proposals,
both in the United States and around the world.

I look forward to continuing our bilateral dialogue
in preparation for the G-20 London Summit and working
together to ensure a successful outcome.

Sincerely yours,
Hillary Rodham Clinton

End text.


CLINTON