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