The British Government recognized Latvia de facto on 11 November 1918, when Zigfrīds Meierovics received an official note signed by James Balfour stating that the British government "... are glad to reaffirm their readiness to grant provisional recognition to the Lettish National Council as a de facto independent body until such time as the Peace Conference lays the foundations of a new era of freedom and happiness for your people." Zigfrīds Meierovics became the first diplomatic representative of Latvia, and the LPNC – the first Latvian institution to be recognised by a foreign country. On 18 November 1918, the official meeting of the Latvian People's Council proclaimed the Republic of Latvia. On 19 November 1918, Zigfrīds Meierovics was appointed first Foreign Minister of Latvia within the Provisional Government of Latvia. Under his guidance, the establishment of a network of Latvia's diplomatic and consular representations abroad was started. In July 1919, following the return of the Provisional Government from Liepāja to Riga, he set upon the formation of a Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Riga. Meierovics held the position of Foreign Minister without interruption until 26 January 1924.