Wellington Nov. 18 /67 My dear Maclean I am sorry not to get any letter accepting the East Coast job, the more so as Whitmore thinks you are in some way displeased either at the proposal or its manner I hope he is mistaken. At any rate I feel almost certain that you understand that personally I have no desire but to deal with the most perfect respect for yourself and your many public services; that I have no desire to filch any tittle of your credit and honor in the matter for myself or the Government. The true honor of a Government is to know who can do the country's work and to enlist their abilities and influence for the country.