CANADA IN WASHINGTON.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 114, 13 May 1920, Page 5

CANADA IN WASHINGTON.

THE NEW REPRESENTATIVE.

EMPIRE'S DIPLOMATIC UNITY. fßy Cable.—Press Association.— Cowrijjlit.) LONDON, May 12. Air. Bonar Law announced in the House of Commons that the British and Canadian Governments had arranged to provide for more complete representation of Canadian interests at Washington than had hitherto existed. Accordingly, it had been agreed on His Majesty's advice, that the Canadian Ministers should appoint a Minister Plenipotentiary who would have charge of Canadian affairs in the United States. The Minister would be instructed to report direct to the Canadian Government, and, in the absence of the British Ambassador, the Canadian Minister would take charge of the whole Embassy, looking after Imperial as well as Canadian interests. He would be accredited to the President of the United States by His Majesty with necessary power* for that purpose. Mr. Bonar Law added that this arrangement did.not denote any departure either by the British or the Canadian Governments from the principle of the diplomatic unity of the British Empire. The need for this important step had been realised by those GDvernments for some time. There had been direct communication between Washington and Ottawa for some years, hut the constantly increasing importance of Canadian interests in the United States made it apparent that Canada should be represented there distinctively in view of the peculiarly close relations that had always existed between the peoples of the United States and Canada. It was confidently expected that tht new step would have very desirable results in maintaining and strengthening friendly relations and co-operation between the British Empire and the United States.— (Imperial News, P.A.) AUSTRALIA MAY FOLLOW. (Received 10.30 e.nO MELBOURNE, this day. 'In the Senate, Mr. Milieu announced that the Government would consider whether to seek similar representation as Canada at Washington.— (A. and N.Z. Cabler)