MOVE IN PACIFIC.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 196, 19 August 1940, Page 8

MOVE IN PACIFIC.

FRIENDLY RELATIONS.

Australian Minister To Go To

Japan.

United Press Association.—Copyright.

MELBOURNE, Aug. 18.

The Prime Minister of Australia, Mr. Menzies, announced that arrangements had been completed for ah exchange of diplomatic representatives between Australia and Japan.

Australia's first Minister to Japan would 'be Sir John Latham, Chief Judge of the i High Court of Australia, who would be given leave to take up the appointment.

"I have received advice that the Japanese Government will be pleased to welcome an Australian Minister, and I shall be happy to reciprocate," eaid Mr. Mcnziee. ■'-'■ r■ "

"The appointment of Sir John Latham will enable the Commonwealth to obtain for the establishment of a Tokyo Legation the services of one who ie not only a most- distinguished Australian citizen, but aleo one who, as lender of v the Australian Goodwill Mission to

Japan a few yenrs ago, made n conspicuous contribution to the development of the friendly relations between Australia and Japan. .. '" '

"This step will do much to cement and extend the cordial relations which have bo long existed between Australia and Japan, and will enable Australia to play a full part in working out the destinies of the Pacific people.

"The appointment, which is made with the full concurrence and warm approval of the British Government, will be widely welcomed in Australia and Japan."