N.Z. MINISTER IN LONDON

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26397, 16 April 1951, Page 6

N.Z. MINISTER IN LONDON

Mention Of Mr Doidge And Mr Holyoake APPOINTMENT SOON

(From Our Own Reporter) „ WELLINGTON, April 15. The Government will shortly appoint a resident Minister in London to succeed the present High Commissioner (Mr W. J. Jordan) whose term ends on August 31. The post is expected to be given to a senior member of the Cabinet and the choice is believed to lie between the Deputy-Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture (Mr K. J. Holyoake) and the Minister of External Affairs (Mr F. W. Doidge). The decision to send a resident Minister to London was announced to a caucus of the Parliamentary National Party last week but no appointment has yet been made.

It is urtderstood that the names of both Mr Holyoake and Mr Doidge are on a tentative list prepared by the Prime Minister (Mr Holland). Another member of the Cabinet who was considered was the Minister of Customs (Mr C. M. Bowden) but it is believed that his prospects have receded. One reason for the Government decision to appoint a resident Minister is to save expense in sending Ministers on overseas The Government feels that by stationing a Minister in London he would be able to attend to many conferences and trade negotiations and thus save time and the expense of sending a Minister from New Zealand. While the appointment of a resident Minister would not affect New Zealand’s diplomatic status in London it would in fact enable the appointee to stand on equal footing with members of the British Cabinet and possibly to enter into some Cabinet discussions with them, particularly on defence and Commonwealth affairs. As a member of the Cabinet the resident Minister would be fu ly acquainted with Government policy and would be able to present the New Zealand Government’s point of view. Originally represented in London by an Agent-General New Zealand has had a High Commissioner for many years. Th" practice of appointing a Cabinet Minister as High Commissioner has ample precedent, particularly in the days of the Reform and Liberal Governments. The last Cabinet Minister to hold an overseas post was Mr Nash, who held the portfolio of finance while he was New Zealand Minister in Washington during the early years of the Second World War. By appointing a resident Minister New Zealand would be following the example of Australia. One of the first acts of the Australian Prime Minister (Mr Menzies) on his election was to appoint Mr E. J. Harrison as resident Minister in London. Six weeks ago Mr Harrison returned to Australia to succeed Mr P. C. Spender as Minister of External Affairs. Mr Spender has been anpointed Australian Ambassador to Washington. No replacement has yet been made of Mr Harrison because of the pending Australian election. An Australian Minister who made a good impression in London during the war was Mr S. M. Bruce, now Lord Bruce. It is presumed that if a Cabinet Minister is sent to London he would retain his position in the Government and that no by-election would be necessary. Whether he would retain his portfolios is problematical. A young man in his middle forties and the father of five children Mr Holyoake would be an excellent choice for the London post because of his ability as a negotiator. It was largely due to his hurried visit to the United Kingdom late last year that New Zealand received increased prices for meat and dairy produce. . If Mr Holyoake were to be appointed to London Mr Holland would have to find a new Deputy-Prime Minister. In this eventuality there would be only one choice —the Minister of Labour (Mr W. Sullivan). Now ranked No. 3 in the Cabinet after Mr Holland and Mr Holyoake, Mr Sullivan has always been held in high esteem and his part in the present waterfront strike has increased his political stature tremendously. The choice of Mr Doidge for the London post might be made because of the present importance of defence and international affairs. A persistent advocate for Empire affairs. Mr Doidge would ably present New Zealand views and the outlook of Pacific countries. He has had wide experience in London. having had a successful career in Fleet street.