Diplomatic Missions

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29760, 1 March 1962, Page 12

Diplomatic Missions

Mr F. H. Corner’s appointment as New Zealand’s permanent representative to the United Nations in New York means that this important post has been separated permanently from other diplomatic assignments in Washington or Ottawa. The Labour Government’s choice of Mr Foss Shanahan to succeed Sir Leslie Munro at the United Nations, as well as to represent New Zealand in Ottawa, was an expedient; and only unusual ability enabled Mr Shanahan to fill the dual role as satisfactorily as he did. Mr Corner, like Mr Shanahan and the present New Zealand Ambassador

in Washington (Mr G. R. Laking), is a widely-experi-

enced career diplomat, and is well fitted to be the Dominion’s principal spokesman in the United Nations. The United Nations post is now wisely recognised as a full - time responsibility. Special strategic and trading interests necessitate able advocacy for New Zealand in South-east Asia. The Maori people can take pride in the fact that Mr C. M. Bennett’s work as High Commissioner in Malaya has justified an extension of his term. In Singapore, the Dominion will continue to be represented by a career diplomat, Mr R. H. Wade, whose expert knowledge of Asian affairs should help to promote the Dominion’s best interests in a rapidlychanging region.