Diplomat May Stay In Post

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31333, 1 April 1967, Page 1

Diplomat May Stay In Post

(From Our Own Reporter) WELLINGTON, March 31. Although some change is expected in New Zealand’s diplomatic represent* ation in South-east Asia, it is believed that New Zealand’s present Ambassador to Thailand and representative on S.EA.T.O., Sir Stephen Weir, will remain New Zealand’s principal representative in the area.

The Minister of Defence (Mr Thomson), who is at present in South-east Asia, is likely to establish whether Sir Stephen Weir is prepared to carry on. If so, it is likely that Sir Stephen Weir will be nominated for a further term. Sir Stephen Weir, who ia 62, has held both positions since 1961. He was due to retire last January, but continued pending a Government decision on his replacement. He is highly regarded in political circles, and the view has been expressed that he would be welcome to continue if health reasons permit. Sir Stephen Weir’s success has been due to other than military qualities, so that his replacement would not necessarily come from the ranks of recently retired senior

military men, such as Rear Admiral Sir Peter Phipps, Air Vice-Marshal L G. Morrison, and Major-General W. S. McKinnon.