THE COURT OF ST. JAMES

Evening Star, Issue 19128, 21 December 1925, Page 10

THE COURT OF ST. JAMES

MINIOH AMBASSADORS HIGHER STATUS ESSEHTOffi \ There is a growing demand in th* dominions for and more influential representation in London than that afforded by tho present system of being represented by High Commissioners. The question has gained prominence by the lact that both Australia and Now Zealand have to appoint a now High Commissioner next year. Should such representatives be given ambassadorial rank? Air interesting statement on the subject was made recently in Sydney by Mr W. M, Hughes, a former Prime Minister of the Commonwealth, who, indeed, has been mentioned as the prospective successor to Sir Joseph Cook. “London.” said Mr Hughes, “ is the nerve centre of the Empire, and it is also the principal depot of our best market., naturally and economically. Therefore in her host interests Australia should demand that she should be represented in Britain by the best brains available. “It may he fairly said that for several reasons Australia suffers by comparison with other great dominions, notably Canada. An effective representation m Britain demands not only the selection of the right man, or men, but (hat these should bo supported by aa effective organisation, backed by such financial support as would enable Australia to hold its own. “Both these things are necessary—the highlv competent man and the effective organisation amply financed. Mil bout a competent man nothing is possible; hut given the man, but wanting tho effective organisation, a situation is created like that of a groat general without a disciplined army. “Australia has progressed so rapidly that its citizens are still applying the methods that served us in our adolescence to the vastly changed circumstances of our manhood. It is an axiom of big business that to make money one must spend money. Tho world outside our doors knows nothing of Australia ns it is save from tho meagre and too often misleading newspaper items and from the speeches and tho displays ot what is really our embassy overseas. And the world judges us, °ur wealth, and our prospects from what they see and hoar in this way. “We have suffered very much nationals and economically, and it is perhaps not too much to say that, as w« should have the best representation, ours stops far short of that ideal. “ j; do not in any way reflect njwn tho present and past occupants of the High Commissionerslup. With means at their disposal they have done well enough, hut they have never been adequately supported. . , “ They have not had at their disposal Hie means to impress the authorities and people of England with the importance. wealth, ami resources or Australia. This would not matter so very much if we were, figuratively speaking, ! -i sumo’s throw from tho great Euro- ! pean markets. But wo are set m one of the corners of the earth, white Canada, for example, is only a few days a wav. Wc want better representation than Canada, if we arc to hold our own in tho British market with her, if we arc to see that our national interests arc as well understood and catered lor. But, it has happened these many years that Canada's representation has. Irom every point of view, been more effective. than ours. . “ \s to the effect on our national interests T can speak with authority. The relation between our national reputation and our economic interests is direct and intimate. One of the most effective ways of promoting the ecom> mic welfare of Australia in the overseas markets is to impress our potential customers with, our own importance and our resources. “I do not suggest that we should beat a big drum. Thai is not the nay to do business in London at all. D the ambassador of Australia must u in a position to meet the most ingblvplaced Ministers, officials, financiers, and representatives of great businesses on an equal looting. , . “Quite apart from all tins here is need for effective represcinta ion " order to safeguard our interests, both national ami 'economic, as affected by IJio foreign policy oi the Empire.