Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1940 U.S.A. AMBASSADOR.

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 December 1940, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1940 U.S.A. AMBASSADOR.

AMBASSADORS have to carry out the instructions of their respective Governments, but their personal views and reports often influence the policy of their countries. That is one reason why before an ambassador or minister is appointed, enquiries are made as to whether the proposed appointee would be persona, grata tothe country to which it is planned to send him. This precaution does not,mean that an ambassador-elect must be, say, pro-British, if he is going to London. One, however, who had proved himself tinged with Anglophobia, or whose personal characteristics would hiiider more than help in fostering good relations, would not be cordially received. British ambassadors are selected on similar principles, hence the choice of Sir S. Cripps for Moscow, or Sir S, Hoare for Madrid.

Perhaps the Ambassadorships about which the greatest care is taken, are those of the British representative at Washington, and the U.S.A, representative in London. There have been in the past examples of misfits in these important offices, but in recent times, it may be said that the respective British and American Ambassadors have done much to develop and consolidate friendship between the two countries. Some have been more successful than

others, but there have been few glaring failures. The U.S.A, representatives have been changed more frequently than have the British, but the reason for this shorter tenure was not always in connection with diplomacy. Wealth is necessary for a U.S.A. Ambassador in London, as the Administration is not lavish where salary and allowances are concerned.

It is announced officially what has been an open secret for some time, that Mr. J. P. Kennedy is not to return to London, as Ambassador.’ To some degree he was welcome to the British, but his obsession to keep U.S.A, out of the war, led to misunderstandings, and hindered his special mission. He has been doubtful about Britain’s ability to defeat Germany, since the collapse of France, and this anxiety influenced his attitude. He and President Roosevelt became at variance on this topic, and the re-election of Mr. Roosevelt, made a change in London, essential. Mr. Kennedy is not pro-Nazi, but simply pro-American, and isolationist. He does not believe that the U-S.A. is in any real danger from the Axis, to-day, and estimates that his country could be made strong enough to defeat any foe by the time such attack became probable. His views appear to be shortsighted. He overlooks the resources of the Overseas Empire when estimating Britain’s strength, and he ignores the threat from Japan. But for British active resistance, it is doubtful if the U.S.A, would be given the time to become strong. The choice of Mr. Kennedy’s successor in London will be awaited with interest. There has been a reshuffle of U.S.A, diplomats in European lands, since Mr. Roosevelt’s reelection, which suggests that the President is leaving the Axis Governments in no doubt as to his policy and determination.