AUSTRALIA AND JAPAN

Grey River Argus, 11 September 1940, Page 6

AUSTRALIA AND JAPAN

MINISTER APPPOINTED AND “WELL RECEIVED.” WELLINGTON, September 9. The appointment of S'ir John Latham, Chief Justice of the Commonwealth High Court, as the first Australian Minister to Tokio, has been well received in Japan. Press comment has been extremely favourable, and sees in this step an earnest of the Australian Government’s desire for good relations with Japan. It would be incorrect, according to a report issued to-day by the Australian Trade Commissioner in New ! Zealand (Mr C. E. Critchley), to re- ' gard the-, appointment, as involving any change in Australian foreign policy, or any break in the close relations between Australia and Britain The Minister for External Affairs (Mr McEwan), commenting on this appointment made it clear that Australia would continue the closest cooperation with Britain and that Str John Latham’s selection xor this post had been made with the full approval of the British Government. The development of an indentifiable Australian foreign policy in no way conflicts with British interests. Australia’s national status and her geographical situation give her certain special problems and responsibilities which can best be dealt with by direct contact with other Pacific Powers. The existing method of indirect contact through British Ambassadors and the United Kingdom Government has proved most helpful but did not provide for immediate and intimate access to the Japanese Government on matters of urgent concern to Australia. Such a need can only be met by the establishment of direct diplomatic relations. By this means, Australia will be able to give Britain more informed co-operation in questions of foreign policy and at the same time be in a position to further good relations with Japan by means of a closer understanding. As the Ministe rfor External Affairs pointed out, Australia’s bona with Britain is an indissoluble one and Britain’s European problems will always be Australia’s. But it is natural and right that in considering Australia’s own international life she should take steps to carry out her own responsibilities in the Pacific.