AUSTRALIA’S SAY

Grey River Argus, 12 September 1944, Page 3

AUSTRALIA’S SAY

IN WORLD POLICY More Oversea Representatives (Special to N.Z. Press Assn). (Rec. 9.45) SYDNEY, Sept. 11. The task of presenting th e Australian point of view to the world is being viewed here as a matter ot the greatest importance. The appointment of new diplomatic representatives, as well as public relations officers and press attaches to the Australian Legations and key officers abroad is now being planned by the Government. Considerable extension of overseas work of the Commonwealth Information Department is expected. Publicity-minded Ministers are stressing as vital the need for this. Their expanded views found reflection in last week’s statement on foreign affairs, made by the Minister for External Affairs, Dr. Eyatt. His able review is being widely praised. The Sydney “Herald” says editorially: “The Commonwealth Government is punning an active and intelligent foreign policy, based on no desire for self assertion by this country/, but on the simple fact that what is done in Europe, as well as in the Pacific, is of the profoundest concern to Australia. Dr. Evatt stated compellingly, that we have to be citizens of the world, as well as of the Pacific.” The paper adds that, as the necessary corollary to an increased participation in world affairs, Australia’s existing diplomatic machinery must be enlarged. The Netherlands, France, and the Middle East should all have Australian representation, on a political level, as well as for trade and publicity purposes. Dr. Evatt’s speech in the House of Representatives hinted at official concern that possible war weariness in Europe, following on Hitler’s defeat, .should not prolong the Pacific war.

Commonwealth quarters in London are understood to have warned that the Pacific war must be kept constantly before the British public. This will be one reason motivating the strengthening of the Australian Information Department in London, which is expected to be linked with an expansion of the existing American bureau in New York bvt the opening of branch offices in Los Angeles and Chicago.