Post in Canada for Mr. Langstone

Manawatu Times, Volume 67, Issue 94, 22 April 1942, Page 5

Post in Canada for Mr. Langstone

FIRST HIGH COMMISSIONER Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, April 21. "As a complimentary step to the apointment of Dr. W. A. Riddell as Canadian High Commission in New Zealand, the Government has decided to appoint Hon. F. Langstone as New Zealand High Commissioner ia Canada,” announced the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, to-day. Mr. Fraser said that the question of an overseas representation of New Zealand and the need for improving the means of communication between New Zealand and other Dominions, particularly in view of the present crisis, had been under consideration for some time. As the war situation in the Pacific became more intensified and the widespread mutual interests of Canada and New Zealand must inevitably become closer, Mr. Langstone, who had been in the United States since June last, will take up the appointment immediately. The question of New Zealand representation in Australia was also receiving consideration by the Government, said Mr. Fraser. Announcing Mr. Langstone’s appointment Mr. Fraser said Canada was not only a large producer of munitions and war materials and the centre of the Empire air training scheme in which New Zealand had been so closely interested but as a Pacific country she was also vitally concerned in the strategic and political questions affecting the area. There was no need to stress the increasing importance of the ties and mutual interests* binding the British and Allied countries in the Pacific and our own representation <in Ottawa as in Washington under these circumstances had become a matter of urgent necessity.

“I am certain this development will prove of unquestionable value to New Zealand, serving as it must to strengthen at this most critical period the means of intercourse and cooperation between the two Dominions,” said Mr. Fraser.

“Mr. Mackenzie King in welcoming jlhig appointment expressed his satisfaction that Canada and New Zealand should now have reciprocal represent*- | tion in their respective capitals and also his hope, which I heartily endorse, that it may continue to be of growing assistance in our joint prosecution of the war effort. As head of the New Zealand Supply Mission to the United States Mr. Langstone carried out most useful and important work on behalf of the Dominion in addition to undertaking important trade negotiations in North America. Mr. Langstone represented the Dominion at the International Labour Conference held in New York towards the end of last year and he also signed on behalf of the Dominion the United Nations’ declaration in W&bhington in January last*”