Casey Australian Minister To United States

Northern Advocate, 9 January 1940, Page 8

Casey Australian Minister To United States

MELBOURNE, January 8. The appointment of Mr R. G. Casey, at present Minister for Supply, as Australian Minister to the United States, was officially announced by the Prime Minister (Mr Menzies). Mr Menzies said the reciprocal appointment of 'a United States Minister to Australia would follow. Mr Casey’s appointment would be for a term of five years. Mr Menzies said Mr Casey’s qualifications for the post were well known. Great Step Forward. He had occupied very high office in the Australian Government for a number of years, .and also had a great deal ol experience in London. He was as well-informed as anybody in Australia on international oroblems. The appointment represented a great step forward in the development of Australian national policy, particularly in relation to the Pacific. Mr Casey’s departure meant a great loss to the Cabinet, continued Mr Menzies, but the over-riding consideration was that Australia’s first Minister in Washington should have outstanding qualifications. Representation at Tokio Next. With this appointment • made, the Cabinet would give consideration to the matter of diplomatic representation in Tokio, which was an essential element in the development of Australian Pacific policy. Mr Casey’s salary has not been announced, but it is understood unofficially that it will be £2500 a year, with an allowance of a similar amount. Washington Announcement. In formally announcing the establishment of diplomatic relations with Australia, an official of the State Department said: • “Mr R. G. Casey, who is to represent Australia in the United States, is well and favourably known here.” He added that a United States Minister to Australia would be announced shortly. It is expected that the first United States Minister at Canberra will be either a Minister transferred from another country, or a diplomat drawn from the State Department. Better Trade Relations. Commenting on Mr. Casey’s appointment. the New York “Journal of Commerce” says the hope is expressed that, by this means, trade relations which, in the past, have been somewhat strained, apparently due to a lack of real appreciation of the economy of the two countries, will be greatly improved. However, a move toward entering into a trade agreement with Australia, which would involve the question of tariffs on clothing, wools and perhaps butter and other agricultural products, is not expected at present, since it is believed that it would make difficult the task of the Administration leaders in Congress, who are endeavouring to extend the expiring trade agreement iaw.

Play Part in Worid Peace. In a national broadcast to America and Japan last night on Mr. Casey’s appointment, Mr. Menzies explained that the object was to bring a better understanding of the problems between Australia and the United States, and increase diplomatic contacts among the nations around the Pacific. He hoped it would heighten the friendship of British-speaking nations, and play a still greater part toward the peace of the world. The presence of an Australian Minister in Washington, far from weakening the position of the British Empire, would tend to strengthen it. According to a message from Washington, President Roosevelt has nominated Mr Clarence E. Gauss, veteran American Consul-General in Shanghai, as first United States Minister to Australia.