A Diplomat Who Talked About Flowers

Northern Advocate, 3 January 1941, Page 3

A Diplomat Who Talked About Flowers

Diplomats have sometimes discovered that untimely bursts of candour have fired charges of political dynamite lurking unknown in the delicate machinery of the State. But Clarence E. Gauss, first United States Minister to Australia, is taking no chances on that score.

On his first visit to Queensland recently, he was greeted by-an alert corps of pressmen loaded with a barrage of questions on the international situation that was calculated to unloose the Minister’s eloquence on every topic from Washington’s attitude on Japan to the American election. Mr Gauss was eloquent enough, but, alas, not on the subject of politics, international or otherwise. What he really wanted to discourse upon—fluently, even rapturously—was the floral beauty of Brisbane. “Do you consider, Mr Gauss, that President Roosevelt is prepared to adopt a stronger policy against the dictators?” “Ah, your flowering trees—poinsettias and—” “Mr Gauss, would you say that America is in a position to curb Japan’s aggressive policy?” “ —and, what are those others, jacarandas? They are most beautiful.” “But, Mr Gauss, will not the tri* partite agreement ...” , “—and the wattles! ...” ' The newspapermen gave up the struggle and retreated in confusion. PROVED PIUE CURE. Hundreds write praising- the effectiveness of ZANN. Send 9d. stamps now for feherous trial'treatment. Zann Pt>\, Box 52, A., Wellington. Zl.