Boswell Has Nothing To Say About Russia

Northern Advocate, 5 December 1947, Page 8

Boswell Has Nothing To Say About Russia

AUCKLAND, Fri. (Sp.).—The New Zealand Minister to Moscow (Mr C. W. Boswell) returned by the Waiwera yesterday on a visit. He had nothing to say about his three years’ absence from the Dominion.

Mr Boswell was accompanied by Mrs Boswell and her sister, Mrs B. Forrest, who has been visiting them in Moscow. When asked to discuss conditions in

Russia and the recent criticism by the Opposition on the expenditure on the legation in Moscow. Mr Boswell said he had nothing to say.

He would not speak about the work of the legation, stating that he could not add anything to what was already known.

The recent recall to Russia of the Soviet Ambassador to New Zealand <M. Ivan Ziabkin) was also referred to Mr Boswell, who was asked if he had heard any reason for the official's sudden departure. Mr Boswell said he had not heard anything about M. Ziabkin’s recall except that when he left New Zealand he established a reputation for silence. Mr Boswell intimated that he would not be able to discuss his mission until he had consulted leaders of the Government in Wellington. He did not know what his immediate plans were but he understood he would be returning to Russia after an indefinite time.

Meanwhile the legation was being administered by Mr D. P. Costello, the second secretary.

The pending return to the Dominion of Mr Boswell was announced in October by the Prime Minister. Mr Fraser. He recalled then that it was Government practice to enable the holders of diplomatic posts overseas to have home leave after they had served a term of duty abroad. It also allowed them to renew contacts with their own people and refresh their knowledge of conditions in their own country.