FOREIGN OFFICE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 13 January 1928, Page 5

FOREIGN OFFICE

REPRESENTATIVE IN NEW ZEALAND

APPOINTMENT ANNOUNCED

IMPORTANT NEW DEPARTURE

(By Eloctrio Telegraph—Copyright) (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association)

(Received 13th Jan., 9.30 a.m.)

LONDON, 12th Jan. Discussions have been proceeding between Mr Coates and the Foreign Office with a view to the appointment by the latter of a liaison, officer to take up duty in New Zealand, and it is now announced that Mr P. B. B. Nichols has been selected. This appointment is tho first practical outcome of ■the Imperial Conference's recommendation for closer inter-Empire co-operation. The announcement here was delayed because it was preferred that New Zealand should make it first, but tho hands of Downing Street were forced by an unanticipated disclosure in London. The appointment is officially regarded as'a precedent to most important developments in inter-Imperial co-opera-tion. It is pointed out that the duties are analagous to Mr Casey's, with the difference that whereas Mr Casey's expenditure is defrayed by the Commonwealth that of Mr Nichols will be defrayed by Britain. Nothwithstanding that tho appointment was made at the request of Mr Coates', both Foreign and Dominion Offices paint out that the position is not comparable with the contemplated.appointment to Ottawa, which is diplomatic.

Mr Nichols is 34 years of age, unmarried, and the holder of the Military Cross. He has been associated with diplomatic work since 1920, and is at present second secretary of the Foreign Office. 'Ho will be attached to Mr Coates's office at Wellington.