MINISTER AT WASHINGTON

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 17 December 1936, Page 13

MINISTER AT WASHINGTON

PROPOSAL BY AUSTRALIA BRITISH AND AMERICAN OPINION (TJuiled Press Association— By Electrio Telegraph—Copy Light) WASHINGTON, 16th December. A canvass of opinion in informed British and American circles on Australia’s contemplated appointment of a Minister to Washington offered interesting sidelights on the position. It is pointed out that the American Government, which considers a Dominion legation would be a gratifying recognition of the importance ox Washington as a diplomatic centre, and has [rankly encouraged such appointments. intimated to Mr J. A. Lyons, Federal Prime Minister, on his visit last year, that it would welcome an Australian Minister. It stressed that the experiences of Canada, Ireland and South Africa over a decade have negatived earlier contentions that that such appointments would mean amarked weakening of the bonds ot Empire. It is believed that Dominion diplomatic representation in Washington has not only come to stay, but will inevitably grow. . British circles here are inclined to ask the question why the appointment of a trained young Australian from the External Affairs Department, a man from among the group which was first encouraged'by Mr S. M. Bruce, and has now been continued by Mr Lyons, as Secretary for Australian-American Affairs, with a- room in the British Embassy, would not suffice for Australia’s needs, and prove even more satisfactory because of his close contact with the Embassy. It is believed that in long conversations between President Roosevelt and Mr Lyons, the President intimated that Americans would warmly welcome an Australian legation, and that a lesser form of representation would hamper the American Government in carrying out its wish to appoint a Minister at Canberra. It is no secret, however that British circles would prefer an Australian secretary, stressing the fact that in the case of other Dominions, special considerations dictated the opening of the legations.