FUTURE OF MR. BRUCE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19335, 27 May 1937, Page 11

FUTURE OF MR. BRUCE

HIGH COMMISSIONERSHIP RETENTION LIKELY LONDON, April 27. It is now fairly certain that, instead of entering British politics, Mr. S. M. Bruce will accept a further term as Australian High Commissioner in London, if the Australian Prime Minister, Mr. J. A. Lyons, offers it. The general impression is that, whatever Mr. Bruce might have contemplated earlier, be has now no intention of resigning from his post in London, but is willing to serve the Commonwealth in whatever capacity lie may be required. The political correspondent of the Australian Associated l'ress agency understands that Cabinet rank would not he immediately available for Mr. Bruce. Consequently, if be entered Parliament. it would be as a private member, which would hardly be appropriate for a former l'rime Minister.

It is 'generally accepted Jthat Mr. Bruce, if he did enter Parliament, would be offered appointments in the City, because of his high prestige among hankers and industrialists, which would assure influential and lucrative directorships. However, membership of Parliament, coupled with directorships, would mean that Australia and the Empire would not enjoy the full value of his services, for this would be possible only if be held a portfolio.

Apparently the idea canvassed earlier, of Mr. Bruce entering the Cabinet in an Imperial capacity, has not received an encouraging response, not because of any doubts of Mr. Brace's capabilities. but because some Dominions would dislike such an innovation.

This really precludes the creation of that much-canvassed post, namely, an Umpire Defence Ministry, within the British Cabinet. The fact that Sir Thomas Inskip is now likely to continue as Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence, removes another possible opening for Mr. Bruce.