CONSULAR OFFICE IN UNITED STATES.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 19093, 28 January 1932, Page 7

CONSULAR OFFICE IN UNITED STATES.

AUSTRALIAN ANNOUNCEMKV CAUSES SURPRISE. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright January 27, 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORK. January 26. Both American and British officials here and at Washington expressed complete surprise at the publication in Australia of a report that a new Australian Consul-General had been appointed to United States. Mr J. H. Dow said: “I have no information, not even a hint, and I have never heard a word of it.” The British Consul at New York (Sir Thomas Campbell) said: “I have not heard anything. It would, however, be an interesting development.” The British Embassy and the State Department both said: “We know nothing about an Australian ConsulGeneral.” It is an open secret that from the very opening of the New York Office, every incumbent of the position has intimated to the Australian Government tne anomaly of his position here in having no diplomatic standing. Commissioners are unable to communicate directly with the State Department, although their duties are much more considerable than those of trade representatives. While the appointment of a Consular Official would command the recognisance of the State Department, it is not felt that the present position of the office would be materially better it. Moreover it is a question whether the work of the office is sufficiently consular to necessitate the appointment of a Consul-General.