U.S.A. MINISTER TO DOMINION

Timaru Herald, Volume CLI, Issue 22183, 29 January 1942, Page 4

U.S.A. MINISTER TO DOMINION

Hon. Patrick Hurley Former Secretary Of State For War (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Jan. 28. The appointment of the Hon. Patrick Jay Hurley, formerly United States Secretary of War, as United States Minister to New Zealand was announced to-night by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, who stated that he had been informed a short time ago it would be impossible for Mr David Winton to proceed to his post. Mr Hurley, who is a lawyer by profession, served with distanction in the Great War as major and lieutenantcolonel with the American Expeditionary Force, receiving the United States decoration of D.S.M. In March, 1929, he was appointed Assistant Secretery of State ior War, and from December, 1929, until March, 1933, he was Secretary of State for War in the Hoover Cabinet. Other posts held by Mr Hurley have been that of acting-chairman of the Porto Rican Hurricane Relief Commission, membership of the Federal Oil Conservation Board, Federal Power Commission and president of the National Reservation Commission. During his term as Secretary of War he toured the Philippines in 1931. "The appointment of so distinguished an American as New Zealand’s first foreign diplomatic representative,” said Mr Fraser, “is, I am sure, warmly appreciated by the Government and the people of New Zealand, and I look forward very much to meeting and welcoming him here. His presence will serve to strengthen still further the bonds of friendship which exist between the American people and ourselves.”