PRESTIGE LOWERED

Timaru Herald, Volume CLIII, Issue 22477, 12 January 1943, Page 3

PRESTIGE LOWERED

Harmful Appointment

(7.40 p.m.) NEW YORK, Jan. 10. The “New York Daily Mirror” says Mr E. J. Flynn refused to discuss the widespread criticism of his appointment to Australia. He asserted that the whole situation will be cleared up on Monday in Washington, after which he will make a statement. The “Mirror.” in an editorial, says the full story of the paving block case has now been cabled to Australia, hence Australians are wondering why the Minister Plenipotentiary to that great friendly and strategically vital country should not be, like Caesar’s wife, above suspicion. We think the people of Australia deserve somethingbetter. The appointment is implicit with offence to a great ally, “and,” it concludes, “whether you land in Australia, Mr Flynn, you will stumble over one of those paving blocks.” The “New York Times,” in an editorial, says American prestige abroad and morale at home would be harmed by Mr Flynn’s appointment. We prefer not to believe that Mr Flynn has been definitely and irrevocably offered the post until the President himself confirms the fact, in which case the Senate’s only proper course of action will be to respect the appointment. The "Washington Post,” in an editorial, says Mr Flynn is as well qualified for a diplomatic commission as a butcher in an operating room. Our relations with Australia are of such great importance that the Senate is not likely to accept a dicredited politician even if the President has the nerve to make the appointment. Our stalwart ally “Down Under” is entitled to more thoughtful consideration. The “Washington Star Post” says the appointment of a Minister to Australia is unusually important and difficult at present, and Mr Johnson’s successor ought to be chosen solely on the basis of qualifications. A diplomatist should be preferable to a career man.