EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 118, 21 May 1943, Page 3

EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

LEGISLATION INTRODUCED

(P.A.) Parliament Bldgs., May 20. Administration of External Affairs and the Island territories and' mandated territories and dependencies of New Zealand are covered by two measures introduced in the House of Representatives to-night. They were the External Affairs Bill and the Island Territories Bill, both of which were read the first time.

The External Affairs Bill, which provides for the appointment of a Minister of External Affairs, who will be responsible for the administration of the Dominion’s external and foreign affairs, including relations with other countries, representation of New Zealand in other countries, and representation of other countries in New Zealand. Provision is also made for the appointment of a Secretary of External Affairs and other officers. There is authority in the Bill for the appointment of High Commissioners for New Zealand in other

countries for any term not exceeding three years. Persons holding office as High Commissioners for New Zealand in the United Kingdom and in Australia at the time of the passing of the Bill will be deemed to have been appointed under the legislation. No High Commissioner shall join the directorate or advisory board of any public company or trading corporation. The Bill repeals the High Commissioner Act. 1908. the External Affairs Ac*. 1919, and amendments. Provision for the appointment of a Minister of Island Territories is contained in the Island Territories Bill, and his functions shall he those of the Minister of External Affairs under the Samoa Act, 1921, and those of the Min-

ister for Cook Islands under the Cook Islands Act. 1915. The appointment of a Secretary of Island Territories is authorised.