NEW U.S. MINISTER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 280, 26 November 1943, Page 4

NEW U.S. MINISTER

MR. W. C. BURDETT ARRIVES LEGATION IN WEW ZEALAND (P.A.) Auckland, Nov. 25. The new American Al ini st er to New Zealand, the Hon. William Carter Burdett, arrived at Auckland yesterday. Mr. Burdett was chosen some months ago to fill the office occupied for a few months last year by Bri-gadier-General Hurley, who later became President Roosevelt's personal representative in the Middle and Far East, and was last reported as being at Chinese headquarters. Mr. Burdett is thus the second Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States in New Zealand. For the period between General Hurley’s departure and Mr. Burdett’s arrival, Mr. R. E. Cox, Charge d’Affaires at the United States Legation in Wellington, has been acting as Minister. The new Minister became ill during his journey to New Zealand, and he has spent the last 30 days in an American hospital in Australia.

Mr. Burdett said he had come on to New Zealand as soon as his doctors had agreed that the journey was advisable. He admitted that he was still feeling weak, but said he was otherwise well. Mr. Burdett was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Burdett, and by their two daughters, Agnes Elizabeth Burdett and Mary Elizabeth Burdett. Mr. and Mrs. Burdett also have two sons, one of whom is an officer of the United States Foreign Service, and is at present stationed in Ecuador.

On their arrival they were welcomed by Mr. Cox and by the Minister of Broadcasting, the Hon. D. Wilson, who represented the New Zealand Government. They were then introduced to a large number of American consular and service officers and representatives of the New Zealand services and local authorities. At a Press conference 'held shortly after his arrival, ’zr. Burdett said that Ihougn he had no first-hand knowledge of New Zealand, he had made it his business before 'he left Washington to make as deep -a study as he could of the country t* which he had been appointed, He had received special help from the New Zealand Legation in Washington, and he made special mention of the reputation Mr. Nash had established during the period he was there as New Zealand’s Minister. “Mr. Nash,” be said, “made a reputation for himself which was out of all proportion to the time he was there. His advice is always sought end in fact he has a unique standing.” “I was delighted ta be given the opportunity of coming’to New Zealand,” continued Mr. Burdett. “It is one of the most interesting appointments we have at the present time and we are looking forward to our stay here with a tremendous amount of pleasure. There is little need to speak of New Zealand's standing in the United States. Americans know very well what magnificent work this country

has done for the Allied cause. Indeed every time you hear of New Zealand and New Zealanders their stature grows higher and higher.” Speaking of New Zealand's reverse let-d-lease efforts, Mr. Burdett said the official attitude in Washington was one of very great satisfaction with the part New Zealand had played in carrying her share of the common burden. As President Roosevelt had said, it was a success which could not be measured in dollars and cents. “New Zealand,” said Mr. Burdett, “is certainly carrying a maximum load.”

Commenting on America ar. war, Mr. Burdett said that over-confidence was a thing of the past. There was a much better war spirit than there was a year ago.

Of his duties in New Zealand, Mr. Burdett said he hoped that the Legation would continue to be useful to the Dominion both during and after the war, when he thought there would be many matters on which it could be of assistance to New Zealand. The legation would always be very happy to collaborate and co-operate with the Government of the Dominion.

The party left for Wellington today. Mr. Burdett explained that he would not officially become American Minister till he had presented his credentials to the Governor-General. This formality will be arranged by New Zealand’s External Affairs Department.