CONSULATE IN UNITED STATES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 49, 28 January 1932, Page 7

CONSULATE IN UNITED STATES

RUMOURED AUSTRALIAN APPOINTMENT.

NEW YORK, Jan. 26. Both American and British officials •here arid in Washington have expressed complete surprise -at the publication in Australia of a report that a new Australian Con-sul-General has been appointed in the United States.

The Commonwealth Offioial Secretary in the United States, Mr D. McK. Dow, said: “I have had no information, not even a hint, and have never hoard a word of it.” The British Consul in New York, Mr Gerald Campbell, said he had 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 has been an open secret from the very opening of the New York office that every incumbent has intimated to the Australian Government tho anomaly of his position here 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, in the present position of the office, the appointment would materially better it. Moreover, it is questionable whether the work of the office is sufficiently consular to necessitate the appointment of a ConsulGeneral.