EMPIRE LINKS.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18230, 14 November 1924, Page 12

EMPIRE LINKS.

AMBASSADORS IN LONDON.

MR MASSEY'S COMMENTS

(frsss association telegram.)

WELLINGTON', November 13,

<'l have seen what has been stated by 'The Times' in connexion with the suggested appointment of Ambassadors bv the Dominions," said the Prime Minister.

"I know that to some Dominions the present arrangements are not satisfactory, but in a matter of this nature nothing can be done until another Imperial Conference meets. It appears to me however, that what is wanted is not the appointment of Ambassadors, which seems to suggest an arrangement between countries foreign to each other, but a practical strengthening of the partnership which already exists, which will make the people of the different countries within the British Empire understand that their national interests are one and. the same. Their first duty 5s to help each other at every opportunity." • Referring to tho statement reported to have been made by Sir Auckland Gcddes, to the effect that if often happened, when the Dominions looked towards Britain, that they found no sympathetic answer or understanding, the Prime Minister said: "I have had probably as much experience as any other representative of the Dominions, and I can say that my experience has been that the doors of Downing street are never closed in the faces of overseas representatives of the Empire, especially where they were anything like unanimous in regard to what they had to ask for. On tho contrary, I have always found the representatives of Great Britain anxious to meet the Dominions in every possible way."