YOUNGER CONSULS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 231, 24 June 1919, Page 5

YOUNGER CONSULS

SCHEME FOE MORE VIGOUR ALL ROUND. . The British Parliament will shortly be asked to sanction. a scheme tor a uiot and branch reorganisation of the ui'«ij>n Consular Service. If the plans of the new Overseas Department of the Hoard of Trade do not miscarry the service will consist of a large number of young and thoroughly trained men working under the direction of an efficient home staft'. These young men will in Hie first place have a sound general education and will havo to pass an examination to prove it. They will _ then be gnen a special two years' training at a uuiveisitv in London or one of the provincial cities, after which they must pass another examination. Then they will be expected to help in the sale ot goods abroad and also to give, advice on the be.st means to develop Bruish enterprise in the countries lo wliich they are sent. There will be an Imperial end''to the scheme, and candidates will oo awe. to enter direct from the self-governing Dominions. Business men who have been consulted are not in favour of talcing the eandidates from commercial housofj, but in--sist on the importance of having young liion specially trained, just as tlie new technical experts in tho engineering, chemical, and textile trades are trained. Men of this type, who build special knowledge upon a broad foundation, havo been largely responsible for yhe.success of Germany and/the United States in trade expansion. The new Consuls will get better paj an<? allowances tl an Ilie old, and much more will be expected of them. Tho new British Consul will not be a "rubber stamp' mewly signing documents as in 1 lie past, but well-informed men speaking rhe language of tho country, .knowing nil about its his tor v and customs and able to iwlviso on banking, transport, and special fichcmos for tho export and import of goods. They will enter the service between tho ages of 21 nii(l 24, rnd be ready for junior positions abroad cfter two years' intensive training at Home. They'will retire at (it).