AUSTRALIAN MINISTER AT WASHINGTON

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 47, 19 November 1926, Page 11

AUSTRALIAN MINISTER AT WASHINGTON

CHANGE OF STATUS FOR SIR HUGH DENISON. Vanvouver, November 17. The "Toronto Globe’s” special correspondent at Washington to-day says: “The status of Sir Hugh Denison will be changed to that of a Minister within three months, according to information gained to-day in an authoritative quarter. Mr. Bruce may possibly proceed homeward from the Imperial Conference by way of the United States. It is probable that the contemplated change in Australia’s repre ; sentation in this country may be made by that time.” REPORT OF CHANGE DENIED. Melbourne, November 17. Dr. Earle Page (acting-Prime Minister of the Commonwealth) states that the cabled statements regarding Sir Hugh Denison’s change of status arc ridiculous. Such a thing had not even been contemplated. MR. BRUCE DECLINES TO COMMENT. (Rec. November 18, 7.55 p.m.) London, November 17. Mr. Bruce declined to comment on the story that Sir Hugh Denison will shortly be raised to Ministerial rank in Washington, beyond saying that he had not authorised such a statement. It is known that Mr. Bruce throughout the Conference bas been averse to Ministerial appointments abroad, and thinks that there is no justification for such a policy, except where contiguity exists, such as in the case of Canada and the United States A message from New York states that Sir Hugh Denison, who has arrived there, declined to discuss the report, declaring that he. knew nothing about the suggested Ministerial appointment.