BONDS OF FRIENDSHIP

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 16, 14 October 1942, Page 6

BONDS OF FRIENDSHIP

Australian And Russian Ministers Exchanged

CANBERRA, October 12.

The interchange of Ministers between Australia and Russia was announced by the Minister of External Affairs, Dr. Evatt. The first Australian Minister to Russia will be the Hon. William Slater, Speaker of the Victorian Legislative Assembly. Russia has appointed as her Minister in Australia, M. Andrei Petrovitch . Vlasov, ,of the Soviet Peoples Commissariat for Foreign Affairs.

Dr. Evatt said that negotiations for the exchange were opened with M. Molotov during his mission to London in May. ’ . “We attach importance to this striking evidence of unity and comradeship which bind the United Nations,” said Dr. Evatt. “The exchange of Ministers will signalize the special friendship between the two Pacific ■ countries. M. Molotov has expressed the appreciation of his Government at the Australian nomination. M. Vlasov is 37 years of age, and one of the youngest members of the Soviet diplomatic service.

MOVE APPLAUDED Possible Military Mission To Russia (By Telegraph.—Press Assn; —Copyright.) (Special Australian Correspondent.) (Received October 13, 11.15 p.m.) SYDNEY, October 13. The possible dispatch of an Australian military mission to Russia was discussed today by the Australian Minister of External Affairs, Dr. Evatt, and the newly-appointed Minister to Russia, Mr. Slater. The mission would follow the establishment in Moscow of the Australian Legation. A.I.F. officers now in the Middle East would probably be appointed to the military mission, which would be welcomed in army circles here. Young officers would be sent to study the newest developments in mechanized warfare in the area where it is' being prosecuted on the greatest scale. The exchange of Ministers between Australia and the Soviet is regarded in political circles as having great international significance. It is emphasized that the move does not, of course, indicate Russian abandonment of neutrality with Japan, but it is felt here that the appointments will have an important influence on the Pacific situation generally. In an interview today, Mr. Slater said that the exchange of representatives "should have some effect on the further successful prosecution of the war.” The Australian Minister will leave almost immediately for Moscow. Common Interest. The Australian Press generally applauds the Ministerial exchange, which the Sydney "Sun” today fays is “an expression of Australia’s deep admiration for the resolution and vigour of her great ally It acknowledges the great common interest which it is to be hoped will persist long afler the Pacific war has ended. Russia’s great eastern maritime domain, Ptretching from Vladivostoek to the Arctic, rich in minerals and in many natural resources. will enjoy vast development once Japanese imperialism has been disposed of. "With .Russia to the north and China to the south occupying the whole of the Asian littoral of the Pacific, it does not require much imagination to suggest the vast possibilities of future trade and cultural relations with an Australia strengthened and awakened by two great wars in which she has taken part within a quarter of a century."

SOVIET MINISTER TO CANADA ARRIVES (Receiver October 13. 11.30 p.m.) OTTAWA. October 12. The Russians’ first Minister to Canada, M. Fyodor Gusev, has arrived.