MR FRASERS EXPLANATION

Evening Star, Issue 24326, 15 October 1942, Page 4

MR FRASERS EXPLANATION

SITUATION ALTERED BY WAR IN PACIFIC (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 14. Commenting on Mr Langstone’s statement, Mr Fraser said to-night that Mr Langstone’s resignation had been under consideration by the Government and accepted, and it had been agreed that he sho LI return to New Zealand in accordance with his wishes, Mr Langstone’s complaint that Mr Nash bad been appointed Minister to the United States, although definite arrangements had been made formas own appointment, was certainly not correct, the Prime Minister said. Mr Langstone had been asked to go to Washington on a trade mission, as head of which he remained in the United States for the latter part of 1941 and carried out a number of duties, including attendance at the International Labour Conference at New York. Mr Fraser said it was true that ho had proposed, subject to Cabinet approval, to offer Mr Langstone the post of Minister at Washington, but the rapid deterioration of the position in the Pacific had made it necessary to have a Minister who was thoroughly conversant with the developments in the Pacific and was fullv informed of the Government’s outlook and defence policy. It had been decided that Mr Nash should undertake the duty, and he had sent a telegram to Mr Langstone, explaining the position. Mr Langstone gave no indication that he objected, but shortly after Mr Nash reached Washington Mr Fraser learned that Mr Langstone resented the appointment, and felt ho had been unfairly treated. Mr Fraser said ho had then informed Mr Langstone that the Cabinet was considering a suggestion that he should accept a High Commissionership. •Shortly after Mr Nash had arrived at Washington, the proposal to form a Far Eastern Council in London had come up, and. as it would be necessary to send Mr Nash there, Mr Langstone was asked if ho would be Minister at Washington until Mr Nash returned, and he agreed to accept the post. The appointment would have been made if there had not been a reversal of the decision in regard to the Pacific War Council, which was established in Washington. Mr Langstone had then accepted the High Gommissionership in Canada for a term of three years. Mr Fraser concluded by saying that in the hour of national danger personal interests and feelings were relatively unimportant, and it was the clear duty of everyone to co-operate with the Government and perform the duty to which he. was assigned.