NOTHING TO SAY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26636, 5 December 1947, Page 4

NOTHING TO SAY

CONDITIONS IN*RUSSIA MR BOSWELL RETURNS REPORT RESERVED FOR GOVERNMENT P.A. AUCKLAND, Dec. 4. After an absence from New Zealand of over three years, Mr C. W. Boswell, the New Zealand Minister to Moscow, returned on a visit, by the Waiwera. He was accompanied by Mrs Boswell and her sister, Mrs B. Forrest, who had been visiting them in Moscow, and who in October accompanied them to England. They spent some time in the United Kingdom before they began their return journey to New Zealand. When he was asked to discuss conditions in Russia and the recent criticism by the Opposition of the expenditure on the Legation in Moscow. Mr Boswell said he had nothing to say. He would not speak about the work of the Legation, stating that he could not add anything to what was already known.

The recent recall to Russia of the Soviet Ambassador to New Zealand, Mr Ziabkin, was also referred to Mr Boswell, who was asked if he had heard any reason for the official’s sud-

den departure. Mr Boswell said he had not heard anything about Mr Ziabkin’s recall except that when he left New Zealand he had established a reputation for silence. During the interview, Mr Boswell intimated that he would not be able to discuss his mission until he had consulted the leaders of the Government in Wellington. He did not know what his immediate plans were, but he understood that he would be returning to Russia after an indefinite time. Meanwhile the Legation was being administered by Mr D. P. Costello, second secretary to the Legation.

The pending return to the Dominion of Mr Boswell was announced in October by the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser. He recalled then that it was the Government’s practice to enable holders of diplomatic posts overseas to have home leave after they had served a term of duty abroad. It also allowed them to renew their contacts with their own people and refresh their knowledge of conditions in their own country.