AMBASSADORS IN TROUBLE.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 132, 14 January 1916, Page 2 (Supplement)

AMBASSADORS IN TROUBLE.

ACTIONS THAT MAY LEAD TO TROUBLE BETWEEN NATIONS.

President Wilson's "patient waiting" led the German and Austrian Ambassadors to act in a manner which most nations would strongly resent. In the past, America has not been so tolerant of foreign interference in her domestic affairs, as Great Britain has found to her cost. Formerly, the President of the I.'nitod States let any foreign representative who sought to obtain support for his country in time of war, understand plainly that his room was preferable to his company. Britain raised a Foreign Legion for the Crimean campaign, and Mr. John Crampton, our representative, raised a storm about his ears by countenancing a scheme "Tor enlisting volunteers in America. Although he did far less for his country than the German Ambassador and !/is confreres have done he was dismissed by the United States in spite of our endeavours to smooth away the trouble.

Even more famous was the case of Lord Sackville. who indiscreetly wrote a private letter touching; on the Presidential Election of ISSS. here was such an outcry about foreign interference that the unfortunate Minister was dismissed, although it was generally considered in England that he was more sinned against than sinning. Only a year or two ago our Ambasador. Sir Francis Bertie, got into hot water in Paris for a supposed letter to the ex-Papal Nuncio to France, hut he easily proved that the matter had never occurred as stated. However, if it had happened in the days before Detain and France learnt they had every reason to be good friends much trouble might have ensued. Ambassadors of ordinary civilised nations are very careful not to .hint the susceptibilities of the country to which they are accredited, but b< - fore one is appointed it is usually ascertained whether be will be acceptable. Within recent years Germany has been very particular about the representatives America sent, and one is reputed to have been called home because he was not wealthy enough to suit her. Another American representative found it prudent to return home, as his lack of diplomatic training led him to make indiscreet comment on the country to which he was sent.

ABUSING HOSPITALITY. German diplomats, like German Generals, are reverting to the customs of the bad old times when Ambassadors were ready to spy and intrigue in the interests of their i sovereign, sometimes abusing hospi- | tality in a most shameful manner. Thus, the French Ambassador, Aubespine. was privy to a plot against Queen Elizabeth in ITi S7, but his status prevented him being brought to trial. Another French Ambassador proved himself a nuisance in 1661, though he only bore half the blame. A new Swedish Minister was coming to London, and the French and Spanish Ambassadors disagreed about their precedence in the procession welcoming the new Envoy.

The Frenchman, with his retinue, arrived first and took premier place, whereupon the Spanish Ambassador barred his passage, an attempt somewhat easy to make as he was accompanied by one hundred men on foot and fifty on horseback. The French were not deterred so easily and endeavoured to force a way through the men drawn up across the road. They fired a volley and charged; a long conflict followed in which 12 were killed and 40 wound, ed, among the casualties being an unfortunate English spectator. A matter of precedence nearly led to a rupture between Spain and the United States a few years ago, but the Ambassador was the victim not the aggressor. Spain used to send to America only a .Minister Plenipo-

tentiary whose rank is below that of Anihassors proper, but this made no difference, as all foreign representatives were given eijual precedence. Four cr five years ago thore was a change, and owing to some carelessness the Spanish Minister was not informed. When he next appeared he found himself placed

nations below his own in importance, and he regarded this as an affront to his country. Explanations were forthcoming, and the matter was smoothed over with some difficulty. While German Ambassadors consider they have a right to express free opinions about other countries, and even interfere in purely national concerns, they are very touchy about their own dignity and that of their country. At the beginning of the trouble in ihe Near East five or six years ago, Prince Chanes of FuerFitcnhur?. the Austrian Charge d'Affairs in Petrograd, was much angered by the newspaper comments on the Bosnian imbroglio. He complained to the UnderSecretary for Foreign Affairs, and when the comments grew more caustic he complained again. The UnderSecretary promised to intervene, but the Press and people asserted their right to express their own opinions. The Prince was plainly given to understand that he had better mind his own business, and there was no mincing of matters in the attack made upon him, so there was a nice little how-d'ye-do. Sometimes the hoot is on the other leg, and it is the Anibassador who has every reason to complain. This is frequently the case in the United States where (he staid diplomats of other countries do not always find the publicity of official life to their liking. Then the rather free-and-easy manners of the country often outrage the sense of dignity of those brought up in t!ie old school. A few years ago the Brazilian Ambassador had to answer the usual siring of questions addres-ed to foreigners landing in the Stales, lie naturally resented being asked whether he was a polygamist or bail ever been in prison or the workbouse, whether he paid his own pasage, and if be had tiit> dollars in his possession. On protesting that he was the new Ambassador the Customs Inspector remarked coolly that he knew he n;i-, and a-- it wathe law he would have to submit to

Ambassadors to Eastern potentates have frequently to stand on their dignity. When our first Envoy to China, the Earl of Macartney, was told he would have to prostrate himself befc e the Emperor he stoutly declined unless a mandarin of equal

i:ink did the same before a portrait of Ceorge 111. Ho said if this were not done lie would only kneel on one knee, so his Chinese Majesty agreed. In I no2 some correspondence took place between our Ambassador and th.' Chinese Foreign Otlire respecting tlii"" murder of some British subjects. Pir Ernest Satom criticised certain Chinese characters used in connection with the British name that were regarded as objectionable and offensive. As the apology given wa.. inadequate under the cireanisti.nces. Sir Ernest refused to attend an Imperial Reception to which he had been invited.