U.S. AND BRITAIN.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 May 1920, Page 5

U.S. AND BRITAIN.

STRENOTHENING RELATIONS. DIPLOMATIC APPOINTMENT, By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright, Received May 12, 7.30 p.m.

, London, May 11. In the House of Commons, Mr. Bonar Law said the Anglo-Canadian Governments had arranged to provide more complete representation for Canadian interests in the United States than hitherto, and accordingly it had been agreed, on His Majesty's advice, that Canadian Ministers should appoint a Minister Plenipotentiary, who would have charge of Canadian affairs.

The Minister would be instructed to report direct to the Canadian Government, and in the absence of the Ambassador, the Canadian Minister would take charge of the whole Embassy, looking after Imperial as well as Canadian interests. He would be accredited to the President by His Majesty with the necessary powers for that purpose.

Mr. Bonar Law added that this arrangement did not denote any departure, either by the British or the Canadian Governments, from the principle of the diplomatic unity of the British Empire. The need for this important step had been realised by those Governments for some time There had been direct communication between AVasliington and Ottawa for some years, but the constantly increasing importance of Canadian interests in the United States made it apparent that Canada should be represented more distinctly in view of the peculiarly close relations which always existed between the peoples of the United States and Canada.

It was confidently expected that the new step would have very desirable results in maintaining and strengthening friendly relations and co-operation between the Empire and the United States. —lmperial Service.

[A recent cable from Ottawa stated: The appointment of a Canadian Minister to the United States is announced in Parliament. He is to negotiate in regard to purely Canadian interests in Washington. The Minister will hold a, semidiplomatic status, and will take full charge of British diplomacy in the United States during the absence of the British Ambassador. The American ConsulGeneral in Ottawa, if Congress agrees, will act for the United States in Canada.]