MORE CRITICISM

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 January 1943, Page 3

MORE CRITICISM

MR FLYNN’S APPOINTMENT TO AUSTRALIA

STAND BY UNITED STATES NEWSPAPERS.

ACTION BY SENATE URGED

(By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) NEW YORK. January 10.

The New York "Daily Mirror” says that Mr Edward J. Flynn refused to discuss widespread criticism of his appointment to Australia and asserted that the whole situation will be cleared up on Monday in Washington, after which he will make a statement

The "Mirror” in an editorial says: “The full story of the paving-block case has now been cabled to Australia and hence Australians are wondering why the Minister Plenipotentiary to that great, friendly and strategically vital country, should not be like Caesar’s wife, above suspicion. We think the people of Australia deserve something better The appointment is implicit with offence to a great ally.” The article concludes: “Wherever you land in Australia, Mr Flynn, you will stumble over one of those paving blocks.” The “New York Times,” in an editorial, says: "American prestige above and moral at home would be harmed by Mr Flynn’s appointment. We prefer not to believe that Mr Flynn has been definitely and irrevocably offered the post till the President himself confirms the fact, in which case the Senate’s only proper course of action will be to reject the appointment.” The Washington “Post” in an editorial says: “Mr Flynn is as well qualified for a diplomatic commission as a butcher in an operation room. Our relations with Australia are of such great importance that the Senate is not likely to accept a discredited politician even if the President has the nerve to make the appointment. Our stalwarth ally “down under” is certainly entitled to more thoughtful consideration.”

The Washington “Star-Post” says that the Ministetr to Australia is an unusually important and difficult post at present, and Mr Johnson's successor ought to be chosen solely on the basis of his qualifications. A diplomatist should be preferable to a career man.”