IMPORTANT MOVE

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21195, 19 August 1940, Page 8

IMPORTANT MOVE

AUSTRALIA AND JAPAN EXCHANGE OF ENVOYS SIR J. LATHAM APPOINTED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) MELBOURNE, August 18 The Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Menzies, announced to-day that arrangements had been completed for an exchange of diplomatic representatives between Australia and Japan. Australia’s first Minister to Japan ' would be Sir John Latham, Chief Judge of the High Court of Ausj tralia, who would be given leave to j take up the appointment.

“I have received advice that the Japanese Government will be pleased to v/elcome an Australian Minister, and I shall be happy to reciprocate,” said Mr Menzies. “The appointment of Sir John Latham will enable the Commonwealth to obtain for the establishment of a Tokio Legation the services of one who is not only a most distinguished Australian citizen, but also one who, as leader of the Australian Goodwill Mission to Japan a few years ago, made a conspicuous contribution to the development of the friendly relations between Australia and Japan. “This step will do much to cement and extend the cordial relations which have so long existed between Australia and Japan, and will enable Australia to play a full part in working out the destinies of the Pacific people.

“The appointment, which is made with the full concurrence and warm approval of the British Government, will be widely welcomed in Australia and Japan.”