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Mr. Eric Harrison
Farewelled by
Cabinet
The Minister for Defence (Mr.
Eric J. Harrison), was given a
farewell dinner by members of
Cabinet last night on the eve of
his departure for London to take
up his appointment as Australian
Resident! Minister.
The Prime Minister (Mr. R. G.
Menzies) and Deputy Prime Minister
and Treasurer (Mr. Fadden)
who proposed the toast of
the Minister, made glowing references
to Mr. Harrison's loyal service
to the parties now in Government
whilst they were in Opposition.
Particular reference was made by
members of the Cabinet to to
the major part which Mr. Harrison
played during the recent
election victory, and complete
confidence was expressed in his
Mr. Harrison Help
Mr. Harrison
capacity to represent Australia
worthily as Resident Minister in
London. a
[Ther view was expressed that
Mr. Harrison would return to
Australia at the end of his term
as Resident Minister to again
take an active part in. Australian
politics. So many problems affecting
the Commonwealth Government
were centred in London
that it was vital for an experienced
member of the Cabinet to
go to London and report first-
hand on developments there.
Apart from important Defence
discussions. Mr. Harrison's duties
would include a thorough review
of Commonwealth Government
arrangements in the United
Kingdom.
It was emphasised that a spectacular
increase was proposed
this year in the admission of British
migrants to Australia, and
it was desirable that the Australian
Government should he represented
in' London by a senior
Cabinet Minister for negotiations
in this regard with the British
Government.
It is expected that Mr. Harri
son will leave Australia by air
for London on April 17. !
Mrs. Harrison will probably
leave by boat for the United
Kingdom on April 15.
On the adjournment of the
House of Representatives last
night the Minister for Labour
(Mr. Holt) conveyed to Mr. Harrison
the best wishes of the Government
and expressed the hope
that he would serve Australia
with distinction in the important
London post.
Supporting the Minister, , Mr.
Calwell (Melbourne added the
good wishes of the Opposition.
He hoped Mr. Harrison would
use his talents and ability for the
advancement of Australia.
"We will do our best to bring
him back as soon as possible because
we will continue to oppose
certain legislation in the hope
that something will eventuate
that will require his presence
here before his appointment
lapses," Mr. Calwell said.
Mr. Ward (East Sydney) said
on the adjournment that he
feared for Australia's reputation
through the appointment of the
Minister for Defence (Mr. Harrison
as Minister to London.
"I think he's a bad selection
and I do not share the views
expressed by other members of
this House," Mr. Ward said.
The Minister for Supply (Mr.
Beale) said it was regrettable
that the House had to listen to
Mr. Ward's comments. Many
persons would worry about the
remarks not only from the point
of view of Mr. Harrison himself
but because that sort of talk did
no good for Australia abroad.
"What has been said to-night
would not have been said by any
other member of the House," Mr.
Beale added.
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