New-York tribune., 1920-05-09
Oppose Borden
For Canadian
Envoy to u. S.
His Appointment to Repre-
sent Dominion Will Be
Criticised by Both Par
ties. Says Toronto Globe
Common Policy Needed
Non-1nterference With Ex-
port, Modified by Regu-
latiOns. Held Essential

borden is CHOSEN Canadian Ambassa-
dor to Washington, as some prophesy
and others fear may be done, there
Will be strong criticism launched at
the government by members Or both
sides" says "The Toronto Globe" 1t
IS claimed" continues "The Globe"
that il Sir Robert is not we'll enough
to be Premier, neither is he we'll enough
to be the energetic, devoted and broad
gauged representative which Canada
will need in the American capital"
Great Importance is attached to the
proposed appointment, especially now
when such vitality important issues as
the coal supply and the newsprint
question are before the two countries.
The most promising field for useful
service, if the right man is chosen as
Canadian Ambassador, is in connection
with the naval policies of the British
peoples and of the United States. If
Canada can act as a mediating inhu-
ence. show to the United States that
In naval measures their problems are
about the same, that both the United
States and the countries of the Brit
lsh Empire can afford to eliminate
from their program of preparation for
war the chance Of war with each other
1t may prevent the commencement of
another era Of insane competition in
the building of naval units.
Prominent Canadians Suggested.
While Parliament up to the present
time of writing has come to no deci-
sion. it will be interesting to American
readers to know the names Of the
prominent Canadians being suggested,
directly or indirectly, i nconnection
with the proposed appointment.
Those named by rumor for the posi-
ton have not been many. Sir George
Foster was considered too old by the
government to be made High Commits
sioner. He then is too old for Wash
ington. Speaker Rhodes is after the
position, it is said, but ii is not thought
probable he will get it. Hon. N w.
Rowell has been named often, but he
has announced publicly he is not seek
ing the position. AS he has been more
active than other members in consider
ing and speaking on questions of inter
national interest, he would be con-
sidered the most likely nominee if
the government was going to the coun-
try and was ready for the breakup,
which some day or year must come.
There have been business men who
have talked respectively of Sir Cliff
ford Sifton and Sir Joseph Flavelle,
but neither appointment is expected
Sir Douglas Hazen, having been in
Washington, is always spoken of, and
Sir Charles Gordon, of Montreal, who
was at Washington for period ana
who might be given the appointm INT if
political considerations and appointees
were eliminated.
Outside of the traditional policy Of
1rlendilness, 1t is pointed out that it
may we'll happen that the whole fu
ture relations of Canada and the United
States may depend on the men chosen
to represent the two countries in the
1urtherance of direct relations
Important Field for Work
Instead of threats of reprisals from
both sides of the international bound
ary, 1T is felt that in the near future
the two countries must develop com
mon pollcy with regard to the change
OF raw materials. Ontario will need
United States coal for decades to
come, and the United States will need
pulp-wood, paper, lumber and nickel
ana other products from Canada. An
understood policy of non-interference
with export, modified by regulations on
both sides to retain sufficient material
1or nome use at reasonable prices. must
De worked out, it is said. The machin-
cry to decide questions arising from
the use of boundary matters and cis-
putes with regard to boundaries al
O.
partment and the Department of Jus
tice already have developed a certain
oegree OF cooperation in dealing with
crime and disorder. 1t is the inten-
tlon TO attack industrial problems in a
measure together, as the problems
OF one cannot be separated from the
problems Of the other
Eighty thousand dollars is appropri
ated IN the estimates to defray all the
expenses In connection with the pro-
posed Canadian official representation
at Washington. 1t has been agreed that
wnen the proper time comes an Of
hclai announcement will be made
simultaneous here and in London. and
meanwhile considerable secrecy is he
ing preserved.
In the House lately Hon. II. s. Beland
(beauce) said: Il should like to ask
whether the government has any an
nouncement to make in connection with
tne contemplated representation of
Canada at Washington; whether ne
gotlatons have been proceeding with
either the British or the American gov
ernment, and, if so, what point they
nave reached and whether thev have
reached any definite conclusion ?'
SIR George Foster, Acting Premier
replied that negotiations were under
way, but no announcement was vet
available.
Hon. Mr.. Rowell, Acting Minister Of
External Affairs, who has the matter in
hand, declined TO discuss a Washington
dispatch to the effect that the Ca
nadlah representative there will have
tnc fuli rank Of minister. and in addi-
tion 10 heading a Canadian branch of
the British Embassy Will be second in
command and replace the ambassador
In the latter's absence. Mr.. Rowell
also would not discuss the matter as
brought up in the British House. lie
replied that "at present no official an
nouncement can be made. but there
Is an understanding with the British
authorities that nothing will be SAID
tlil the question is definitely settled
Then 1t will be annonced officially"
Newspapers of Canada seem to at
tach much Importance to this matter.
"The Montreal Gazette" which stands
very close to the Borden government,
in an extended editorial says:
"The establishment Of a Canadian
diplomatic service at Washington is
commendable on every ground, and will
do no violence to the relations long ex-
listing between the Imperial and the
Dominion governments. There are del
icate points to be adjusted in determin-
ing the status of a Canadian represen-
tative at Washington, but none insuper-
able, none that will not yield to mutual
understanding without impairing tho
Imperial power or incurring clash OF
interests. 1t will be an advantage in
snanv yyavs whom Canada has 81 rpnre