§ 10. Commander BELLAIRSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the American scientific attaché, Major Mendenhall, professor of physics in the university of Wisconsin, has presented his credentials; and whether His Majesty's Government has reciprocated the compliment by appointing a scientific attaché to Washington?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThe appointment of this gentleman as Scientific Attaché to the United States Embassy has been notified to the Foreign Office by the United States Ambassador. No steps have as yet been taken in the sense of the second part of the question.
§ 11. Commander BELLAIRSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now make a statement as to appointments to diplomatic and Consular posts in the United States of America?
§ Sir S. HOAREIs it as difficult to find a Consul-General as it is to find an Ambassador? Cannot the Foreign Office appoint a Consul-General if they cannot appoint an Ambassador?
§ Sir H. BRITTAINAre our Consuls now being selected by the Foreign Office or by the Oversea Trade Department?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThe functions are dual, but primarily they are exercised by the Department of Oversea Trade.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs it because the functions are dual that they are so late in making their appointments?
Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYIs not the position of Consul-General at New York much more easily filled than that of Ambassador, and can he give any reason whatsoever why this very important British post in New York has remained so long unfilled?
Mr. HARMSWORTHI share my hon. and gallant Friend's anxiety that this post should be filled as quickly as possible.
§ Mr. O'GRADYIs it not a fact that every gentleman so appointed must show that he has an income of at least £400 a year?
§ Sir S. HOAREIs not the post of Consul-General at New York a post which the Foreign Office has complete discretion to fill up, and which they could fill up tomorrow if they wished?