HC Deb 02 May 1928 vol 216 cc1693-4
10. Captain CAZALET

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government have decided to appoint a Counsellor of Embassy in Buenos Ayres, in view of the increasing importance of the trade between this country and the Argentine?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

His Majesty's Government have decided to create a Counsellor's post at Buenos Ayres as soon as the time arrives for the transfer elsewhere of the present First Secretary to His Majesty's Embassy at Buenos Ayres, who was appointed there in November, 1926.

Captain CAZALET

Is it not a fact that the staff maintained at Buenos Ayres is considerably less than that maintained at any other Embassy and certain other Legations and is not adequate to the work required to be done?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I think it is certainly less than the staff maintained by some others, but I am not prepared to admit that it is for that reason insufficient for its work.

Mr. HANNON

Will the right hon. Gentleman give personal attention to the matter in view of the importance of the trade between that country and our own, and see whether the staff is not inadequate?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

No. I have given this matter personal attention. The staff is adequate for the purposes for which it is required. and in the proper time, having regard to the economy that is imperative on my office as well as others, a Counsellor will be appointed.