PM Transcripts

FOR PRESS P L. No. 609/ 1964
R ETIRED TNT OF SIR 1-MIC HARR~ ISON
ST-ATE.: E. r'NT BY THE, PPIDiIE MINISTER
The Prime liinister ( Sir RobeD-rt i2ienzies) today
announced the retirement of the Right -Honourable Sir Eric
Harric-on, Australian High Commiosioncor
in London. "' Sir Eric has represented Australia with distinction
since he, took uD his appointment in 1956. Over this period,
far reaching changes have been occurring within the Commonwealth
* and many mr-atters of great importance have required the attention
Wof our Irigh Comimissioner. Vie have been fortunate indeed to have
in London a man of 6ir Eric's oualities, experience, and
personality, and he has m~ rade a particular contribution in
footering Australia's owin intimate ties with Britain. le and
* Lady Harrison, who has made her own distnctive contribuation,
will be remem,-bered too by manyI thoasandc-s of Aust-ralian visitors
passing through Australia House over thee's-yea-rs.
" On behalf of myv colleagu,-es and myself, I express
our thianks to Sir Eric for the outstanding job he ha--done and
Iwish him and Lady IHarrison a long and enjoyable retircnient ." 1
BACKGROUN D
0 in 1931 as mSeimrb eEr rifoc r Hathrer is1o~ nS Ve. nsteeraetd tohf e WHeonutsweo rtohf Rwchpircehs ehoien thateildves
until his appointmant as High Commissioner in 1956. He held such
ministerial posts m1, inioster f-; or the Interior, Postmaster-General,
M1inister for Repatriation, i22inister for Trade and Cus9toms--,
oli1nister for Defence and irdinister for Dst'ence Production.
Hle was also Vice--President of the Executive Council
and Leader of the House of Re~ pres,, n-tativ. s. He served as Resien
LMini~ ter in Liondon in 1950-51 and wac Minister-in-Charge of the
first viait by The Queen in 1954. He was ap~ pointed. a Privy
Councillor in 1952 and a TC. C. 111in the New Y. car's Honours List
in 1961. The Honourable A. R. Downor, whtose appointment as
successor to Sir A7: Eric Harrison has already bceen announced,
will assume office today.
CANBERL: PRA October, 1964.