AMERICA DOING GREAT JOB UNDER MARSHALL PLAN

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 36, 22 December 1948, Page 5

AMERICA DOING GREAT JOB UNDER MARSHALL PLAN

“Today America is doing a great job under the* Marshall Plan, helping all nations. The general view is that they hope the cost will be cheaper than war,” wrote Mr W. Sullivan, M.P. from Washington before leaving to go back to London . on December .7. He adds, “We,' of course, have jpreached the gospel of union of all 'democratic countries, Western union, Atlantic union, all blended with the Commonwealth and U.S.A., as an answer to pressure from the .'East. “American opinion veers that way very strongly, and I firmly believe that before long the English' speaking democracies will come closer together.” 1 Mr Sullivan’s letter tells something of his movements since the Bermuda conference finished on November 23. He says: “The Hon Walter Black and myself have been some time in the 'States. While here, we have spent some eight days inspecting the Tennessee Valley Scheme, being fully briefed by the authorities, and flown down the Valley for about half the distance, some 500 miles. Our good friend Senator Estes Refauver of Tennessee, was our guide and friend, and made our trip a very i pleasant one. “Today in Washington was spent inspecting housing schemes, with particular attention to units such as j we need and build. All homes here are centrally heated, the kitchens Rave electrical gadgets everywhere. It is sure a press button age. “Truman’s victory here is regarded as a great personal triumph, and nows everyone seems happy with the answer. “In this country there are no controls. Competition and private enterprise' fix the prices. The Americans are great free enterprisers, and jealously guard . their rights in this \i Tespect. The shops are full of goods, clothing is reasonable, you can buy 20 cigarettes for 23 cents—l/2 ourmoney, or a pound of pipe tobacco for 9/- our money. Hotel tariff is "high—as much as £2/10/- or £3 a . night, excluding all meals. “Motor cars on show and in use would thrill any car loving New Zealander.” ir t „