REACTION OF OTHER NATIONS

Chronicle (Levin), 23 August 1947, Page 5

REACTION OF OTHER NATIONS

LONDON, August 22. The British United Press gives the iollowing reaclions to Britain's dollar decision: — New Delhi: Goveinnient oflicials were shocked and staggered. The Indian C'abinet caiied a special session to discuss the aunouncement and it is expected it will lodge a strong protest. Zurich: The newspaper Neue Zuer cher Zeitung says tlie decision is tln most serious event for Britain since the defeat of France in 10 10. Berlin: The Russian licenced newspaper Berliner Zeitung said Britain ha.liad a rough l'all from a position oi world impiortance. Bankruptcy is out side her door. Moscow: The IMoscow radio quoted Dr. Dalton 's broadcast and B.B.C. re port but made no immediate comment. Brussels: Because of the Belgiau reserve of dollars, the British decision will not affect Belgium directly oi alfect American experts to Belgium it is stated that Belgium could ahvaypav in British pounds for Belgian im yiorts from Britain or even in Belgiaii irancs which are accepted as a strong currency. Furthermore, it is pointcd out that the Belgo-British agreemem provides for [laynieut in gold for aniounts exceeding £."5,00(1,900. Oslo: The Governor of the Bank o Norway, Mr. Gunnar Jahn, said Xor way had not made great use of the dol lar conversion so the direct conse quences of Britain's decision would no; be specially fe.lt in Norway. Paris: The French comment on tln1 British decision is cautious. The senn otlicial newspaper Le J;londe said l-'runce, which has a commercial balance of £iiO, 000, 000, o would have wished to coniert part of this to dollars. Yester day 's decision will not facilitate this Britain will- have to make a considerable eC'ort if sterling is not to be de valued. We can only hope Britain wili be succosst'iil. Our currency coubl no. fail to feel the effect of devaluation o the pouml.