NOT BRITISH PLAN

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19998, 25 July 1939, Page 6

NOT BRITISH PLAN

PEACE-LOAN TALK CREDITS FOR GERMANY DISCUSSION WITH ENVOY CRITICAL LABOUR VIEW CABINET ASSURANCES (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 1.30 p.m. RUGBY. July 24. Speaking in the House of Lords today, the Foreign Secretary, Viscount Halifax, made a statement in reply to a question regarding press stories concerning the visit to London by Herr Wohltat, the economic adviser to Field Marshal Goering, the Minister in charge of the German fouryear plan, “Herr Wohltat was visiting England as a German representative on the whaling conference and part of his responsibilities was to discuss the refugee question,’’ said Lord Halifax. “So far as I am aware, his mission did not extend beyond these matters.

“Herr Wohltat in previous years has met a number of officials and others in England who are concerned with trade and economic questions affecting the two countries, consideration of these matters forming part of Herr Wohltat’s normal duties. It accordingly was in no sense unusual that the Secretary for Overseas Trade, Mr. R. S. Hudson, and Herr Wohltat should meet to discuss subjects in which they are mutually interested and for which they are re-

spectively responsible in their Official capabilities. Improvements in Trade

“Mr. Hudson has reported to me that the conversation turned to steps that might be taken to produce improvements in the foreign trade of the principal manufacturing countries. He pointed out that a solution of the political question was a necessary preliminary—by which, of course, ne meant the restoration of international confidence—and discussed what might be done to remove existing barriers to the development of international trade, including barter agreements, exchange restrictions, import quotas and so on. “The discussion led to financial steps that might have to bo taken to overcome the initial difficulties and Mr. Hudson, who throughout, emphahised that he was only expressing his personal view and, having in mind stipulating that the restoration of international confidence is a necessary preliminary, said he thought that, assuming international confidence had been restored, there should be scope for cooperation on this matter on. the paid ol' the principal countries concerned” “It will be seen that there is no justification whatever for stating or assuming that these remarks, arising during an unofficial conversation, constitute n> proposal for a loan by Britain to Germany.’’ Question for Cabinet

The Prime Minister, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, who made a, similar statement in the House of Commons, was further asked by Mr. A. Greenwood (Lab., Wakefield): “May I take it from what the Prime Minister has said that the Cabinet had no knowledge whatever of the possibility of a discussion of ithis kind, nor had l it prompted .them. in any way? May I also take Lt from what he Iras said that there is no intention on the part of the government now to begin discussions which look like bribery to Herr Hitler in order to buy peace?” Mr. Chamberlain replied: “Yes. I can give an affirmative answer to both those questions. The Cabinet knew nothing about these conversations, nor dicl any other Minister, other than the Minister concerned'. It is not the intention of the Government to initiate any discussion, of the kind suggested.”

The Independent Cable Service reports that Mr. Chamberlain summoned a special meeting of Ministers this morning at .which it was understood the Hudson, affair would be discussed.

Mr. Hudson said: “If I resign. I shall tell all before the House of Commons.” It is understood in the lobbies that there is no question of Mr. Hudson resigning.