BRITAIN AND AMERICA

Hokitika Guardian, 12 February 1921, Page 3

BRITAIN AND AMERICA

STATEMENT MISREPRESENTED. AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. LONDON, Feb 10. The “Daily* Chronicle” states Sir Auckland Geddes had an informal talk with fifteen American correspondents on Monday. It was confidential, the under-standing being that it was not to he published,- but was only for the guidance of these journalists. Sir Auckland Geddes dwelt on the good service the Press of the two countries could do by explaining and diminishing any causes of difference. A word of war was never uttered.

The chief matters upon which Sir Auckland Geddes is consulting the Government are the proposed differentiation of the Panama Canal tolls, and a possible infringement of commercial treaties by the full enforcement of the United States Jones Shipping Act; the breakdown of the recent international Conference on cables; the question ot naval programmes, and oil interests. Certain New York papers have published perversions of this interview with Sir Auckland Geddes, to the effect that Britain and America are drifting towards war.

The Foreign Office has therefore issued a, communique declaring the alleged interview misrepresents AngloAmerican relations, adding: “The Foreign Office is confident that any question arising between Britain and the United States can and will be settled without difficulty, whether with the existing or succeeding administration.”