The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, MARCH 6th, 1925. ANGLO-AMERICAN RELATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 March 1925, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, MARCH 6th, 1925. ANGLO-AMERICAN RELATIONS.

An appeal for more friendly relations between America and Australia was made recently by Colonel B. Helms, of Messrs Blair and Co., New York, in an address which lie delivered at the Millions Club, Sydney. Colonel Helms said that although he had advocated increased trade between America and Australia, and the shipment of gold from America to Australia, he was not urging that they should desert London in favour of New York, because the London hankers had treated Australia exceptionally well. Instead there should he the closest cooperation to bring about a lietter financial and national feeling. Only in so far as it was wise under a national poliey of defence and construction was it necessary or desirable for Australia to go to New York for money. “I believe in the White Australia policy,” said Colonel Helms. “You cannot help

wanting it in this country. Every American wants the same thing, but don't go to the other extreme. America went to the extreme of letting in all kinds of people who constituted an uiidigestihle population of various nationalities. Tho other extreme was not to allow a certain type to come here. The first or second generation of Italians, Spaniards, Frenchmen and Ccczho-Slavs made a very line type of American. It was wise for Australia to have a standard white policy for immigration, nevertheless it might be wise to let in driblets of other races. .1 hel that the dignity and righteousness of the British rare can, wit:, advantage, ho tempered with the romance and enthusiasm of other races.’’

Colonel Helms .said lie had a very high regard for Australia, hut lie was of lie opinion that there were too many “knockers” within its borders. He instanced his argtiement by quoting a conversation with some young Australians. One of them said to him “I suppose you ale another of those Ainmil an skiters.” In reply to his query he was informed that “skiter” was an alihroviation for “lilatlierskiter.” Colonel Helms said lie informed them that he would cease boosting his country and expressed his willingness to listen to what they had to say about Australia. He listened, and his amazement grew and grew. These young Australians said they had a terrible immigration policy, their political leaders were the worst the world had ever seen : they would never he able to pay their public debts, and that in effect their country's prospects were hopeless. He had only been in the country two or three months, and he did not share the opinions. The trouble in Australia was that there was too much “knocking,” and not enough boosting. He did not wish to comment on politics, hut he was convinced that the political leaders of Australia were of a pretty high standard as compared with those of other countries. If they showed suflicient confidence in their country it would be found in time that the world could lie fed from Australia. The high esteem in which Australians were held in America constituted a wonderful heritage, and his only regret was that there was not in Australia the same measure of esteem for Americans. Australia should take advantage of this treasure and do everything it possibly could to bring about a better understanding between English-speaking people, liecauso they were of the same, blood, sinew, and flesh. “Although hard work has been done in connection with the League ol Nations and disarmament.” said Colonel Helms, “I do not beleivo these will accomplish as much for tile welfare and integrity of the world as a combination of the British Empire and the Cnited States of America. This may seem strange coming from an American. Yet I feel that one of the greatest institutions for the welfare and progress of civilisation and humanity has l>ooii tho British Empire and 1 d„ feel that if the British Empire ami America can combine for the protection and safety of the world, they will he invincible.” Elaborating his views on exchange Colonel Helms said that it was cheaper to ship gold to Australia from America than to transfer funds by cable. With America anxious to ship gold to Australia on the most favourable terms the consequent benefits, apart from cheapening the cost of exchange, would ho inestimable. It oolv required commonsen.se to settle the exchange problems. His advice to Australia was to seize the oppoijjtn*, nitv of building up a wonderful trade with America in primary products. In other words Australia should do more trade and less borrowing abroad. When it became necessary they shoult do the borrowing in Australia. Australia should send her frozen meat, canned fruit, wool, wheat, and dried fruit, not to the Pacific coast, lm through the Panama canal, for the purpose of reaching the Eastern States.