SIR ESME HOWARD ON DEBT QUESTION

Hokitika Guardian, 14 July 1927, Page 4

SIR ESME HOWARD ON DEBT QUESTION

BRITISH K.UrntE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Sir Esme Howard, British Ambassador, in a notable address before | the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce oil May 10, defined tlie posi- I tion of Great Britain oil the debt . question in a manner that left little room for further argument. Sir Esme has a well deserved reputation on this side of the Atlantic as a speaker who is not afraid to tell his honest convictions on any topic lie is discussing, and this accounts in part for his popularity wfith AmericaD audiences. Hie sincerity is never open to question. That is why the speeches of the British Ambassador are usually telegraphed from one end of the country to the oilier, and printed almost m full. The Sail Francisco address, lor example, delivered three thousand miles from the Atlantic seaboard, was given much space in the Now York press, and in other important centres. 'I lie remarks of the Ambassador warranted this liberal treatment. Alter deprecating the tendency apparent in some quarters to use present iuteinational questions under discussion as a means to drive a wedge betueeii Great Britain and America. Sir Esme took up in turn the Chinese situation and the debt question, and tne naval agreement a.s well, and gave a frank exposition of the British attitude on these matters. Of the debt question he said that he considered it settled so far as Great Britain is concerned. “The subject,” he continued, “if it is to 1)0 discussed further, will he a matter for internal discussion in this country and not lor any British Government to question or criticise. AYlmtever irresponsible press writers may say, that is our attitude. We are glad that we can meet our debts as honest men should. But T may say this, that J do rather resent the imputation that Great Britain wishes to get out of her legal obligations. On the English policy with reference to China the Ambassador was equally clear. Great Britain has no other visli !)!iaii that China may become a. prosperous nation. His exposition proved that the United Stales and Great Britain are thinking in parallel terms on this matter. The .naval fjituati™ was handled in the same frank manner. Sir Esme explained the situation of England as regards food and other supplies, something that it is a little difficult al limes for Americans to understand. •‘.lt is mainly an industrial country,” Sir Esme told ltis audience, “and produces only about one-third the food it requires. In laet. it olten has not more than one month’s to six weeks’ supply on the island. During the late war this supply rail as low as ten days. 'I list food supply must he protected. There is no matter of mere prestige or national honour,” concluded the Ambassador. “It is not even a question of bread and butter: it is just a question of securing, so lar as we eaii. our daily bread. I’liai was v. hy at the Washington Conference mo reserved our liberty of action ;is regards cruisers and destroyers." Fnink talk like that is worth all ilie oratory in the world. It might he approaching the truth to say that the Ambassador is an adept at it. blit that would lie doing him wrong. He excels in it. because lie is sincere, and believes in what he is saying, nhieli is Ihe reason, no doubt, why he is so popular with American audiences.