AMERICAN ACTION

Hokitika Guardian, 19 December 1932, Page 5

AMERICAN ACTION

OVER WAR DEBTS MR HOOVER’S NEW NOTE . (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) WASHINGTON, December 16. Mr Hoover is preparing a message to Congress on the debts, and l it is expected that it will b e submitted on Monday. Probably in it lie will renew Ills request for creating a Debt Commission.

The proposed speech on war debts was withheld to-day by Senator Harrison (Democrat, Mississippi) with the announcement to Senate that certain circumstances have arisen that have matte it seem best to defer the dis-

cussion. The Washington correspondent of the “New York Times” says that there were indications to-day that President Hoover would soon consult Mr Roose-

velt, President-elect, regarding “an appropriate agency” for the review of war debts, in anticipation of such a

request from Britain in response to the suggestion made in Mr Hoover’s last note. It is believed that Mr Hoover favours the creation of a bi-partisan commission, consisting of Congressmen and diplomats. Although it would be primarily formed to consider Britain’s

oase, it is assumed that it would be extended to cover other nations. In this connection, however, the first difficulty has already arisen. Leading Democrats, who would be sure to figure in any such Commission, have indicated that they believe that Mr Roosevelt will not consent to any such dealings with France, or other defaulters. They stated that they would not serve in such a capacity, even if he requested! them to do so. On the other hand, they declined to .comment definitely on the case of Britain and other payers, but indicated that they felt considerable sympathy in her favour. It is noted that 'there have been many historical cases where foreign affairs have been negotiated with Congressional representation and these were usually successful, while negotiation of the Treaity of Versailles and the League of Nations, which the Senate, without representation on the negotiating body, rejected. Those, mentioned as likely to be appointed to the Commission include: Mr H. L. Stimson '(Secretary of (State), Mr Ogden Mills (Secretary of the I Treasury), Mr Andrew Mellon (Ambassador in.. London), ..Senator. ,D., A. Reed and Senator P. Harrison, Mr J. W. Collier and Mr A. T. Treadway,, of th & House of Representatives,' and Mr Owen Young, the prominent industrialist and 1 director of the Council of Foreign Affairs. If the Commission is chosen on the basis of seniority in the Foreign Affairs Committee, Senators C. A. 'Swanson and H, W. Johnson are likely candidates. An alternate suggestion is that Mr Hoover will recommend’* Congress to form its own Commission. In any event Mr Hoover will recommend that trade concessions be- demanded in exchange for the debt re- . vision requested.