DEBT NEGOTIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 24 February 1933, Page 5

DEBT NEGOTIATION

WASHINGTON TALK

FORMULATION OF PLANS.

J.'nited Press Asso iatioa—By Electric Telegraph—Co py rig ht.)

WASHINGTON, February 22. The' importance with which Mr Roosevelt regards the British Imperial trade agreements is indicated by his action in calling the Canadian Minister, Mr Bcrridgo, to a conference.The participants in to-day’s conference were extiemely reticent. According to New York' reports they only admitted that they discussed world economies- Mr Roosevelt said: “Everything is in a preliminary stage, but everything is getting on well.”

Tlie inclusion of M. Paul Claudel (French Ambassador), has 1 resulted in the conclusion that nothing effective could be accomplished without France. It marks a resumption of the negotiations that were broken following on the French default in payment on December 15.

It is believed that if tentative agreements regarding world financial matters can be formulated, at Washington, such decisions can be elaborated and extended among the nations of the world parley. It is understood that Mr Itoosevelt formulated a plan after he hud learned that Britain could make no economic commitments in connection with the debts before she knew what other countries would do. Therefore) he subordinated, for te moment, the debt problem for the larger issuse of world economies.

SIR R. LINDSAY'Ei REPORT.

LONDON, February 22. The Sydney “Sun” has learned that Sir R. Lindsay’s preliminary report to the Foreign Office shows that the conversations with Mr Roosevelt give the Economic Conference precedence over other questions. War debts were an important part, but the scope of the conversations were broadened bringing relief of the world depression to the forefront. No British Minister is likely to proceed to Washington, until the programme of action is defined.

BRITAIN’S TARIFF POLICY,

RUGBY, February 22. The Prime Minister replied in the affirmative to a question as to whether the Government’s efforts in the World Conference- would be directed to a gneral removing of tariff barriers.