BRITAIN’S WAR DEBT

Hokitika Guardian, 27 April 1933, Page 5

BRITAIN’S WAR DEBT

WASHINGTON TALK

MACDONALD AND ROOSEVELT.

(United Press Association —By Electric 'Telegraph—Copyright.)

WASHINGTON, April 25

Mr Ramsay MacDonald and President Roosevelt to-day discussed thoroughly the problem of Britain’s war debt to the United States. Then it was announced that “the basis of a clear understanding of the situation” had been reached. A joint statement -by the heads of the two nations said that the war debt conversations would continue in London and in 'Washington after Mr MacDonald’s departure. The statement emphasised that the day’s discussion was to be regarded as “only a preliminary exploration.” Summarising their study 0 f the debt problem President Roosevelt and Mr R. MacDonald said: “Both have faced the realities and the obligations, and both believe that as a result, there lias been laid a basis for a clearer understanding of the situation affecting the two nations. It would be wholly misleading to intimate that any plan or settlement is under way. It is tho simple truth that, thus far, only pre* liminary explorations of many different routes have -bee));., commenced, The point to be emphasised is that, with most friendly conversations, there is progress being made. After the Prime Minister’s departure, these conversations will continue in London and Washington.

SHAPING NATIONAL POLICY.

DEBT SETTLEMENT BASIS

NEW YORK, April 26

The “New York Times” political correspondent states: “Whether President Roosevelt’s ideas or Mr MacDonald’s have predominated in the recent discussions could not be learned, but it is probable* that both had definite parts, in shaping a policy whiert they felt France would accept; and, while the British are not quite so buoyantly optimistic to-night as they were yesterday, they gave every indication pf being satisfied with the way thatthings were going. “The war debts were discussed today, but it was said that no nation would be prejudiced. There are many other important issues besides the debt question. That a basis for » debt settlement, however, is being sought seemed to be implied, despite the reticence of those who know what

had occurred around the conference tables.”