WORLD PROBLEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 28 April 1933, Page 5

WORLD PROBLEMS

TRIPLE TRUCE DECISIONS AT WASHINGTON (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyr igh t). WASHINGTON, April 26. • The optimism of the British delegation as they left Washington was easily understood by observers, who are of the opinion that President Roosevelt’s conversations with Mr MacDonald and those under way with the French delegates definitely point towards “truces” on three important international questions. It has been revealed at White House that Mr Roosevelt will request from Congress not only the power to negotiate tariff treaties, as previously stated, but broad powers to quote only downward.

Furthermore, he would make possible a moratorium covering the war debt interest obligations on June sth next. The second truce would be in the European political turmoil. This is reflected in the MacDonald-Roose-velt disarmament policy, and it is apparent from the French satisfaction that America; will agree to an adequate consultative pact, M. Herriot, French delegate, is particularly pleased with' Mr Davies’ rc» cent declaration at Geneva thereon. Meanwhile, at a meeting of the Franco-American experts, the State Department later .suggested a customs truce from the day that the London Conference is called until it has adjourned, during which time the nations should take no further steps to increase their tariffs or quota restrictions.

If these three propositions work out as anticipated, the observers profess abundant hope for the political and economic success of the London Conference. However, smoothly, on the surface the poltitjal aspects of the situation have moved, the complete official silence of the French delegation did not hide the fact that difficulties over currencies have developed. It is felt that the further the experts delve into the matter of international monetary stabilisation, the more complicated it bedame. The question -of gold advances to those countries whose lack of gold reserves precludes stabilisation unaided, is regarded as likely to complicate the situation, as the only countries that are capable o? making such advances are the Untied States and France. In both cases foreign loans are not at present popular, but a more cheerful view of the situation was that a definite settlement of the political troubles, plus one as to the debts, would make France in a more receptive mood for economic concessions at the London Conference.

The high point of M, Hemet’s ac* tivities to-day was his visit to the Capitol and talks with the Administration leaders there. They re-assur-ed him as to the American Parliamentary situation, and this despite renewed vigour in the fight on the Inflation Bill, a vote? on which was postponed until to-morrow. Several Administration Senators have swung over to the opposition as to inflation, but the passage of the Bill is still regarded as certain.