The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, May 13th, 1933. THE NEGOTIATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 May 1933, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, May 13th, 1933. THE NEGOTIATIONS.

Th'e negotiations with the United States have taken a new turn in the announcement that a debt settlement is proposed to France. It is not a wiping out, but an adjustment with a large concession to the debar country. This is a considerable advance on the attitude that America hitherto lias shown tothe world. It dees net follow that the proposal will he acceptable to France, for Franco is taking up the. attitude that it vill. not pay moie than it receives from Germany! But the fact that the United States is, carrying on negotiations shows a willingness. to reach a decision—and that means a definite concession, Mr. MacDonald, when lie returned to the Commons, had no information to disclose regarding a war debt settlement with America, but it is donoeivable that Air Roosevelt placed his views clearly, before Mr MacDonald as to the Britisirpayments, and would indicate how far his Government wag prepared to go.* The British Prime Minister had not the. authority to make or agree, to any; settlement, so with His hands tied he could only give the Commons fi negative reply. But he could communicate particulars to Cabinet, and he hag sAoken very temperately in the House about the conversations. Also he-; has pleaded for a temperate -review of-the. American attitude,’ go that difficulties will not be incre.asec], Britain should stand well with the creditor country, for it is the only country which has met its war debt obligations so far. On that account as the Leader of the Opposition expressed it, the, United vStates should show an accommodating spirit. We are inclined to think Mr MacDonald is hopeful about reaching a fairly satisfactory conclusion, but there is skill a good way to go, and the Economic Conference will play its part on the issue. The progress made there, and the ability and de-ire of the nations to co-operate in financial and trade matters, will be an incentive to the United States, where bona tides is displayed, to endeavour to meet the position with as much generosity as the American politicians will permit. It is at- least promising to find the United States expressing preparedness to play some part in European security to ensure an agreement in respect to disarmament. If the latter comes to pass, there will be le's wasteful expenditure in Europe on arms and armaments, and the countries can devote more money to their internal betterment. This means a degree of international progress which should be helpful in its way to assist inolving the financial crisis. The, United State would benefit directly in that respect, so that it would “pay” to help give the perturbed nations security from neighbours or old time foes. That would be a great help -to, world restoration, and there would be a benefit all round. S,U’ Austin Chamberlain, considers that this advance by America is most notable, and it should have occurred following Air MacDonald's vi-it is of the highest value in estimating the use of the late crossing by the British Prime Minister to America.