FEWER DIFFICULTIES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 127, 29 April 1940, Page 8

FEWER DIFFICULTIES.

’WASHINGTON, April 27. Progress in smoothing out the effect of the Allied blockade on the United States is indicated in a statement issued bv the State Department describing the results of conversations by the Allied representatives (M. Hist and Mr F. Ashton Gwutkin) with United States officials. It was announced: First, the Allies desire to diminish inconveniences to neutrals’ interests and trade in every conceivable way provided the effect of the contraband control is not lessoned, which the Allies consider an absolutely essential part of the war. On this issue the United States reaffirmed her reservation of all rights under international law and her refusal to accept any principle involving interference with bona | lido neutral trade. Secondly, the Allies, made a slight ! concession in the ease of the blockade lof German exports to the United I States, on which it was stated: “It is I recognised that the measures created cases of hardship on which there is every desire to give redress to such grievances where they prove genuine.” The Allies were accordingly prepared to re-examine rejected applications by United States importers and also applications respecting categories of goods unobtainable except iroin Germany, presumably referring to optical precision equipment. Thirdly, the Allies promised to make efforts to maintain their purchases of I'niti-d States agricultural products “compatible, with the circumstances.” Nevertheless; the statement .emphasised.that there, were large, increases in United States exports to the All’es. and added that such exports were eonlinuj,|t£ to i!icrease.