NO MISSION IN U.S.A.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 338, 20 January 1937, Page 5

NO MISSION IN U.S.A.

SAID MR. RUNCIMAN. WHY NIEMEYER? Speculation Rife On Purpose Of Visit To States. Press Association—Copyright. New York, January 18. The New York Times’ financial editor speculates on the real purpose of the visit of Mr Walter Runciman, president of the British Board of Trade, and Sir Otto Niemeyer, the banker,-and recalls the fact that Sir Otto has been active in dealing with South American debtors for England. “In view of the mutual desire of American and British bondholders to obtain equal treatment from South American countries, whose external loans are in default,” he says, “it is quite possible that discussions on those lines will take place.” He also considers it a possibility that Sir Otto Niemeyer will advise Mr Runciman on matters of trade agreements and policies. Mr Runciman denied that any official purpose was behind his visit or that it had any connection with the forthcoming arrival of Sir Otto Niemeyer.

Mr Runciman insisted that ho was in the United States for a holiday as a result of an invitation. He had no mission, he said. • Conversations with regard to a possible Anglo-Am-erican trade agreement were going on constantly, but ho did not expect a treaty would be agreed to as the result of his visit.