COMMON INTERESTS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 December 1938, Page 7

COMMON INTERESTS

BRITISH NATIONS & UNITED STATES MR BRUCE SEES PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT. DISCUSSION OF WIDE RANGE. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. WASHINGTON, December 21. Among the activities of a crowded day today, the visiting Australian High Commissioner’s most important engagement was a conference with President Roosevelt and the Australian Associated Press is able to indicate the principal aspect of that conversation, which, in the words of the President, covered “all continents and every conceivable subject.” It is understood that both Mr Bruce and President Roosevelt agreed that the most important aspect of a possible Australian-American treaty would not be mere items of trade but the indication to the world that British and American communities find their common interests sufficiently identical to conclude trade pacts. It is understood that both Mr Bruce and President Roosevelt felt that a treaty between Australia and America would emphasise the significance of the Anglo-American agreement, namely that the British and American nations are prepared to make important concessions in the interests of the principle of the furtherance of world trade. Mr Bruce had a further interview with Mr Sayre, Assistant Secretary of State, at which it is understood that both men discussed the mutual difficulties of carrying out negotiations at the present time; but it is believed that they agreed that there was common ground on which negotiations might be begun at such time as the American Government found domestic conditions appropriate. It is believed that, till Mr Hull. Secretary of State’, returns from Lima and the entire question of policy concerning the negotiation of treaties with primary producing countries such as Australia is settled, little can be expected concerning the Australian-Ame-rican negotiations. Yet there is a distinct feeling that Mr Bruce’s conversations have measurably improved the prospects of an American agreement with Australia before the end of 1939 RADIO TELEPHONE WASH INGTGN-CAN BERRA SERVICE. INAUGURATED YESTERDAY. CANBERRA, December 21. The Minister of External Affairs, Mr W. M. Hughes, today inaugurated the first direct radio-telephone service between Australia and the United States of America. Mr Hughes spoke with Mr F. B. Sayre, Assistant Secretary of State, in Washington and with the Australian High Commissioner in London, Mr Bruce, who is at present visiting America. Sir Harry Brown, Australian Director of Postal Services, conversed with Mr F. McNigh, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission in Washington, and editors of vaiious American newspapers. He also conducted conversations discussing the weather and the Christmas festivities.