MR NASH IN AMERICA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 August 1939, Page 6

MR NASH IN AMERICA

TRADE DISCUSSION IN WASHINGTON COMMENT ON EUROPEAN SITUATION. HOPES FATE WILL PREVENT WAR. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received This Day, 12.45 p.m.) WASHINGTON, August 8. The New Zealand Finance Minister (Mr. W. Nash) conferred with the Acting-Secretary to the Treasury, Mr. Hanes, resulting in rumours that he possibly discussed with the Security Exchange Commission the approval of New Zealand financing in New York. Mr. Nash, however, denied this. He declared that he discussed general business conditions in New Zealand and the United States, and common tax problems. Mr. Nash said he was conferring with Mr. Sumner Welles (AssistantSecretary of State) later, concerning a reciprocal trade treaty, "renewing the conversations I had here in 1937, when it was impossible to conclude a treaty until that between America and the United Kingdom was concluded.”

Mr. Nash added that he did not expect immediate results, but expressed the opinion that they would ultimately lead to a reciprocal treaty. Referring to the Pan-American Airways New Zealand air service, Mr. Nash said he would welcome its inauguration. It would bring New Zealand into closer friendly contact with the United States, while the way would be left clear for an extension of British air lines.

Referring to his European visit. Mr Nash said: “Nobody knows what will happen. I think there is an even chance of war. I certainly hope that Fate prevents it."