WAR DEBTS AGAIN

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 42, 19 February 1931, Page 11

WAR DEBTS AGAIN

SYMPATHY IN LONDON

AVOIDANCE OF COMMENT

(Received 19th February, 11 a.m.) LONDON, 18th February. It is understood that the British Government is expecting a request for a reduction in war debt interest, and some mystification prevails because no" communication so far has been received. Moreover, thero is increasing reason to think that some concession might be granted, notwithstanding Mr. Snowden, who is perhaps, sympathetic rather than enthusiastic. He faces a Budget deficit of £40,000,000 to £50,----000,000. It is particularly felt that any application for the, suspension of payments, ho,wever temporary, would greatly embarrass tho British Government, but there is a genuine- desire by the Government, particularly by Mr. J. H. Thomas, to help Australia. Several more questions about debt application appear on the Order Paper. Some members are opposed to any reduction. Mr. Mander, who was prominent in questioning Mr. Thomas yesterday, says that Australia should pay. It is known that Mr. Thomas is taking action to prevent derogatory comment in the House of Commons, and it is significant that yesterday the Speaker intervened when such an attitude was expressed. There is the keenest interest in the Australian crisis in political, patricularly Government, quarters. Australia's most influential friends in politics here consider Mr. Lyons, the man who carried Australia on his shoulders, entitled to the fullest support.