AMERICAN VISIT

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 80, 5 April 1943, Page 3

AMERICAN VISIT

GREATER AGREEMENT

Mr. Eden's Report Eagerly Awaited In Britain

N.Z.E.F. Official War Correspondent Rec. 11.30 a.m. ' LONDON, April 4

While the battle for the Tunisian tip takes first place in the news in Britain, considerable interest is attached to Mr. Eden's visit to America and Canada. All reports state that he had a most successful trip and President Roosevelt declared that the talks with Mr. Eden and representatives of the other United Nations produced a 95 per cent agreement. Mr. Eden's visit to America was certainly timely. It is stated to have been to find the largest basis for agreement of British and American views on both war and peace. There is certainly room for this agreement. Differing viewpoints regarding Russia, French North Africa, Imperialism and civil aviation have all been showing themselves in recent months. It is therefore regarded-as most satisfactory that Mr. Eden should have left America amid general approval. It is considered that his talks will probably be followed by a visit to England by the United States Under-Secretary of State, Mr. Sumner Welles, and that Mr. . Eden's discussions may be regarded as the initiation of essential political consultation in order that both countries may be ready when peace arrives. Perplexity in Britain It is a platitude to say that Britain earnestly desires America's friendship and co-operation for winning the peace but, admittedly, there has been some perplexity about, her attitude and intentions. As was recently stated by various nations there are two plans for peace, one to follow if America takes her full place in world affairs and another if she withdraws to isolationism. Judging by reports from America there is much speculation about her foreign policy. One Washington report stated that the forces of reaction are again on the march in. America, and that by a queer paradox, while Britain is moving more and more towards liberalism in its truest sense, the United States seems to be marking time, perhaps even edging back. "It is not so much their will for a reversion to the type of isolationism that prevailed after the last war. It will be a different kind of isolationism if ever it comes. It will be a kind of American Imperialism with the United States running the show, the United States wanting to dominate, acquiring bases right and left, and building up a large standing army, navy and air force." Causes for Friction Signs are showing that while Britain desires American co-opera-tion, she is firm about her opinions and intentions. Recent American comments regarding British Imperialism undoubtedly evoked the firm statement by the Colonial Secretary, Mr. Oliver Stanley, that Britain intends to manage her own colonies. American civil aviation agitation brought forth a Government statement regarding Britain's civil aviation plans. Therefore, against this background, the fact that Mr. Eden's visit and talks should be so. successful is regarded as the happiest augury for the future of British and American relations. Interest will be taken in the statement he is expected to make in the House of Commons.