INTERNATIONAL OUTLOOK

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21907, 7 October 1936, Page 14

INTERNATIONAL OUTLOOK

WEARS OP WAR I DISCOUNTER

CHRISTCHURCH MAN’S IMPRESSIONS

In spite of .a-rushto arms in Europe and opinion of those closely in touch with the situation that there was no immediate danger of war, possibly even during the next five or 10 years; said Mr Stewart Mair, of Fendalton, who returned to Christchurch yesterday, after a business visit to Britain and the United States.

Mr Mair mentioned to a representative of “The Press” that some authorities had advanced the interesting view that the next war, when it came, would find the nations lined on fascist versus communist grounds. The average American was puzzled about the international situation in Europe and frankly admitted that he could not understand it. Americans generally, of course, said Mr Mair, took a very detached view of international affairs, the majority favouring a continuance of the United States policy of isolation.

Outstanding Changes

“After an absence of five years, the outstanding changes in America apparent to a casual traveller are the huge advances made in railway travel, aircraft and passenger travel by ah:, dnd in air-conditioning,” proceeded Mr Mdir. “The latter process is very general on all trains in America, in big stores and theatres, and is now being installed in modern homes of even moderate size.” Mr Mair added that in America they were at present building a big fleet of commercial aeroplanes, each with, a carrying capacity of 42 passengers, equipped with sleeping berths, and scheduled to leave Los Angeles in the afternoon and arrive at New York the following morning, and vice versa.

Questioned about the American political situation, Mr Mair said that Roosevelt might have lost something of his earlier popularity, and the general opinion in the United States suggested that the result was now very open. However, indications appeared to favour the return of Roosevelt.

Business in England appeared to be very good, owing possibly to rearmament as much as to other causes. In America, business conditions had Improved considerably and should improve further after the coming Presidential election.