U.S.-AUSTRALIAN TRADE

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22591, 22 December 1938, Page 9

U.S.-AUSTRALIAN TRADE

MR BRUCE'S VISIT TO WASHINGTON

RESULTS OF CONFERENCE WITH MR ROOSEVELT

(Received December 22, 1 a.m.) WASHINGTON, December 21. Among the activities of a crowded day the Australian Minister (Mr Bruce's) most important engagement wa& a conference with Mr Roosevelt. The Australian Associated Press is able to indicate the principal aspect of the conversation which, in the words of the President, covered "all continents and every conceivable subject." It is understood that both Mr Bruce and Mr Roosevelt agreed that the most important aspect of a possible Australian-Ameri-can treaty would not !>e mere items of trade, but the indication to the world that the British and American communities find their common interests sufficiently identical to conclude trade pacts.

It is understood that both Mr Bruce and Mr Roosevelt felt that an Australian-American treaty would emphasise the significance of the British-American agreement, namely, that the British and American nations are prepared to make important concessions in the interests of the principle of furtherance of world trade. Mr Bruce had a further interview with the Assistant Secretary of State (Mr F. B. Say re) at which, it is understood, both men discussed the mutual difficulties of carrying out negotiations at the present time. It is believed, however, that" they agreed that there was a common ground on which negotiations might be begun at such time as the United States Government found domestic conditions appropriate. It is believed that until the Secretary of State (Mr Cordell Hull) returns from Lima, and the entire question of policy regarding the negotiation of treaties with primarycountries, such as Australia, is settled, little can be expected from the Australian and Amei-ican negotiations. Yet there is a distinct feeling that Mr Bruce's conversations have measurably improved the prospects of an Austra-lian-American agreement befovo the end of 1939.'