MR EDEN BACK IN LONDON

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23915, 6 April 1943, Page 5

MR EDEN BACK IN LONDON

SUCCESS OF MISSION TO AMERICA STATEMENT IN COMMONS AWAITED (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 11 p.m.) LONDON, April 5. The Foreign Secretary (Mr R. A. Eden) arrived back in London this morning from his visit to the United States and Canada.

The special correspondent of the New Zealand Press Association says that all reports on Mr Eden’s visit say that it was most successful, and the statement he is expected to make in the House of Commons is awaited with interest. Mr Roosevelt has stated that the talks with Mr Eden and with other United Nations representatives produced “95 per cent, agreement.” Mr Eden’s visit to the United States was certainly timely, says the correspondent. It has been stated that the visit was for the purpose of finding the largest basis for agreement between British and American views on both war and peace. There was certainly room for this agreement. Differing points of view about Russia, French North Africa, imperialism, and civil aviation, have all been shown in recent months. It is therefore regarded as most satisfactory that Mr Eden should have left the United States amid general approval. It is believed that his talks will probably be followed by a visit to England by Mr Sumner Welles, United States Under-Secretary of State, 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. 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 here about her attitude and intentions. It was recently stated that various nations have two plans for peace—one to follow if America takes a full place in world affairs, and another if she withdraws into isolationism.

Judging by reports from America there is much speculation about Arnerican foreign policy. One Washington report said that the forces of reaction were again on the march in America, and that it was a queer paradox that while Britain was moving more and more towards liberalism in the truest sense, the United States seemed to be marking time, perhaps even edging back.' “It is not so much that there will be a reversion to the type of isolationism that prevailed before the last war. It will be a different sort of isolationism if ever it comes,” said this report. “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.” . . There are signs that while Britain desires American co-operation, she is firm in her opinions and intentions. Recent American comments on British imperialism undoubtedly evoked the firm statement by Mr Oliver Stanley, Secretary of State for the Colonies, that Britain intends to manage her own colonies. The American civil aviation agitation brought forth a Government statement on Britain’s civil aviation plans. Against this background. the fact that Mr Eden’s visit and talks should have been so successful is regarded as a happy augury for future British-American relations.