LEVEL OF GERMAN INDUSTRY

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25243, 23 July 1947, Page 7

LEVEL OF GERMAN INDUSTRY

Agreement Thought Nearer FRENCH VIEWS HEARD (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 8.30 pjn.) WASHINGTON, July 21. The French Ambassador to the United States (Mr Henri Bonnet), after a long conference with the United States Secretary of State (General G. C. Marshall) to-day, declared himself optimistic about the possibility of agreement between the United States. Britain, and France on the problem of German industry. "There are so many reasons for an understanding between the United States, Britain, and France, and so many reasons for solidarity that a satisfactory agreement will be reached,” he said. “I am optimistic about such a possibility.” Informed quarters believe that the meeting has at least decreased the chances of a major split developing among the Western Powers on the reconstruction programme. The United States Secretary of Commerce (Mr Averell Harriman), who is just back from Europe, attempted to-day to allay French fears and refute Communist allegations when he declared: “There is no intention of giving Germany priority in the Marshall plan.” In reply to questions about French objections to the British and American plans for an increased level of industry in Germany. Mr Harriman said: “The Ruhr is a European asset, not only a German asset.”