NEW ZEALAND'S OFFER

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 149, 21 December 1932, Page 9

NEW ZEALAND'S OFFER

TO MEET DEBT TO BRITAIN

WARM APPRECIATION

LONDON, 19th December. • It is understood that the Government will to-morrow dispatch a reply to New Zealand's offer to resume liability for war debt payments, indicating deep appreciation of the magnificent spirit shown, especially in view of New Zealand's Budget-problem, but the reply is likely to suggest that the question remain in abeyance pending negotiations with America. The position is' that Britain has neither asked nor expected the Dominions at present to resume their payments. The situation is precisely' as cabled recently, and which it is apparently necessary to reiterate owing- to cabled suggestions that Australia also is contemplating a resumption of payments. : '~ The crux of the situation is tho Lausanne agreement, which some Dominion opinion confuses with the Hoover moratorium, notably New Zealand's offer. It was agreed at Lausanne that the Dominions would not be treated less generously than foreigners if the question of payment arose. • . ' Britain is not desirous of "disturbing the Lausanne agreement, owing to repercussions in .Europe. She hopes for an early discussion with America, pending which the Lausanne agreement must continue. - "The Times" says: "It is an unselfish offer from a Dominion gallantly struggling through depression. ,The same attitude is taken by Australia, although they abstain from making a formal offer pending review of the whole situation. The attitude of these Dominions is welcomed as another pr.oof of their high conrage and generous comradeship." • T