AMERICA'S POLICY

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 30, 6 February 1933, Page 7

AMERICA'S POLICY

WORLD AND WAR DEBTS

ROOSEVELT'S RETICENCE

HINT TO CHAMBERLAIN

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. NEW YORK, 3rd February. The Washington correspondent of the "New York ;Times" states that some of Mr. F. D. Roosevelt's Democratic confidants here declared to-night that on the basis of private information received during the past week from Warm Springs, the British Ambassador, Sir Ronald Lindsay, is likely to tell the British Cabinet that Mr. Roosevelt is of opinion that Mr. Neville Chamberlain's speeches are intended for "home consumption," and are prompted by political necessity, but he is inclined to believe that silence is more desirable at present in view of the reaction in this country. According to further reports, and these are usually well-informed sources, Mr. Rocsevelt indicated that he may proceed as follows:— ; Soon after 4th March, when the British representatives arrive, Mr. Roosevelt himself expects to hear the British request for a re-survey of Britain's debt settlement in the light "of her capacity to pay. He will then confer with his advisers to decide whether or not to agree to review the position. The general impression here is the request will be granted. Then will follow definite statistical British arguments as to why, in the present economic circumstances, she cannot continue to pay the instalments at the rate fixed in the original refunding contract. America's case will have meanwhile been prepared, and the new Congress sentiment tested. Then Mr. Koosevelt will Jbe prepared to-make a reply to the British request, which is expected to be specific. While these conversations are' proceeding, it is understood that Mr. Roosevelt hopes that related economic subjects, looking to trade and tariff concessions in exchange for possible debt reduction will have been under actionable discussion by the agents of both nations. .