WORLD ISSUES

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 94, 22 April 1933, Page 11

WORLD ISSUES

AMERICA'S POLICY

TARIFFS AND DEBTS

POSITION OF FRANCE

WELL-INFORMED OPINION

United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright. (Received April 22, 2 p.m.)' WASHINGTON, April 21. The position of the United States on most of the outstanding subjects to be taken up by Mr. Roosevelt and Mr. Mac Donald has been outlined in well-informed circles as follows: On the subject, of war debts thft Administration i 3 definitely committed against cancellation by the Democratic platform, but is not com* mitted against postponement or reduction, though such action would require Congressional approval. The Administration has drawn a distinction between nations which have met their payments, such as Britain, and those which did not, notably* France. It regards debts as only one factor in the 'world economic condition. Currency stabilisation internationally is regarded as fundamental to a revival of world trade. The United States is ready .to. join in efforts to establish, a revised international standard to which national currencies ,will be attached at new parities. Regarding tariffs, the Administration is willing to reduce tariffs on condition that other nations do likewise. It favours a, policy of tariff bargaining by mutually advantageous reciprocal agreements. Wheat agreements will be sought among the other leading wheat-pro- ' during nations, to cut production to fit world consumption and avoid the heavy surpluses which have beaten down the price. ■On the subject of'silver, the Administration is willing to discuss means of improving the price by international agreement, and would consider bi-metallism if all the nations adopt it. As to disarmament, heavy expenditures on armies, navies, and airß forces are regarded as a drag upon the world. in its efforts to. recover, economic equilibrium. Any reasonable movements for reducing armaments, or abolishing those designed particularly for aggression, will ba joined. . Regarding world peace, the Administration is committed by ths Democratic platform to new provisions for the Pact of Paris, to provide for consultation among the signatories in the event of the threat of a breach of its pledge against the use of force in settling international disputes. It is carefully watching public opinion on this point, however, before agreeing to such consultative plan which has been proposed by Mr. Mac Donald at tha Geneva Arms Conference.