POSSIBLE TRADE PACT

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 150, 22 December 1938, Page 9

POSSIBLE TRADE PACT

AUSTRALIA AND U.S.A.

PROSPECTS IMPROVED

WASHINGTON, December 21,

Among the activities of a crowded day today, the most important engagement of the visiting Australian High Commissioner was a conference with President Roosevelt, and the Australian Associated Press is able to indicate the principal aspect of that conversation, which, in the words of the President, covered "all continents and every conceivable subject."

It is understood that both Mr. Bruce and President Roosevelt agreed that the most important aspect of a possible Australian-American treaty would not be mere items of trade but an mdi. cation to the world that British and American communities find their common interests sufficiently identical to conclude trade pacts.

It is understood that both Mr. Bruce and President Roosevelt felt that a treaty between A tralia and America would emphasise the significance of the Anglo-American agreement, namely that the British and American nations are prepared to make important concessions in the interests of the principle of the furtherance of world trade, Mr. Bruce had a further interview with Mr. Sayre, Assistant Secretary of State, at which it is understood that both men discussed the mutual difficulties of carrying out negotiations at the present time; but it is believed that they agreed that there was common ground on which negotiations might be begun at such time as the American Government found domestic conditions appropriate. It is believed that, till Mr. Hull, Secretary of State, returns from Lima and the entire question of policy concerning the negotiation of treaties with primary-producing countries such as Australia is settled, little can_ be expected concerning the negotiations between Australia and America. Yet there is a distinct feeling that ■ Mr. Bruce's conversations have measurably improved the prospects of an American agreement with Australia before the end of 1939.