EFFORTS BY U.S.A.

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 149, 21 December 1945, Page 7

EFFORTS BY U.S.A.

REDUCTION OF DEMANDS

WASHINGTON, December 20. Britain has demanded between 1,000,000 and 1,500,000 tons of rice as reparations from Siam. This demand and Siam's role in the South-East Asia security system remain the only differences between the British and American Governments, says the "New York Times" correspondent The United States originally adopted the attitude that the demand for rice was an improper form of reparations, unprecedented in any negotiations with defeated countries in this war. The British, however, persisted, asserting that the Malayan and Burmese peoples were desperately short of rice and that Siam should make a "gift" in restitution for wrongs done. The United States is at present attempting to scale down the quantity demanded to, at the most. 800,000 tons. The British ; regard the BritishAmerican dispute over the security system as involving nothing but language, but the State Department considers the difference is one of substance also.

The United States- felt that the proposal as originally drafted would make Siam a virtual military protectorate of Britain, but the British have assured Washington that such was neither their intention nor desire.

The United States is still objecting to the British demands on Siam, and hopes that the British will, by the dictates of courtesy, sign no agreement with Siam Until current exchanges with the United States are concluded, said the Acting Secretary of State, Mr. Dean Acheson, at a Press conference. "

"We think we have a definite interest in this matter, arising partly from the fact that the United States played a role in the Pacific war which might modestly be described as prominent," he said. "This country is entitled to have its views patiently considered. Moreover, there is great sympathy in the United States with Siam's effort to develop into an independent democratic country. There have been several occasions when the British have appeared to, be near agreement with the Siamese. Each time-Washing-ton has reminded London of its hope that no final action would, be taken until British and American discussions were concluded. United States officials think and hope no final agreement has yet been signed, but the situation is not as clear as I could wish." He added that cable reception conditions had been bad.