WAR DEBTS

Evening Star, Issue 21316, 21 January 1933, Page 13

WAR DEBTS

POSITION IN AMERICA THE HOOVER-MOSEVELT MEETING Press Association-By Telegraph-Copyright. WASHINGTON, January 19. There are strong indications that the British requests for an immediate discussion of war debts and the proposed ■World Economic, Conference will be taken up at Friday’s meeting here between' Mr Hoover and Mr Roosevelt. There was a fairly distinct intimation from those who are close to Mr Roosevelt, however, that he will not look •favourably upon any linking of war. debts and the economic parley. A FEELING OF OPTIMISM WASHINGTON, January 19. Mr Roosevelt arrived in the capital this afternoon preparatory to the conference with Mr Hoover to-morrow. He immediately received Mr Stimson, and they remained in private discussion for over an hour, following which both declined to comment more than admit that they discussed foreign affairs. However, usually well-informed circles believe that tentative plans for the cooperative reopening of debt negotiations were consummated. These provide that within a month' a delegation of British envoys would be received, first by the State Department and then by Mr Roosevelt. Thus the interim between the change of administrations would be bridged. 1 Considerable optimism is felt because Mr Roosevelt initiated the move, for negotiations. Furthermore, Mr Stimson is acting in accord with Mr Hoover. Tangible results will follow the White House conference, but it is said that there is still a difference of opinion between them in regard to when the Economic Conference should be called and other details. WHITE HOUSE STATEMENT (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, January 20. (Received January 21, at noon.) A communique issued at White House, Washington, this afternoon states that the conference between President, Hoover and Mr Roosevelt was devoted to a canvass of the foreign situation. The following statement was agreed upon; 1 ‘ The British Government has asked for a discussion on its debt. The incoming administration will be glad to receive its representatives early in March for this purpose. It is necessary to discuss at the same time world economic problems in which United States-hnd Britain are mutually interested; ' therefore . representatives should also be sent to discuss ways and means of, improving the world situation. It is settled : that these arrangements shall be taken up by the Secre-. tary of State with the British ment.”NEGOTIATIONS WITH BRITAIN TO BE COMMENCED IMMEDI- , . ; ATELY. : . WASHINGTON, January,.2o. (Received January 21, • at 10 a.m.) The discussions are to take place early in March after the change in administration. - In a statement issued from' White House ■ following the hour and a-half- meeting, it was. said that official talks with Britain would include also economic problems of the world and “ways and means for improving the world situation.” The Secretary of State (Mr Stimson) was instructed to initiate negotiations with Britain immediately and arrange for a conference. • „ Friday’s conference was attended by Secretaries Stimson and Mills and Messrs Norman Davis and Moley. . WAR DEBTS TO BE DISCUSSED WASHINGTON,, January 20. • (Received January 21, at 10 a.m.) . Mr Roosevelt and President Hoover agreed to -discuss war debs with Britain.