ANGLO-U.S.A. DIFFERENCES

Greymouth Evening Star, 5 April 1943, Page 6

ANGLO-U.S.A. DIFFERENCES

MR. EDEN’S MISSION

SUCCESS CLAIMED (N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent)

LONDON, April 4

While the battle for the Tunisian tip takes first place in the news in Britain, considerable interest is attached to Mr. Eden’s visit to America and Canada. Ail reports state that he was most successful, and Mr. Roosevelt declared his talks with Mr. Eden and representatives of other United Nations had produced a ninety-five per cent, agreement. Mr. Eden’s* visit to the United States was certainly timely. It has been stated the visit was for the purpose of finding the largest basis for agreement of British and American views on both war and peace. There is certainly room lor this agreement. Differing viewpoints regarding Russia. French North Africa, imperialism and civil aviation have all been showing i hemselves in recent months. It is iherofore regarded as most satisfaciory that Mr. Eden should have left the United States amid general approval. It is believed that his talks will probably be followed by a visit to England by Mr. Sumner Welles, and that Mr. Eden’s discussions may be regarded as the initiation of the essential political consultation, in order that both countries may be ready when peace arrives. It is a platitude to say that Britain earnestly desires America’s friendship and co-operation for winning the peace, but. admittedly, there has been some perplexity here about her attitude and intentions. As was recently stated, the various nations have two plans for peace: One to follow, if America takes full place in world affairs, and another if she withdraws into isolationism.

Judging by reports from America, there is much speculation over her foreign policy. One Washington report stated that the forces of reaction were again on the march in America, and the queer paradox that while Britain is moving more and more towards Liberalism in the truest sense, the United States seems to be marking time, perhaps even edging back. “It is not so much that there will be a revision to the type of isolationism .that prevailed' before the last war, it will be a different sort of isolationism 'if ever it comes. A kind of American limperialism, with the United States running the show, and the United States wanting to dominate, acquiring bases right and left, building up a parge standing army, navy and air force.” There are signs showing that while Britain desires American co-opera-tion, she is firm in her opinions and intentions. Recent American comments regarding British imperialism undoubtedly evoked Mr. Stanley’s firm statement that Britain intends to manage her own colonies. The American civil aviation agitation brought forth a Government statement regarding Britain’s civil'aviation plans. Therefore against this background the fact that Mr. Eden’s visit and talks should be so successful is regarded as the happiest augury for future Bri-tish-American relations. Interest is being taken in the statement he is expected to make to the Commons.