U.S.A. AFFAIRS

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 May 1945, Page 5

U.S.A. AFFAIRS

POST-WAR TRADE 0

NEW YORK, May 10.

The “New York Times’s” correspondent at Washington said: Some relaxation of the restriction on American businessmen travelling to Europe is reported. No immediate measures affecting foreign trade are expected. American businessmen can now go freely to Britain and France, which hitherto have been limited to travel in the national interest. This embargo still covers travel to Switzerland. The Acting-Secretary of State, Mr. Grew, said no tourists would be permitted to travel, but an effort was being made to re-unite families with permanent British homes. The families of businessmen would not be permitted to travel with them. No wives of servicemen were expected to get permission to join their husbands. The question of travel in occupeed areas is under consideration by the military authorities. The limiting of foreign travel is due to the need of shipping for Pacific war moves, and to the shortage of food in Europe. It is announced that the air lines are likely to be kept on the wartime basis for a long time, due to service needs.

TAXATION CUTS

NEW YORK, May 10. Senator George (chairman of the Senate Finance Committee), at a Press conference said: Congress muss, face the problem of post-war taxes immediately, and must provide toi substantial reductions, both in corporation taxes and individual income taxes to be effective in 1946. even on an assumption that war against Japan will last another year. Senator George added: “It wouid be very unfortunate for the country if we do not pull down our taxes by 1946 The world does not stand still. The wartime taxes cannot continue for a single moment when the war is over. The whole economy of the country will suffer if the taxes are not cut at the earliest possible “Herald-Tribune” says: Senator George’s statement sharply disagrees with Mr Vinson's view on taxes. ~ rti , n/Tv» The Secretary to the treasury, Mr Morgenthau, disclosed that the United States’ total expendture on World War II in Europe and against Japan to V Day amounted to 275,703 million dollars. World War I cost omy 25 729 million dollars to Novembei 30’ 1921.

GERMAN PRISONERS' SUPPLIES

NEW YORK, May 9. After Tuesday next the German prisoners in the United States will no longer be able to buy any beer or cigarettes, sweets or biscuits, from canteens. A U.S. Army spokesman said: “The new regulation is not punitive, but beer, cigarettes, sweets and biscuits are becoming scarce. It was only fair that the Germans’ supplies should be cut off firstly. The German prisoners have been deprived practically of all fresh meats, canned fruits and jams since February 4 last.” The Assistant Secretary of State, Mr. Grew, announced that the United States intends to take over the German Embassy and the German Consulates throughout the country. Il will hold in trust German property, archives, and documents, which at present are in the custody of the Swiss Legation, which has been acting for Germany since December, 1941. Mr. Grew pointed out that, since Germany has surrendered unconditionally, no further representation will be necessary in the United States.