WASHINGTON TALKS

Grey River Argus, 6 May 1933, Page 5

WASHINGTON TALKS

MacDonald’s Report VERY EMPTY ONE. (British Official Wireless). RUGBY, May 4. Mr MacDonald, in his Commons’ statement upon the Washington dis cussions. said that on finding he, Mr Roosevelt and M. Herriot were in agreement in regard to calling an international economic conference, June 12 had been fixed for the meeting. He continued: “We discussed, In some detail, the subjects to be brought before the conference, in eluding the questions of tariffs, quotas. exchange control, and stability of international currency. A tariff truce during the sitting! of the eon ferenee was also considered. We both shared the view that our countries should enter the conference with ha mis completely untied. In view of the controversy legalising the suggested tariff truce. I felt it my duty to point out how different Is the position of a country like our own. from that of those which are already high tariff countries, with policies and economic defences already fully worked out and in operation. “I took the opportunity of putting before the. President a full account of the broad policy of disarmament, ami we reached common views, which have been reflected in the effective cooperation of British and American delegates at. Geneva. “Wo also discussed the question of duties, and frankly examined all as pccts of the problem bringing out. In cell defined detail all the differences viiiuh had to be reconciled, both in the final settlement and in the Immediate question. Whilst 1 welcomed the idea of a truce, I made it plain that its application would have to be subject to safeguards which these differences in our {positions required. This was consided reasonable. I can make no fuller statement on the. sub jeet at. present, as the matter has not yet reached the agreement stage. “For the visit as a whole I wish to convey no exaggerated impression, but I would say with confidence, that, mutual understanding between ourselves and the American Government has been materially improved. The Government’s warmest thanks are due to the President for his friendly hospitality and unreserved helpfulness throughout the deliberations.” The Washington conversations and the German questions will be debated on Tuesday. Mr MacDonald undertook to answer as far as possible any questions then put to him. He said the war debts would not be dis cussed at the conference. The Wash ington conversations had neen productive of any debt agreement. .Mr Lansbury (Labour leader) described it as extraordinary to meet a demand for fuller information by suggestions that members put questions Nobody inside or outside the House had the least Idea what proposals the Government intended to make at the world conference. The House had the right to know this be fore the conference opened. Mr MacDonald’s statement on his American visit is regarded as showing his mission was productive of good results through an improvement in the relations of the two eortatries, and a better understanding between the Governments.