The Grey River Argus. WEDNESDAY, June 14, 1933. THE ECONOMIC CONFERENCE.

Grey River Argus, 14 June 1933, Page 4

The Grey River Argus. WEDNESDAY, June 14, 1933. THE ECONOMIC CONFERENCE.

The World Economic Conference in London appears to have opened under happy auspices and so far a spirit of goodwill among delegates appears to have been the dominating note. It is the sincere wish of the world that that spirit will be evident throughout the whole of the conference’s deliberations. The agenda covers a wide scope of considerations and from their ramifications many difficult problems requiring careful consideration will be evolved. Already doubts have been expressed as to the actual progress which will be made owing to the point of view of the delegates of so many natiois necessarily being shaded by the political opinions of their country and rendering it impossible that all could possibly see eye to eye. Nevertheless the delegation is the greatest the world of modern times has ever known and it is the first recorded where delegates were so inter-dependent on each other in finding a solution of the problems confronting the world which have brought about a set of international conditions never previously known and which are to test the conference to the utmost in its endeavour to find a means of dissipating them at least in part if not altogether. Firstly, economic considerations must be dealt with and a definite policy formulated to substitute order for the economic chaos in which the whole world has become involved and which through policies of economic isolation prevents world conditions from making effective headway. Apparently recovery can only bo achieved through international co-operation. It does not follow that the spirit of selfishness and suspicion will be mastered, despite the devout hope that it may be, and it will be remembered that previous conferences however sincerely they commenced have failed because of the failure of the delegates to exercise a spirit of “give and take” and to repose trust in each other. The nations for the most part have travelled lonely paths choosing only those companions who would help them to their desired and oft time illusiory goals that it will not be easy to change their outlook even under the stress of present circumstances, to unite in attaining another that will assist to place the nations once more on firm ground assisting them as never before with bonds which will make for world peace and goodwill to all men. That pro-

gress must be made is imperative otherwise there will be the. admission is failure to escape from difficulties which are man made and can be solved by man again. The main issue is simple and clear and the nations have this chance of helping themselves and of putting into practice those ‘principles which have been referred to more than once within recent months by world statesmen. There is nothing ethereal or even idealistic in the suggestion that international co-operation should replace the old spirit of international rivalry for that it should do so is simple common sense. The deliberations of the conference, owing to its size will of necessity be slow for many of the problems are so involved that quick work on sweeping decisions will be against the dictates of. wisdom. It would appear that the question of the war debts is closely interwoven with any monetary policy to bo discussed and some basis of settlement would appear to be an indispensable preliminary to any general agreement on the financial question. The disarmament issue is another on which it lias been already hinted there will be discussions and differences, ideas regarding tvhat constitutes permissable standards for peace times varying according to the beligcrent instincts of each nation. The complex nature of many

other problems will probably create variance to greater or lesser degree and it may be that the outcome of the deliberations will be that nations will be divided into appropriate groups, finding common ground and similar outlooks on the problems being dealt with. If general principles tire enunciated and the conference concludes without reaching absolute finality it will have achieved something in justification of its creation even though the goal sought may prove beyond achievement. Whatever the outcome which will be awaited with patience by the world the conference will have brought the inter-dependence of the nations and the value of collaboration between them clearly to view and will have brought them face to face with the common interests which are those of all mankind.