EUROPEAN PROBLEMS FROM BRITISH STANDPOINT

Grey River Argus, 20 May 1947, Page 3

EUROPEAN PROBLEMS FROM BRITISH STANDPOINT

LONDON, May IS. Mr. Harold MacMillan (Conservative) winding up for the Opposition in the debate on foreign affairs in the House of Commons, said the Foreign Secretary, Mr. Bevin, had their sympathy but it would be wrong to conceal their alarm at the deterioration in the European scene,

“It is impossible to resist the conclusion that Russia is consistently following a policy of procrastination,” he added. “All over Europe the massive struggle is beginning beneath Lhe outward forms of peace and diplomacy.”

Britain, he said, should ask France to join in a crusade to build a sense of unity among the.nations of Europe. The seeds of war lay in feebleness and insecurity, not in firmness. Mr. Bevin, replying, said he dicl not minimise the difficulties, and would not give up until the final break came. He had seen many 11hour settlements, but if he had eventually to say he could not reach a settlement the Government would have to review its policy. It had been a big handicap to have everything said, even in sub-committees, reported in H-a press. He did not want secrecy in negotiations, but the delegates could hardjjy th,ink without having it headlined. The blame lay largely on the United States press.

When Mr. Bevin made further reference to the Anglo-American zone fusion arrangements, Mr. Eden interrupted and said Mr. Bevin had given a different impression on the previous day. Mr. Eden said he had believed everything was now agreed. Mr. Bevin explained that they had worked out the administrative side for setting up zonal gaencies but they still had to establish a bizonal economic council, wheih would have the force of law. General Robertson was now discussing the matter with General Clay. Details had to be worked out land then referred to Washington. Britain would not attempt to an--pease Egypt at the expence of the Sudanese. He hoped France would not insist on claiming permanent enlargement of the Saar, which he was certain would delay a quick settlement. Britain would not return the Senussi to Italian rule.

Mr Morrison On “State of Flux”

LONDON, May 18. Mr. Herbert Morrison, Lord President of the Council, interviewed, said that until the Government could get more workers into the textile industry the people must resign themselves to clothes rationing continuing indefinitely. Mr. Morrison added (hat looking at the fuel situation, industrial production, manpower, balance of payments and the general attitude of the nation everything was in a state of flux. There had not so far been any bad drop in exports, but. the increase they should be getting in 1947 could not begin until the effects of the fuel shortage were overcome. The April export figures would be just over £82,500,000, compared with the average of £83,000,>OOO for the first quarter of 1947. They were trying, Mr. Morrison added, to run a much busier and more productive economy than before the war with more workers in jobs, but without enough fuel raw materials and food to support the effort. The position in regard to the balance of payments had turned out badly against Britain. Arising from the recent statement of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Dr. Dalton, that Britain’s sterling balance of debts must be scaled down, the Indian Government has sent a protest Note announcing opposition to any scaling down of India’s £1,200,000,000 balances. The Note added that any decision regarding the liquidation of balanc-et must be as the result of consultation between the two Governments. Any other policy would be detrimental to the good relations between India and Britain.