WILLING TO HELP.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 19 February 1931, Page 5

WILLING TO HELP.

BRITISH GOVERNMENTS - ATTITUDE TO AUSTRALIA. QUESTION OP REDUCING WAR DEBT INTEREST, (/By Telegraph-Press Assn.—Copyright.) (eceived This Day, LONDON, Feb. 18. It is understood that the British Government is expecting a request from Australia for a reduction of the War Debt interest, and some mystification prevails because no communication has so far been received. Moreover, there is increasing reason to think that some concession might be granted notwithstanding Mr Philip Snowden (Chancellor), who is perhaps sympathetic rather -than enthusiastic, because he faces a Budget deficit of from 40 to 50 millions It is particularly felt that any ’application for a suspension of payments, however temporary, would greatly embarrass the British Government; but there is a genuine desire by the -Government, particularly in the case of Mr J. H. Thomas- (Secretary for the Dominions) to help Australia. Several more questions about the -debt application appear on the order paper of the House of Commons. Some members are opposed to any reduction. Mr G. Mander (Lib., Wolverhampton E.), who prominently questioned Mr Thomas yesterday, says that Australia should pay. . It is known that Mr Thomas is tak ing action to prevent derogatory comment, and it is significant that in the House of Commons yesterday the Speaker intervened when such attitude was expressed* The keenest interest is being taken in the Australian political crisis, particularly in Government quarters. Australia’s most influential friends in polltics here consider that Mr Lyons, the man who carried Australia on his shoulders,” is entitled to the fullest .support. OVERTURES TO THEODORE. 3IAY NOT SPEAK IN SUPPORT OF LANG POLICY. EXPULSION FROM PARTY SUGGESTED. /Received This Day, 10.45 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. The State executive of the Australian Labour Party decided to instruct Mr Theodore to speak in the East Col*ong campaign, in support of Mr Lang s financial policy. It is not expected that ho will comply, and a motion for his expulsion from the party may result.