Fear of American Aloofness

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7191, 24 June 1933, Page 7

Fear of American Aloofness

Did Mr MacDonald Understand ? >—- - . Proceedings Behind Closed Doors United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, June 22. The Sun representative says that there is a widespread feeling that Mr. MacDonald must have sadly misunderstood President Roosevelt when he was in Washington, for lie reported that the President was most anxious to assist in overcoming the depression by united action, whereas it now seems he is bent upon a policy of isolation, and determined to try the panaceas of a huge public works programme, plus the cheapening of money. If the rest of the world is ready to adjust its plans to his internal policy, well and good.' If not, they may all have to go forward without America.

Mr. MacDonald, on Hie other hand, maintains profound confidence, declaring that the delegates arc just commencing to take off their coats, but, fearing American aloofness, several delegates have already slipped away. Baron von Neurath frankly said that lie would not return unless a more definite policy emerged from the discussions. M. Litvinoff has been conspicuously absent from the debates, but has haunted the lobbies, and approached the American delegation, requesting recognition of the Soviet by the American Republic. Mr. MacDonald summoned the Dominions’ principal delegates and leading British delegates to a conference at his private house. Practically the entire Conference proceedings arc now behind closed doors, which Mr. MacDonald believes to be the only method of progressing.

It is understood that the Empire delegates considered the American stabilisation and economic statements. The latter statement brings Ottawa from the realm of gossip into formal conference by the Economic Sub-committee having to discuss Ottawa and similar agreements.

Britain and the Dominions are unlikely to budge an inch regarding the Ottawa Agreements