Rumania and Germany Reach Trade Deadlock

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 279, 25 November 1939, Page 8

Rumania and Germany Reach Trade Deadlock

(By Telegraph — Pr«*as Assn.—Cnrrrielit.) (Received 24, 12.45 p.m.) BUCHAREST, Nov. 2\

The Rumanian Government, headed by Dr. Argctoianu, resigned to-day after failing to reach agreement with the German trade mission concerning tha German-Ru-manian exchange rate. The Germans demanded that marks paid for Rumanian goods shipped to Germany should be credited at 60 lei instead of the prevailing rate of 41.5. They also demanded the use of Rumanian tankers for the shipment cf oil to the Reich by rail. The German mission left for Berlin last night after Rumania had refused to yield these points, although she agreed to grant some lesser trade concessions. The Nazi mission was negotiating, among other things, for the delivery by Rumania of 30,000 head of cattle and 30,000 pigs before March. It is understood that its demands also embraced the delivery of more raw materials and specified cereals and the allocation of forest areas for German use, in addition to the petroleum requirements. The first resignations in the Rumanian Cabinet were those of M. Bojoiv, Minister of Commerce, and M. Slavescu, Minister of Armaments. M. Bojoiv took a leading part in the negotiations, and it is believed that he resigned because of a difference of opinion with his colleagues about the negotiations. ,The former Premier of Rumania, Dr. Tatarescu, at present Ambassador to Paris, has formed a Government. '*

LONGER HOURS, LOWER WAGES IN GERMANY (Received 24, 2.45 p.m.) NEW YORK, Nov. 23. Mr Otto Tolischus, correspondent at Essen of the New York Times, in describing conditions in the Ruhr industries, stated that the standard eight-hour day has been extended to ten hours, : and, in some occupations, to 12 or 14 j hours. Simultaneously, production costs | have been lowered by substantial wage i cuts, although the Government has prej empted the majority of the savings, i Overtime, bonuses and paid vacations I have been abolished. This, combined with the general hardship, has not contributed to war enthusiasm, and, in realisation of this, some amelioration has been decreed. AMBASSADORS TO REPORT TO ROOSEVELT WASHINGTON, Nov. 22. Commencing early in December, President Roosevelt will hold a virtual Council of Ambassadors, Messrs Davies (Belgium), J. P. Kennedy (London), Drexel Biddle (Poland) and probably Mr W. C. Bullitt (France) returning in succession. The talks will extend over Christmas. The American Ambassador to London, Mr Kennedy, has been summoned to New York to report to his Government. He is leaving by Clipper in December, returning after Christmas, says a cable message from London. EFFORT TO SOLVE INDIAN DEADLOCK (Received 24, 11.45 a.m.) ALLAHABAD, Nov. 28. The Congress working committee passed a resolution to examine all methods in an endeavour to reach an settlement of the constitu- ( tional deadlock. BRITISH LABOUR URGES SECRET SESSION (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, Nov. 22. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr C. R. Attlee, following the statement made by the Secretary for War, Mr HoreBelisha, in the House of Commons, said: “I think the time has come when I should give notice that in the new session we shall ask for a secret session of the House at an early opportunity in order to discuss improving our organisation and output of supplies so that this House may make its proper contribution to that subject. “There are criticisms, and there may be apprehensions. They ought to be dispersed, and this House has its responsibility, which it cannot leave entirely to Ministers. We want to.be sure that we are doing our utmost for the more energetic prosecution of the war. We want to be sure everything possible is being done.” Sir Percy Harris (Opposition, Liberal) also attached importance to holding a secret session, not so much in order that the Government might give information, but that members might have an opportunity to speak their minds and furnish information which they heard in the course of their work.

SEARCH FOR OIL TO BE MADE IN AUSTRALIA (Received 24, 11.5 p.m.) CANBERRA, Nov. 23. A further announcement was made in the House of Representatives that the Federal Government had decided to facilitate the finding and development of oilfields in Australia. It was said that the, Government would have to fight the major oil companies. Attention would be concentrated on the south Gippsland area, where the prospects were most promising.