OVERSEAS DUES

Northern Advocate, 21 December 1932, Page 5

OVERSEAS DUES

NEW ZEALAND OFFER BRITISH REPLY PENDING LAUSANNE THE CRUX. ADHERENCE TO AGREEMENTS. '(United Press Association —By Electilc Telegraph.—Copyright.) LONDON, December 19. It is understood that the Government is despatching tomorrow its reply to New Zealand's offer to resume war 'debt payments.

The reply is expected to indicate deep appreciation of the magnificent spirit of the offer, especially in view of New Zealand's budgetary problems, but it is likely to suggest that the question remain in abeyance pending negotiations with America. The position is that Britain neither asked nor expected the dominions at present to resume payment. 'The position is precisely the same as was stated earlier this month when a Government spokesman announced that the dominions would npt have to resume payment to Britain as the result ot Britain paying America. It is apparently necessary to reiterate this statement, owing to cabled suggestions that Australia is contemplating a resumption of payments.

The crux of the situation is Lausanne, which some dominion opinion confuses with the Hoover moratorium, notably New Zealand’s offer. It was' agreed at Lausanne that the dominions would not be treated less generously than foreigners if the question of repayment arose. Britain is not desirous of disturbing the Lausanne agreements, owing to the repercussions in Europe, and hopes for the earliest discussions with America, ponding which the Lausanne agreements must continue. Indications at Whitehall are that the dominions are not to be called upon to resume debt payments to Britain while foreigners are exempt under the Lausanne agreements. None More Deserving.

The “Morning Post,” commenting on New Zealand’s honourable debt gesture, remarks that there is no war

debtor more deserving of relief and none readier to make every sacrifice rather than dishonour its bond.

“The Times” says it is an unselfisli offer from the Dominion, wjjich is gallantly struggling through the depression; ' The same,, attitude is taken, by the Australian Government, although it has abstained from a formal offer pending a review of the whole situation. The attitude of these dominions is welcome as another proof of their high courage and generous comradeship. AUSTRALIAN POSITION. DECISION DEFERRED. CANBERRA, December 20.

New Zealand’s offer to resume liability for war debt payments in no way involves Australia in immediate action.

The next Australian payment does not fall due until March I.

Official circles are of the .opinion that, owing to tlie uncertainty of the world position and the possibility of some future agreement between Britain and the United States, any decision upon the subject at present would be premature.