COMMON INTERESTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 22 December 1938, Page 7

COMMON INTERESTS

BRITISH AND AMERICAN COMMUNITIES MR S. M. BRUCE AT WASHINGTON A CROWDED DAY 'U.I* A —by Electric Telegraph—Cop.vnchtl (Received 22nd December, 9.30 am.) WASHINGTON, 21st December. Among the activities of a crowded day to-day, the visiting Australian High Commissioner’s most important engagement was a conference with President , Roosevelt and the Australian Associated Press is able to idicate the principal aspect of that conversation, which in the words of the President, covered “all continents and every conceivable subject.” It is understood that both Mr S. M. B ’uce and President Roosevelt agreed that the most important aspect of a possible Australian-American treaty would not be mere items of trade but the indication to the world that British and American communities find their common interests sufficiently identical to conclude trade pacts.

It is believed that both Mr Bruce and f resident Roosevelt felt that a treaty between Australia and America would emphasise the significance of the Anglo-American agreement, namely that the British and American nations are prepared to make important concessions in the interests of the principle of the furtherance of world trade.

Mr Bruco had a further interview with Mr Sayre, Assistant Secretary of State, at which it is understood that both men discussed the mutual difficulties of carrying out negotiations at the present time; but it is believed that they agreed that there was common ground on which negotiations might be begun at such time as the American Government found domestic conditions appropriate.

It is believed that, till Mr Hull. Secretary of State, returns from Lima and the entire question of policy concerning the negotiation of treaties with primary producing countries such as Australia is settled, little can be expected concerning the AustralianAmerican negotiations. Yet there is a distinct feeling that Mr Bruce’s conversations have measurably improved the prospects of an American agreement with Australia before the end of 1939.