LESS SERIOUS FOR AUSTRALIA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 29 August 1945, Page 5

LESS SERIOUS FOR AUSTRALIA

U.S. DECISION DISCUSSED BY CABINET Canberra, Aug. 28 After a mot.on in Cabinet on which no decision was reached, the Prime Minister, Mr Chifley. and the Minister of Trade and Customs Senator Keane, conferred about the American decision to end lend-lease. Cancellation of lend-lease is officially as serious, but not a major tragedy for Australia, as financially Austi'alia has been giving more than she has been receiving. Australia will suffer to some extent from cancellation because she will lose access ‘o certain raw materials needed for the reconstruction programme, but it is emphasised that it would not represent for Australia the blow that it was to Britain. The "Daily Telegraph’s’’ political correspondent says Australia will not incur debts to America in efforts to replace lend-lease The Government will follow the lead given by Britain and refuse to enter into any contract incurring heavier overseas debt outside the sterling bloc. MR CHIFLEY SURPRISED Canberra. This Day The decision of the United States Government to terminate lend-lease had come as a surprise to him. said the Prime Minister, Mr Chifley He hoped the United States Government might modify its decision. Mr Chifley’s statement was made after the Full Cabinet had considered cabled advice from both London and Washington.