HISTORY IN THE MAKING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20378, 5 October 1929, Page 11

HISTORY IN THE MAKING.

MaeDONALD AND HOOVER.

IMPORT OF THEIR MEETING.

ALL AMERICA INTERESTED.

Australian and N.Z. Press Association. (Received October 4, 6.5 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Oct. 3. The President of the United States, Mr. Hoover, and the Secretary of State, Mr. H. L. Stimsori, to-day sent messages of greetings by wireless to the British Prime Minister, Mr. Mac Donald, on board tho liner Berengana.

Mr. Hoover said: "As you draw near to the shores of the United States I send to you a most cordial welcome, not only in my own name but on behalf of my fellow-countrymen as well." Mr. Stimson said: "I send you my heartiest greetings on your approach to America. A sincere welcome and tho warmest hospitality await you." Mr. Mac Donald replied to tho greetings and expressed his hearty thanks for the messages. He said ho greatly valued the kind words of tho Presidont and Mr. Stimson and their welcome, which, he said, would be highly appreciated by his fellow-countrymen.

The Berongaria is duo at New York early to-morrow morning. Mr. Mac Donald will come to Washington before noon. Widespread Interest in America. On tho ovo of the arrival of the British Prime Minister there is throughout America a very keen recognition of the unusual significance of his visit. A university professor, addressing a meeting, said a profound revolution was being accomplished in the doctrines and the deeds which govern international affairs. A prominent official expresses the view that if there is a rapprochement between the United States and Britain, it will assure the world's peace. What need was there, he asked, for defensive economic barriers between the English-speak-ing countries ? The Foreign Policy Association, which is one ot the most prominent of the groups who are to entertain Mr. MacDonald, has issued a precis explaining the import of his mission. It observes that it does not mean an Anglo-American alliance, but a world alliance for peace. A noted journalist, in a published article, says: "To appreciate the dramatic import of this unprecedented meeting between the leading executives ot the two nations, one must grasp the fact that the two Commonwealths they represent hold a population of 640,000,000 —a vast part of the world's populace." Informal Exchange oi Opinions.

The people of America also are aware of the personalities of Messrs. Hoover and Mac Donald. In all directions stress is laid on the point that their conversations must markedly affect the well-being of vast numbeis of human beings. It is emphasised that they will meet like two unofficial friends trying to understand each other's difficulties.

It will be as though any "John Smith" and "Thomas Robinson" were sitting down to talk matters over in order to arrive at a better understanding of each other's point of view. Because it is to be an informal exchange of opinions, the possibilities of good from the meeting of thte two men are felt to bo especially great.

They are to meet without the accompaniment of Ambassadors, Secretaries of State or Ministerial adjutants. Theretore their meeting will prove of tremendous value.

The thought, moreover, that Messrs. Mac Donald and Hoover will retire to the President's fishing carnp in the Virginia Mountains, and there hold their conversations, has, because of its simplicity of atmosphere, captured the imagination of the people of America. STEP TO DISARMAMENT. WHAT DENMARK PLANS. REDUCTION OF HER FORCES. Australian and N.Z. Press Association. (Received October 4, 6.15 p.m.) COPENHAGEN*. Oct. 3. A decisive step in the direction of disarmament has been taken by the Socialist Government of Denmark. It has introduced a bill to reduce the army to .1600 men, to transform the navy into a coastguard service consisting of 32 patrol ships and 12 seaplanes and to abolish compulsory service. The respoctive yearly costs of the army and navy will be only £400,000 and £595,000 if the measure is passed.