WAR DEBT REPAYMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20851, 18 April 1931, Page 11

WAR DEBT REPAYMENT.

POSTPONEMENT WELCOMED

RELIEF TO AUSTRALIA.

CONFIDENCE IN FUTURE. * By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. CANBERRA. April 17. When the Prime Minister, Mr. J. H. Scullin, made the announcement concerning tho postponement of the war debt owing to Britain, it was received with hearty applause from members of both sides of the House.

Mr. J. S. Latham, Leader of the Opposition, said the members of the House and Iho citizens of Australia would learn with very great interest and real relief of the statement mado by the Prime Minister. Mr. T. 11. Bavin said no more generous gesture had ever been mado. It furnished evidence of tho complete confidence which the British Government had in the ultimate sanity and honesty of the Australian people. "I feel certain.that this confidence will be justified," he added. Mr. J. T. Lang, who is at Adelaide, said the British Government's decision would greatly hearten tlioso who were working for the adoption by the Federal Government of his financial plan. Apparently tho British Government was now more alive to public opinion in Australia on tho question of war debts than were some of their own Governments.

The Premier of South Australia, Mr. J. J. Hill, said it was ludicrous for Mr. Lang to claim any credit for what the British Government had done. Credit was duo to Mr. Scullin, who iTafl entered into negotiations with the British Government when ho was in London recently.

OPINION IN LONDON.

CITY APPROVES CONCESSION. A SYMPATHETIC GESTURE. (Received April 17, 8.45 p.m.) » LONDON, April 10. The Morning Post's financial editor says the Government's concessions to Australia are approved in the city. He adds that it is not a great matter, having regard to the extent of Australia's obliga-tions,-but will be valued as a sympathetic gesture. The people of Australia must realise that Britain is confronted with a heavy Budget deficit and is bearing a greater burden of taxation than any other nation.