WAR DEBTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21977, 12 June 1933, Page 7

WAR DEBTS

DISCUSSED BY BRITISH CABINET DECISIONS THIS WEEK (British Official Wireless.) (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) RUGBY, June 9. Cabinet to-day discussed war debts. It is understood that the matter will remain under consideration until early next week, when decisions will be taken. PAYMENTS TO UNITED STATES NOT A CONFERENCE MATTER. LONDON, June 9. Mr Cordell Hull, head of the United States delegation, questioned by pressmen, refused to discuss war debts on the ground that they are not included in the agenda of the conference. THE NEXT INSTALMENT (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, June 10. (Received June 11, at 6.35 p.m.) It is understood that the American war debt question, which was considered at a Cabinet meeting yesterday afternoon, is still the subject of communications with Washington. It is presumed these will be continued over the weekend, and it is anticipated that a further meeting of Cabinet will be held on Monday or Tuesday morning. A statement with regard to the payment of the next Instalment of the debt will be made in the House of Commons on Tuesday. , PART-PAYMENTS EXPECTED FRANCE MAY DEFAULT.

WASHINGTON, June 11. (Received June 11, at 7.30 p.m.) While White House intimated to-night that no formal written proposal had been received from any foreign Government in regard to any war debt instalment, and that until such was received the President *could taken no action and indicate no opinion, it is reported to-night that a partial payment from Britain and Italy appeared likely. Conjectural accounts of Sir Ronald Lindsay’s visit to President Roosevelt on Thursday have it that a suggestion of a part payment not exceeding eight million dollars was advanced. The ambassador continued to confer with the State Department to-day, as also did the Italian Ambassador, who indicated that while a final decision still had to be reached a part payment was probable and that Signor Mussolini is expected to discuss war debts in an address on foreign affairs to-night. Reports from Paris indicate DECISION OF CABINET LONDON, June 10. (Received June 11, at 7.30 p.m.) Cabinet has agreed to send a communication to President Roosevelt through Sir Ronald Lindsay stating its views on the war debt. It is believed a conditional proposal is made which may involve a nominal or token payment pending settlement of the whole problem. There is good reason to believe that Mr MacDonald’s recent visit to Washington was attended with a strong prospect of President Roosevelt recommending a moratorium of the June payment, but it is obvious that President Roosevelt’s course of action since has been seriously affected by minor revolts in Congress. < The Daily Mail understands that Cabinet has decided to offer America a token payment of two million pounds, covering the June-December payments. It is hoped.to elicit a prompt indication of President Roosevelt’s intentions, that 'Prance would again default.