DENIAL OF MISSION

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19227, 20 January 1937, Page 5

DENIAL OF MISSION

MR. WALTER RUNCIMAN VISIT TO AMERICA tKlec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) NEW YORK, Jan. 18. Mr. Walter Rmiciman, the president of the British Board of Trade, and Mrs. Kunciman arrived at Boston aboard the Caledonia and went directly to New York by train. Mr. Runciman denied that any official purpose was behind the visit or thatthere was any connection with the forthcoming arrival of Sir Otto Neimeyer. They were going to Washington and would visit White House at the invitation of President Roosevelt to spend the week-end. Mr. Runciman insisted that he was in America for a holiday as the result of the invitation. He had no 'mission, lie said. Conversations with regard to a possible Anglo-American trade agreement were going on constantly lmt lie did not anticipate a treaty as a result of his visit.

The financial editor of the New York Times speculates on the real purpose ol the visit of Mr. Runciman and .Sir Otto Niemeyer. He recalls the fact that Sir Otto has been active in dealing with South American debtors for England. In view of the mutual desire of the American and British bondholders to obtain equal treatment from South American countries whose external loans are in default, it is possible that discussions on those lines will take place. He also considers it a possibility that Sir Otto will advise Mr. Runciman on matters of trade agreements and policies.