OFFER BY BRITAIN

Southland Times, Issue 22042, 15 June 1933, Page 7

OFFER BY BRITAIN

PARTIAL PAYMENT AMERICA MAY ACCEPT A SURPRISE PROMISED (United Press Assn. —Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 8.5 p.m.) Washington, June 13 Mr Roosevelt will reply on Wednesday to the British offer of partial payment of war debts with a message that is expected to spring a surprise among the company of nations. There is a basis for the conviction here that the injection of war debts into the economic parley has brought about a situation which calls for an American answer. It is indicated in high quarters that the surprise will be contained in either the message or in an accompanying document. It is the intention of Mr Roosevelt to receive Britain’s preferred payment pending accomplishments by the conference on the stabilization of currencies and the lowering of world tariff walls. Carefully distinguishing between receiving and accepting Great Britain s preferred offer of partial payment, Mr Roosevelt is expected to take the sum offered with the distinct understanding that such action will not invalidate America’s claim to the unpaid remainder, according to authoritative word to-night as the President prepared to reply to the formal British Note received at the State DepartmAdministration circles to-night did not reflect the optimism of London Press reports that the British . offer of partial payment as indicated in the Note delivered at White House would immediately be acceptable. There is some feeling that the question is nevertheless rapidly approaching a condition of a mutually acceptable settlement. Political considerations, meanwhile, are obviously dictating Mr Roosevelt's cautious direction of the matter. TOKEN PAYMENT LONDON PRESS COMMENT. (United Press Assn. —Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) London, June 14. The Times in an editorial says: It Mr Roosevelt accepts token payment it will be an act of courageous statesmanship, strengthening his prestige as leader. His aid will enable the whole question of war debts to be settled. It would be an outrage on justice if we were compelled for half a century to find enormous tribute for America while Germany went free. The arrangement must be such as does not require Britain to pay without receivlnTheS News-Chronicle describes token payment as an excellent bargain in buying time. ________