WASHINGTON TALKS

Stratford Evening Post, Volume II, Issue 236, 6 May 1933, Page 3

WASHINGTON TALKS

International Conference MR. MacDONALD'S STATEMENT Debt Agreement Not Reached press Association.— -Copyright. London, May 4. In a statement in the House of Commons on the Washington talks Mr. Ramsay Mac-Donald said that war debts would not be discussed at the World Economic Conference. The conversations had not been productive of a debt, agreement. Mr. MacDonald said that on finding that, he, President Roosevelt and M. Herrlot were in agreement with regard to calling the International Economic Conference, June 12 had been fixed for the meeting. "We discussed in some detail the subjects to be brought before the conference, including the questions of tariffs, quotas, exchange, control and the stability of international currency," continued Mr. MacDonald. "A tariff truce during the sitting of the conference was also considered. V/c both shared the view that our countries should enter the conference with their hands completely untied. "In view of the controversy regarding the suggested tariff truce I feel it a duty to point out how different its the position of a country like our own from that of those which are already high tariff countries with policies and economic defences already fully worked out and in operation.

"I took the opportunity of putting before President Roosevelt a full account of the broad policy of disarmament, and we reached common views which have been reflected in the effective co-opera-tion of British and American delegates t Geneva.

"We also discussed the question of duties and frankly examined all aspects of the problem, bringing out in welldefined detail all the differences which had to be reconciled both in a final settlement and in the immediate handling of the question. Need for Safeguards "Whilst I welcomed the idea of a truce I made it plain that its application would have to be subject to safeguards which the differences in our positions required. This was considered reasonable, and I can make no further statement on this subject at present, as the matter has not yet reached the agreement stage. "As for the visit as a w' lie, 1 wish to convey no exaggerated impression, but I would say with confidence that mutual understanding between ourselves and the American Government has been materially improved. The Government's warmest thanks are due to President Roosevelt for friendly hospitality and unreserved helpfulness throughout the deliberations." Mr. MacDonald undertook to answer as far as possible any questions put to him when the Washington talks are debated on Tuesday.

Mr. George Lansbury, Labour leader, following Mr. MacDonald, described it as extraordinary to meet the demand for further information by suggestions that members put questions. Nobody inside or outside the House had the least idea what proposals the Government intended to make at the World Conference. The House had a right to know this before the conference opened. Washington, May 4. A strong element of uncertainty has been injected into the plans for international economic correctives as a result of several developments of the past day or two. It is unquestionable that to-day's debate in the British House of Commons expressing strong dissatisfaction with the American attitude on tariffs and debts and America's failure to meet its contract to pay interest in gold has created a very strong impression at Washington. The political correspondent of one leading news agency stated that the Administration is hoping London will act in accordance with the spirit of the Roosevelt-MacDonald communiques.