EUROPE’S EYES ON PRESIDENT

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19523, 24 June 1933, Page 17

EUROPE’S EYES ON PRESIDENT

MANY ATTEND LONDON CONFERENCE

DID MR MACDONALD FAIL AT WASHINGTON? United Press Association—By Electric Teiegrap' —Copyright LONDON, June 22. One of the most surprising of all remarkable rumours in the lobbies tonight was that President Roosevelt himself intended to come to the Conference.

This had hardly finished reverberating among delegates and pressmen when an inevitable official American disclaimer was issued.

A good many delegates frankly declared to-day that nobody could be expected to take the latest American resolution seriously in view of the United States’ excessively nationalistic economic policies. Nevertheless, Mr Hull issued a statement to-night stating that the resolution reflected the views of the Government delegation. “Its purpose is to seek the judgment of the various delegations on the fundamental issues in order that the world may be set facing and thinking in the right direction, in search of a solution of the ills attributed to economic nationalism.”

DID MR MACDONALD BLUNDER? BELATED CRITICISM OF VISIT TO UNITED STATES. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, June 22. A “Sun" Service message says that there is a widespread feeling that Mr Macdonald must have sadly misunderstood the President when in Washington, for he reported that Mr Roosevelt was most anxious to assist to overcome the depression by united action, whereas it now seems that he is bent upon a policy of isolation and is determined to try a panacea of a huge public works programme, plus the cheapening of money. If the rest of the world is ready to adjust their plans to his internal policy, well and good, but if not they may have to go forward without America. Mr Macdonald, on the other hand, maintains profound confidence, declaring that the delegates are Just commencing to take off their coats, but fearing American aloofness, several delegates have already slipped away. Is Conference Drifting? Baron von Neurath frankly said he will not return unless a more definite policy emerges from the discussions. M. Litvinoff was conspicuously absent from the debates. He has haunted the lobbies, and approached the American delegation requesting recognition of the Soviet by the Republic. Affecting the Empire. Mr Macdonald has summoned the Dominions’ principal delegates and leading British delegates to a conference at his private house. It is understood that the Empire delegates considered the American stabilisation and economic statements. The latter brings Ottawa from the realm of gossip into the formal Conference by the Economic Subcommittee having to discuss the Ottawa and similar agreements. Britain and the Dominions are unlikely to budge an inch regarding the Ottawa agreements. Behind Closed Doors. Practically the entire Conference is proceeding now behind closed doors, which Mr Macdonald believes is the only method of progressing.