BRITAIN GRATEFUL.

Wairarapa Age, 21 December 1932, Page 5

BRITAIN GRATEFUL.

New Zealand’s War Debt Offer. SUGGESTION THAT IT REMAIN IN ABEYANCE. SUSPENSION UNDER LAUSANNE AGREEMENT. NOT HVOVE'K MORATORIUM. (Received Tuesday, 7 p.m.) LONDON, December 19. It is understood that the Government is to-morrow despatching a reply to New Zealand's offer to resume war debt payments, indicating deep appreciation of its magnificent spirit, especially in view of New Zealand’s Budget problem, but is likely to suggest that the question remain in abeyance pending negotiations with America. The position is that Britain has neither asked nor expected the Dominions at present to resume payments. The situation is precisely as cabled on November 30 and December 9, which apparently it is necessary to reiterate owing to cabled suggestions that Australia also is contemplating the resumption of payments. The crux of the situation is Lausanne whieh some Dominion opinion confuses with the Hoover moratorium, notably New Zealand’s offer. It was agreed at Lausanne that the Dominions would not be treated less generously than foreigners if the question of payment arose. Britain is not desirous of disturbing the Lausanne Agreement owing to the repercussions this would entail in Europe. She hopes for an early discussion with America, pending which the Lausanne Agreement must continue. The British Press expresses warm appreciation of thd New Zealand Government’s action. In the House of Commons the Dominions Secretary (Mr. J. H. Thomas) announced, amid cheers, the offer of the New Zealand Government to resume liability for war debt payments to Great Britain. He said that the British Government was most appreciative of the attitude of the New Zealand Government in view of its own difficulties and responsibilities, and had conveyed its appreciation. The matter was receiving the attention of the Government.

AUSTRALIA WAITING. UNTIL POSITION IS CLEARLY DEFINED. (Received Tuesday, 9 p.m.) CANBERRA, December 29. New Zealand’s offer to resume liability for war debt payments in no way involves Australia in immediate action. The next Australian payment will not fall due until March 31. Official circles express the opinion that owing to the uncertainty of the world position, and the possibility of some future arrangement between Britain and the United States, any decision upon the subject at present would be premature.