WORLD PROBLEMS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 105, 6 May 1933, Page 7

WORLD PROBLEMS

WASHINGTON PARLEYS MACDONALD’S STATEMENT MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING I British OScial Wirel«*». ] RUGBY, May 4. Mr. MacDonald in the House of Commons, in his statement upon the Washington discussions, said that on finding that he and President Boose velt and M. Herriot were in agree ment with regard to caning the -international Economic Conference, June 12 had been fixed for the meeting. He continued: “We (•iscussed in some detail the subjects to be brought before the Conference, including ques tions of tariffs, quotas, exchange con trol. and stability of international cur rcncy. A tariff truce during the sit ting of the Conference was also con sidered. We 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. 1 felt it my duty to point out how different is the position of a country like our own from that of those which are already high tariff countries, with poli cies and economic defences already fully worked out and in operation. took the opportunity of putting before the President a full account of a broad policy of disarmament, and we reached common views which have been reflected in the effective co-oper-ation between th British and Amri can delegates at Geneva“We also discussed the question of duties and frankly examined all aspects of the problem, bringing out in well-defined detail all differences which had to be reconciled both in the final settlement and in the immediate handling of the question. Whilst I welcomed the idea of a truce, I made it plain that its application would have to be the subject of safeguards, which these differences in our positions required. This was considered reason able. I can make no fuller statement on this subject at present as the matter has not yet reached the agreement stage. “As for my visit as a whole, 1 wish to convey no exaggerated impres sion, but I would say with confidence that the mutual understanding between ourselves and the American Government has been materially improved. The Government’s warmest thanks are due to the President for hi.* friendly hospitality and unreserved helpfulness throughout the deliberations.”

The Washington conversations and German questions will be debated on

Tuesday. Mr. MacDonald undertook to answer as far as possible any questions then put to him.