Clearer Conception Now Of The Force Of Western Union

Wanganui Chronicle, 15 October 1948, Page 5

Clearer Conception Now Of The Force Of Western Union

LONDON, Oct. 14 (Rec. 6pm).—Britain will be able to pursue the Western Union with a far clearer idea of Commonwealth reactions following yesterdays meetings of the Empire Prime Ministers, says the “Daily Mail.”

They agreed on the vital importance of Western European recovery to the Commonwealth and the world. This phase of the talks on world economics was of outstanding importance in view of Commonwealth anxieties about the effect of closer cooperation in Europe. “The Times” says it was accepted throughout yesterday's talks that the objective must still be the earliest possible return to multilateral world trade, although it is recognised that this was not an immediate prospect.

The Commonwealth Prime Ministers, at yesterday’s conference, were told that arrangements were being made between Britain and the United States which would ensure that the Dominions’ hard currency requirements would be financed by the United States until the middle of 1949. This did not imply that there would be an improvement in the present availability of hard currency, but assured that the demands on approximately the present level would be met.

The discussions showed that the Dominions approved the general principles of Western Union, althougn India, Pakistan and Ceylon pointed out that Britain should not concentrate exclusively on Europe, but should bear in mind the important

contribution to general world recovery which must be made by underdeveloped Asiatic areas. I The “Daily Telegraph’s” political correspondent says the Prime Ministers attach great importance tQ the i discussions they are to hold cn Monday on improved machinery for Emjpire consultation, because such machinery’ is likely to prove the most fruitful method for increasing trade ' between Commonwealth countries. I! ,is not likely at this stage any cut and pried plan will be put forward, but it is apparent that the atmosphere for re-examining the question is propitious.