WAR DEBTS

Wairarapa Daily Times, 17 December 1932, Page 5

WAR DEBTS

LIKELY REVIEW 81-PARTISAN COMMISSION. Press Association Electric Telegraph—CopjTigln NEW YORK, Friday. The “New York Times ” Washington corresondent says there are indications to-day that President Hoover will soon consult the President-elect, Mr Roosevelt, regarding “an appropriate agency” for the review of war debts, in anticipation of such a request from Britain in response to a suggestion in Air Hoover’s last Note. It i 9 believed that Air Hoover favours a bi-partisan commission, consisting of Congressmen and diplomats.

Although it would be primarily formed to consider Britain’s case, it is assumed that it. would be extended to cover other nations in connection with which difficulty has arisen. Leading Democrats who would be sure to figure in any such commission indicated that they believed Air Roosevelt would not consent to such dealings with France and other defaulters. They would not servo ia such a capacity even if he requested them to. On the. other hand, they declined comment definitely in the easo of Britain and other payers, but indicated considerable sympathy in her.favour. It is noted that historical cases where foreign affairs were negotiated with Congressional representation were usually successful, while failures occurred without this a-e----puesontutdon, notably President Wilson’s negotiation of tho Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations Covenant, which the Senate, without representation. on the negotiating body, rejected. Tho “Times” correspondent outlines the steps expected to develop as follows:' —Firstly, receipt, of a. Note from Britain offering' tho idea of a commission which will be acceptable to Congress, Air Roosevelt and Air Hoover, it being noted that the first two have already registered opposition to the recreation of the Debt Funding Commission; secondly, Air Hoover will communicate with Air Roosevelt, outlining a, diplomatic and Congressional commission authorised to hear separately in Washington tho case for revision of those debtors who paid to-day; Hardly, if Air Roosevelt approves of the idea,. Air Hoover will despatch a message to Congress outlining the facts and giving the names of the commissioners!, who will then proceed to have as early a meeting with Britain as that country desires; fourthly, should Mr Roosevelt decline co-operation, Air Hoover’s message will merely outline the facts and leave the entire matter to Air Roosevelt’s forthcoming administration.