BRITAIN AND U.S.A.

Western Star, 17 August 1917, Page 4

BRITAIN AND U.S.A.

CLOSEST PRIENDS SINCE SEPARATION.

PAR-REACHING AGREEMENT.

LONDON, May 20. Reuter’s correspondent at Washington gives the following terms of an authoritative statement issued on the occasion of the departure for England of the British mission to the United, States:—

“After conferences winch touched every phase of the life of America and the Allies, and which are ejected vitally to affeot the future of the world, the considerable sympathy horn of personal contact between the British and American officials cannot be measured in words. Uncertainty has* been removed., and efficient cooperation made possible, by an exact definition of the resources and needs of the United States and the Allies. “The former now knows the Allies’ needs in detail, while the Allies not only know America’s resources, but the degree of their availability. Therefore much has been finally agreed upon which cannot become effective without legislation. Tlie • great benefit of the mission’s visit, however, has been the decisive advice of men who have actually been in the fire of war, and who made desirable policies obvious by merely relating their experience's - . Fuller Understanding. “The United States has undoubtedly been placed upon a closer basis of relationship with Great Britain than since the separation a century and a-quarter ago. The controversies during the long months of neutrality have been dissolved in a fuller understanding by American officials and a statement of the difficulties of belligerency. “Mr Balfour has realised his lifedream of a closer sympathy between the two great branches of the English-speak-ing peoples. “Hie British have shown tact in their consideration of American feeling. They were most scrupulous on ail occasions. Without interfering with American affairs their constant effort was to describe Great Britain’s experiences for whatever value these might he, Begarding the immediate diplomatic result, if it has tended to lengthen the British view from a necessarily near sighted absorbtion in the immediate needs of the war to a broader consideration of world construction afterwards, it has fore-shortened the American point of view from absorption in the future to the immediate pressing emergency Briefly both sides feel they have gained a. truer perspective. President Wilson’s League of Nations plan was discussed formally but not conclusively A Counter Move. “Germany’s plan of a great middle European Empire was discussed, and attention was directed to the necessity of a complete restoration of Roumania, Serbia, and Montenegro as a countermove. New Bussia’s opposition to conquest and an indemnity is not consid- • ored antagonistic to this proposal. All the changes proposed arc,, on the basis of nationality, or the return of the lost, provinces. The members of the British Mission expressed confidence that all

will turn out well with Russia. The restoration of Poland and the situation in Ireland and Mexico were discussed.

“The most far-reaching nndertsandiiigs were arrived at in regard to trade matters. Generally, the United States will give the Allies preferential treatment in commerce, but the details cannot be divulged owing to Congress not having passed the necessary legislation. The appointment of a joint Allied buying commission is expected to result in assuring uniform prices amongst all the Allies, to prevent extortion and secure an economical and scientific distribution of the supplies. r Co-operating in Blockade.

“America will cooperate as far as po> sible in maintaining the British blockade. America will participate through its consuls in rationing Holland and Scandinavi'. Except that the system of export Teens s will be introduced in this connection, tl. • British system will, as far as possible, I maintained, and means will be taken 1 > prevent American products reaching firm. ■ dealing regularly with the enemy. “A definite understanding was reach; 1 in the matter of of American aid Canadian wheat to the Allies through the Allied wheat executive, but details w- ! not be published at once, because of t! ■' possible effect on the market. Munition control will similarly be centralised. The United States is considering the British invitation that permanent representativ s of all the Allies should sit as a commissi i in London, dealing with wheat, munition,-., shipping, and general supplies. Besides the above, the most important military and naval co-operation has been arranged.”