AUSTRALIAN WAR DEBT

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18257, 19 February 1931, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN WAR DEBT

REQUEST FOR ADJUSTMENT i

NOT YET SUBMITTED,

A SYMPATHETIC MINISTER,

United Press Assn.— Elec. Tel. Copyright, (Received Feb. 19, 9.55 a.m.)

LONDON, Feb. 18

It is understood the British Government is expecting a request for a reduction in the war debt interest, and some mystification prevails because no communication has so far been received. Moreover, there is increasing reason to think that some concession might be granted, notwithslanding Mr Philip Snowden, Chancellor of the Exchequer, who is perhaps sympathetic rather than enthusiastic because he faces a budget 1 deficit of from £40,000,000 to £50,000*000.

It is particularly felt that any application for the suspension of payments, however temporary, would greatly embarrass the British Government, but there is a genuine desire by the Government, particularly Mr J. H. Thomas, to help Australia. Several more questions about the debt application appear on the Order Paper. Some members of the House of Commons are opposed to any reduction.

Mr G. Mander (Labour member for Wolverhampton), who prominently questioned Mr Thomas yesterday, says that Australia should .pay. It Is known Mr Thomas is taking action to prevent derogatory comment, and it is significant that in the House of Commons yesterday the Speaker intervened when such an attude was expressed. The keenest interest is being taken in the Australian political crisis, particularly in Government quarters. Australia’s most influential friends in politics here consider that- Mr Lyons, as the man who carried Australia on his shoulders, is entitled to the fullest support.