AMERICA AND WAR DEBTS

Waikato Times, Volume 112, Issue 18703, 1 August 1932, Page 7

AMERICA AND WAR DEBTS

MR. ROOSEVELT’S POLIOY. OPPOSITION TO CANCELLATION. MAKE PAYMENT POSSIBLE. United Press Assn.—Elec. tel. Copyright. NEW YORK, July 30. Mr. Franklin Roosevelt, the Democrat candidate for the United States Presidency, in an important broadcast speech gave what apparently was a definite Indication of the policy he will follow if he Is elected. He reiterated his opposition to the cancellation of war debts. He advanced a tariff revision thesis as a means of settling the vexed question. \ “ The problem .of debts is complex," said Mr. Roosevelt, “ However, the solution w'as brought measurably nearer by the Lausanne Conference. Britain, France and Germany agreed among themselves concerning the reparations danger. Now they may turn a united front against the United States. This comes, I am convinced, not so much from the debts owed as from our barriers against their trade which make the problem so difficult. “ Debts will not be a problem. We will not have to cancel them if we are realistic about providing ways in which payment will be possible through profits arising from the rehabilitation of trade. The Republicans’ platform said nothing about this, but their position has been the assured one of demanding payment and at the same time by high tariffs making payment impossible. “ Our policy declares for payment, but at the same time for lowered tariffs and a resumption of trade which will open the way to payment.”