AMERICA—BETRAYER OR SAVIOUR

Waikato Times, Volume 114, Issue 19013, 2 August 1933, Page 9

AMERICA—BETRAYER OR SAVIOUR

(To the Editor,)

Sir, —In an able article dealing with the failure of , the World Economic Conference -the. . New Zealand National Review uses the above caption apd presents facts and arguments which seem to suggest that until an entire change in our economic and social system evolves, America, instead of being subject to criticism, should be awarded sincere praise for the amazing effort she is putting forth in seeking to provide work for some millions of her unemployed. Some may be inolined to say that this effort of Amerioa is merely a palliative. It may be intended to be such, but it is on suoh a big scale and based on principles whioh are the negation of the theory of private enterprise and competition as the Ideal policy; therefore it should be deemed a big advance towards saner social conditions.

In last night’s Issue of the Waikato Times one reads the long cabled news of .the International Labour Conference, when the president (Mr W. Citrine), in his opening speech, “expressed wholenearted approval of President Roosevelt's drive to adjust hours and wages." Personally, Sir, I have been most impressed by an article in the Manchester Sunday Chronicle Just to hand. This very virile paper sent its special correspondent to America to get the facts as to what America is really going to do, and the paper prints same in big type with the beading, “The Tale of Two Cities," as follows:

Uncle Sam Gets a Quick Start,

We are told: "While the plans to carry out President Roosevelt’s great programme aiming at reducing unemployment are at present in a preliminary stage (written June 12) a good start has been made with an afforestation scheme. In a little more than three months the special session of the Congress has passed sixteen important laws giving the President virtually everything he asked for in his famous * new deal.’ It Is interesting to note that the aim and intention Is to provide immediate work for 5,000,000 men, and the hours of labour in some trades may be reduced to 30 hours a week. Note the following: "Most far-reaching of all is the Industrial control programme, whloh Is headed by General Hugh Johnston, who Is already carrying out Its organisation with war-time speed. The Government Is now going into partnership with Industry, and scrapping the old idea of competition, technically for two years, but more likely for good, and subjecting industry to social control." It seems Impossible to evade tho conclusion that co-operation is the slogan of America in the effort she is making to revive industry and provide work for millions of men as quickly as may be. Admitting that the scheme is presumed to be limited to two years, and that there may be in the minds of financiers and big industrialists tho notion that at the end of tho two years they can take full control again under bettered trade conditions, it does not seem unreasonable to .-ink that the success which may attend this amazing "scrapping of the old idea of competition and subjecting industry to social control’’ will have a tremendous influence upon the minds of Hie vast majority of Americans and eventually lead to repercussions which may have resuits which many may not quite desire. in view of all the facts, Sir, it seems quite probable that America may prove to be a "saviour" rather than a “betrayer."—l am, etc., JOHN SYKES. Hamilton, August 1, 1933.

Washington, London, £660,000,000 £22,500,000 For Work. For Dole.