The Prime Minister and Mr. Roosevelt Opinions have differed as
to the desirability of the Prime Minister's visiting America, and they will no doubt still differ now that the visit has been definitely decided on. Altogether there is much more to be said for the decision than against it, provided that the meeting between the Prime Minister and the President is regarded as no more than a wise establishment of personal contacts, not a set conclave out of which considered policies must emerge. The fact that Mr. MacDonald is to be President of the Economic Conference provides an additional reason for conversations with the American President and his advisers. Debts, obviously, will be discussed, but it would be a grave mistake if they were thrust to the forefront either by rumour or in fact. If the Economic Conference is convened before the next debt payment is due it would be reasonable to expect that payment should at any rate be held over by agreement till the probable results of the Conference become visible. Beyond that there would be no wisdom in going at the present moment. * * * *
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