London, Oct. 6.
Mr, J. H. Thomas, Secretary for the Dominions, in an interview today emphasized the world-wide na-_ ture of the economic crisis, and ex-[pressed the view that international measures would ultimately prove essential. The statesmen of the world must address themselves to the origins of the trouble, which were rooted in reparations, debts and currency problems. One of the first duties of the new Government would be to apply themselves to these international issues, As to the Imperial aspect of the Government's work, Mr. Thomas. said he hoped the National Government's entire policy would aim at making a fuller use of the Empire's immense resources, He expressed complete confidence that the United Kingdom was in no danger of losing her financial supremacy. Those who indulged in such doubts might be reassured by considering the position before Britain returned to the gold standard in 1925, "It was found then that we did not forfeit our position to the United States or any other country, because our knowledge of international commerce and the connection built up for over half a century were mote
jeurrency to jur temporary Important, than, the relation of our difficulties must "not obscure the essential strength of our position. We have been for over a century and we remain the wealthiest country in Europe, Our foreign trade is greater than that of any other European country, Our banking' system is absolutely sound and. secure, and in this respect contrasts favourably with that of countries hose carreney is still en a gold basis. Our foreign assets run into thousands of millions of pounds. Though the pound is temporarily cut adrift from a fixed gold standard, our Budget is securely balanced and the Government and the Opposition too are inexorably opposed to inflation. Thus there is no reason whatever to anticipate any considerable or prolonged depreciation fof sterling, or any failure of this country to retain its financial leadership.'"—Wireless through Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.