NO EARLY ACTION

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 106, 31 October 1936, Page 9

NO EARLY ACTION

TASMAN SHIPPING BILL

AMERICAN CONSIDERATION

GATHERING OF FACTS

United Press Association—By Electric Teleerapn—Copyright. WASHINGTON, October 29. Reports published in Australia that the trans-Tasman shipping dispute probably will be settled on the basis of an exchange of privileges of intercoastal trade are considered to be highly conjectural. It is pointed out that not sufficient information has been received, even of the full consular report from Australia, on the new developments in the situation, and officials are therefore not in possession of all the facts. It -is emphasised that inter-coastal shipping legislation in the United, States has a long and controversial history, and that there is little likelihood of any important change in the near future. Congress alone has power to alter the laws relating to shipping. Changes to favour Australia and New Zealand would bring objections from other nations which for long have been subject to inter-coastal restrictions and have ineffectually sought redress for many years. PRESIDENT PREOCCUPIED. President ■' Roosevelt is in the midst of the final week of his election campaign, and whereas he would have been asked to advise Congress on the questions arising from the Dominions' shipping laws, it is said emphatically that there is little reason to believe that he will take any cognisance of the situation at this time. The Associated Press agency is informed that the American Government will take no action for a considerable period until it has all the facts before it and has studied fully the exact nature of the Australian and New Zealand legislation and its results. The two likely courses which it is believed will be pursued in the event of a trans-Tasman stoppage are:—• First, a strong protest will be lodged with Britain pointing out that there is no similarity between the United States inter-coastal situation and Australia and New Zealand, since the latter are economically independent, with virtual national status in international law. - Secondly, possible retaliatory measures. RECIPROCITY OPPOSED. Further,. little hope is held out that a reciprocal trade agreement may obviate the difficulties, since considerable opposition has developed throughout the nation against reciprocal arrangements, and the whole policy may undergo an important modification even if President Roosevelt is reelected.