THE TARIFF TRUCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 218, 15 September 1930, Page 6

THE TARIFF TRUCE.

The President of the British. Board of Trade has officially announced to the League of Nations Assembly that "Britain will ratify the tariff'truce convention." This means that Britain has virtually bound herself not to impose any tariffs upon her imports, while the European States have pledged themselves not to increase their own tariffs, till a certain limit of time has expired. On this extraordinary bargain two comments seem necessary. In the first place, Britain is to remain bound by the agreement till April 1, 1931. But during the intervening period f the Imperial Conference will have met, and this means that Britain, in terms of the "tariff truce," has debarred herself from meeting, the request of the Dominions for Imperial Reciprocity by any deviation from Free Trade principles. Such a decision, of course, confirms Mr. Snowden's declaration that he will not permit the question of Protection even to be discussed, at the Imperial Conference. But it indicates with painful clearness Britain's desire to propitiate her foreign rivals without much regard for the interests of the other members of the Empire. Yet, even if we ignore this aspect of the case, we may well ask what benefit Britain or the world at large can expect from this nrachadvertised "tariff truce." Britain is not likely to impose any Protective duties while Mr. MaeDonfild is in power, and the agreement | does not place any obligation on foreign States to reduce the high, tariffs they have imposed on British goods. In brief, the advantage siqiposed ,to be gained by the "tariff truce" is an illusion, and, if it operates to check full and free discussion at the Imperial Conference, it may react most injuriously upon-Britain and the Empire. .We do not suggest that Britain must commit herself definitely to any form of Preferential Trade, either before or at the Conference. But to offer as a condition of this "truce" a pledge, that she will not diverge-from Cobdenite traditions is certainly a rebuff to the Dominions.'