IN JEOPARDY?

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 136, 10 June 1932, Page 7

IN JEOPARDY?

SUCCESS AT OTTAWA.

Alleged Mischief-Makers At Work. PROBLEM OF MEAT AND WHEAT tV n 1 ta.l P. A .—EI Dctrlc Telcgra ph—Cony rlgh t) (Received 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, Juno 9. In the course of a speech at the annual luncheon of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of the British Empire, Viscount Elibank, who presided, said he hoped the British Government would treat wheat and meat in a generous and practical manner at the Ottawa Conference. In that event he was sure great good would ensue.

The .Minister of Agriculture, Sir John Gilmour, said that if the British peoples could not reach a common agreement there was little hope for the remainder of the world. Personally, lie was hopeful of the results of the Ottawa Conference, because the whole tone of the preliminary discussions, us far as Britain was concerned, was not one of self-interest, but of tlie benefit of the common weal.

While Britain intended to give first consideration to her home market she desired a successful interchange of arrangements to |>ermit of the free entry of certain products. The conference would not be helpful unlees the countries which had erected five-barred gates against imports removed at least the top rail in favour of Empire goods.

According to the ''.Morning Post" fears arc growing in political circles that the Lausanne Conference will result in Continental entanglements which will prejudice the Ottawa Conference.

The "Daily Express" boldly alleges a world plot to wreck the Ottawa Conference. It says mischief-makers are suggesting that the British delegates are going to Ottawa to give nothing and ask everything. Others, it alleges, are trying to create a breach between the Dominions, suggesting that each is out to profit at the expense of the other.

The paper complains that even home politicians are ehaking their heads and saying that nothing will come of the Ottawa Conference.

Empire Monetary System. Asked in the House of Commons whether his Department ■was evolving ail Imperial monetary policy for submission to the Ottawa Conference, Mr. Neville Cliumbcrlain, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said that the question of a monetary policy as affecting the various parts of the Empire had constantly been before the Treasury, particularly in recent month*, as part of their normal duties. The Government would welcome discussion of these important questions at Ottawa, but lie did not consider it desirable to express any detailed view in advance of such discussions.