TRADE BARRIERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 219, 15 September 1932, Page 7

TRADE BARRIERS.

Britain's Firm Stand With Danubian States.

STRESA CONFERENCE,

LONDON, September 14. At the conference being held at Stresa, Italy, to consider the financial and economic ■ condition of the Danubian States, the British delegates, on the ground that Britain is not prepared to offer preferences on Danubian grain or to contribute to a common fund for that purpose, refused to participate in a suggested agreement formulated by France and supported by Germany. 'It appears likely that Italy, Holland and Switzerland may follow the lead of Britain, whose delegates declared that the only remedy for the distress in the Danubian countries is . the removal of trade harriers. Britain also told the Financial Committee that she cannot discuss the question of a reduction of the interest or principal of the Danubian debts. The "Daily Telegraph" emphasises the fact that for 11 years Britain has granted the Danubian countries larger loans and credits than any other Power. Most of the recipients are unable to pay even the interest. Moreover, all have imposed high tariffs, restrictions on foreign exchanges, and retain the gold standard, which is not suited to their present conditions.