STRONG PROTEST.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 49, 27 February 1935, Page 7

STRONG PROTEST.

FROM BRITAIN. TRADE RESTRICTION. New Italian Decree Causes Alarm. IRONICAL ACTION. (United P.A.—Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received 11 a.m.) LONDON, February 26. The British Government has strongly protested to Signor Mussolini against the suddenness and severity of the decree restricting imports. If restrictions arc not mitigated regarding British exports, including manufactures (from Australian and New Zealand wool, unemployment -will increase in the woollen and other industries. Tho British Government has requested an opportunity for discussing the restrictions. Meanwhile it is urging that no discrimination should bo exercised against British goods. Signor Mussolini's action ironically follows the conclusion of the negotiations between the British and Italian Governments for mutual expansion of trade." Sudden Action Causes Injustice. The British representations emphasise that the suddenness of Italy's action causes an injustice to exporters, particularly of goods already ordered by Italian importers. The protest also asks if Germany has any preferential treatment in regard to coal under her clearing agreement with Italy.

Meantime other European countries have taken prompt steps to enter negotiations for trade pacts on the barter basis with Italy, but Britain so far has taken no steps in that direction.

It was stated in the House of Commons, says a British official wireless message, that the President of the Board of Trade, Mr. Walter Runciman, is endeavouring to ascertain as quickly as possible the likely effect upon British coal shipments and other exports to Italy, of the quota upon imports of coal and many other commodities imposed by the Italian Government under the decree of February 10.

It is understood the Italian Government has decided to admit all coal destined for Italian consumption that actually left the country of origin before February 19, but no information is available regarding coal loaded or ready for loading at that date.

Urgent representations are being made to the Italian Government on the whole matter.