MR. NASH RETURNING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 146, 22 June 1937, Page 6

MR. NASH RETURNING.

Mr. Nash left New Zealand over eight months ago with the purpose of entering into negotiations with the British Government for a trade agreement. Negotiations were opened, but, though there is no news that they have been fruitful, Mr. Nash is about to leave England. Having his second Budget to prepare, he cannot afford to spend more time away, but, remembering the importance which he himself rightly attached to his mission abroad, the public will want to hear a statement covering the history of the negotiations. The desirability of a trade agreement has not lessened in the months of Mr. Nash's absence from New Zealand. Recently there have been reports that the United States is pressing Britain to modify the terms of the Ottawa agreement, and that such modifications would be —at least in the short run —at the expense of the Dominions. In these circumstances it would appear more [necessary than ever for New Zealand to have strong representation in London. The present uncertainty could be ended by a direct statement covering the history and present prospects of the negotiations.