EMPIRE AND AMERICA

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 172, 23 July 1941, Page 7

EMPIRE AND AMERICA

Australian Delegation To Visit United States TRADE PARLEYS PLANNED CANBERRA. July 22. An official Commonwealth delegation will leave Australia for the L nited States soon for important discussions which, it is understood, may affect the trade structure of Britain. Australia, the United States and, to some extent. Canada. It. is believed that the proposals to be discussed will include the following:— (1) The supply to Britain bv the united States of primary products which Australia can no longer export to Britain because of shipping difficulties. <2» The export of Australian primary produce to the United States to make up these deficiencies. (3) Tariff concessions by Australia to the United States and the revision of the import licensing system adopted by Australia to conserve dollar exchange. A complete reorientation of trade relations between Australia and the United States is felt by both countries to be a logical sequel to the American lease-lend legislation. An indication has been given that America is anxious for a reciprocal trade arrangement, at ieast for the duration of the war. It is understood that the United States has asked for more favoured treatment for certain products under tbe Australian tariff, in view of benefits which will accrue to Australia under the Uease-or-Lend Act. Canada would be interested in the proposed trade scheme as it would almost certainly mean a modification of the Ottawa Agreement.