BRITAIN'S TRADE.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16700, 8 December 1919, Page 11

BRITAIN'S TRADE.

* 7IEBCE AMERICAN COMPETITION. (By Cable—Prwa A«ociation—CopyrigiU (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received December Bth. 12.30 a.m.) LONDON, December 4. Sir Newton Moore (Co-Unionist, Islington, N.), gavo a luncheon for Sir Hamar Greenwood, secretary of the Overseas Trade Department, in tho Honse of Commons. Colonel Araery, Sir Thomas Mackenzie, High Commissioner for New Zea« land, and the Australian AgentsGeneral, wero present. Sir Newton Moore congratulated the Government on establishing a department from which quick decisions could bo obtained. This was formerly impossible owing to tho overlapping df departments. America was ex* tremely activo in canvassing those trade centres where formerly Britain had no rival. He urged that the oversea representative should be regularly consulted in regard to trade matters.

Sir Hamar Greenwood, in replying, said that the Americans were our fiercoss and most efficient competitors in world trade. While we were fighting for our lives Amorica wns absorbing the wealth of the world, and securing markets which she had never beforo possessed. "But,"' ho said, "our sncrificcs were worth tho cost. The British Empire was tho greatest factor in the defeat of the enemy." He said ho would do what he could to eccuro within the Empiro tho largest portion of trade in goods for the Empire's use. The Government ennjd not now offer largo subsidies for shipping. It would mean more taxation: but he believed that comparatively small assistance would rcaliso extraordinary results. If wo did not have an Imperial policy there was something wrong with the country. He did not think that America had realised all that she had expcctod in tho way of trade sine© the cessation of hostilities. Ho would like to seo the AgentsGeneral and High Commissioners for tho Dominions a morn corporate body. They could thus assist trado development, becauso they possessed tho knowledge which untravelled people did not possess. He considered that tho shipping difficulty would g<x>n disappear. Colonel Amery. Under-Secretary for the Colonies, said that he believed that our position was intrinsically stronger than that of the United States. "IF we mako the utmost use of our resources." he declared. "we will leave that country standing still, notwithstanding oiir present handicap. "We must supply tho Dominions with all the man nower thev need, and thev will supply nil the materials we need." Sir Thomas Mackenzie contrasted the u anil reception business men received in America with their reception in Britain. He complimented Sir Hamar Greenwood on his appointment, and hoped that he would soon sweep away the aloofness which had formerly been displayed towards oversea representatives in trade matters.