THE EMPIRE AND PROTECTION.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18802, 21 September 1926, Page 11

THE EMPIRE AND PROTECTION.

TO THE EDITOB. OF THE TBESS. Sir, —I have been reading some articles by eminent economists 011 Britain's present parlous trade outlook. Very few touch upon the question of Empire Protection. Why is this policy hot more discussed by our statesmen:' Jt must still be their belief that England can compete against better educate:!, industrially developed, and highly educated countries like the I'nited iStntes, Germany, etc. America, with her self-sufficient population, still maintains her harrier, and Germany would rather eat horseflesh than jeopardise her farming industry, 'Were Britain to adopt a similar fiscal policy, giving every preference to her dependencies, a great stimulus would be given to production, with every opportunity for increased land settlement and absorption of excess population. Foreign competitors like the Argentine, are no good to us, although much British capital is invested there. Denmark and every other country should come under absolute, or at least a good, stiff tariff.

It is really amusing to read so much mouthing about the Empire, when it cannot be self-contained. Many of the Dominions are only raw producers, our own in particular. "Why not, then, let England be our chief manufacturer, cutting out the underselling foreign competitor? Australia (a Labour country) is adopting very much the American policy, and finding the immense benefit. International trade would be "all right if nations could see eye to eve with one another, but this is far off, I fear.

There is one phase of Empire policy that is becoming more apparent. The peopto at Home are prejudiced, to a certain .decree against Dominion food stuffs. They should make sacrifices. The colonies, too, will not have to be keen on exploitation, and many suspicions will have to be allayed. What a big difference to us had wo the handlins: of .money paid, to .foreigners circulating among us. What could we not do then?— Yours, etc.-

ZOLLVEKIN Blenheim .September 14tli, 192b'.