PACTS WITH FREE STATE

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21399, 15 February 1935, Page 11

PACTS WITH FREE STATE

. jf E W NEGOTIATIONS LO WER CATTLE DUTY HOPED FOR IRISH REPRESENTATIONS K rtnrtTED P RBSS ASSOCIATION—BY ELECTRIO *"" TELEGRAPH— COPYRIGHT.) (Received February 14, 8.10 p.m.) ' LONDON, February 13. Referring to the trade agreement «ith Britain by which coal and cattle are exchanged, Mr E. de Valtold the Dail Eireann that there was no immediate hope of future agreements, though there was an obvious case for further negotiation in view °* tne increasecl receipts to Britain from the special duties. % de Valera admitted that new representations had been made to Britain, since she would gain con siderably by the increased price of imported cattle if the penal charges remained. Asked whether the duty of 5s a ton on British coal would continue Mr de Valera replied that it would not be wise to say that there' would be any change. The "Daily Express" says Mr J. W Dulanty (Free State High Commissioner) has been negotiating in London for some weeks to secure a reduction in the British duties on Irish cattle. It is believed that this would lead to further trade agreements, the largest aiming at an increased market for British plant and heavy machinery. Mr J. H. -Thomas (Dominions Secretary), when informed of Mr de Valera's statement, said the door was still open. It is expected that Mr Tl.omas will make further reference to the subject at a luncheon engagement to-day. The "Daily Telegraph" says certain private individuals have been at work behind the scenes.