PEACE BY FREER TRADE

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21908, 8 October 1936, Page 11

PEACE BY FREER TRADE

APPEAL FOR REMOVAL OF RESTRICTIONS

DEBATE BY LEAGUE ECONOMIC

commission

(BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.)

(Received October 7, 5.5 RUGBY, October 6.

The economic and financial commission of the league assembly continued its debate at Geneva on the report of the league’s economic committee. ''

The Belgian delegate declared that Belgium would support any attempt to organise the expansion of world trade -by the concerted action of all Governments. Mr S. M. Bruce (Australia) said that the present debate was perhaps the most important ever held under the auspices of the league. Economic questions were often more significant than political ones. If a serious effort were made to re-establish general prosperity rapidly, the danger of war would be avoided.

A draft resolution was tabled after Mr W. S. Morrison’s speech, which read; “The assembly, noting with satisfaction that the joint declaration of the Governments of France, the United States, and the United Kingdom on September 26, and the adhesioA thereto immediately given by the several States recognising the declaration, harmonises with the recommendations made by the economic committee of the league in its recent report on the present phase of international economic relations, and considering that a policy designed to re-establish a durable equilibrium between the economics of the various countries, to lay more solid foundations for stability in economic relations, and to promote international trade, would effectively contribute to the consolidation of peace, the restoration of international order, the growth of world prosperity, and an improvement in the standard of living of the peoples, affirms the general desire of the States and members of the league tr pursue the realisation of these objects, and invites all States, whether members of the league or not, to cooperate fully to that end. Immediate Action Urged “It urgently recommends the States, as an essential condition of filial success, to oi*ganise without delay determinate and continuous action to ensure the application of the policy indicated, in order to reduce excessive obstacles to international trade and communications, and in particular to relax, and as soon as possible, to abolish the present system of quotas and exchange control.”

Mr Bruce suggested that the assembly should authorise the council to appoint from the economic and financial committees a small consultative body with power to co-opt members from outside, for instance, the United States, which could act as a focal point for the investigation of economic problems when required. Mr Bruce, however, emphasised that the first step's should be taken by the great powers, especially creditor powers.

Mr Bruce added that he considered Mr Morrison had overemphasised the importance of acting slowly as time was now of the utmost importance.

The special Geneva correspondent of the Associated Press says that although the personnel of the economic committee is outstanding, Mr Bruce’s speech is generally f egarded as the most valuable contribution so far.

AUSTRALIA’S SERVICES TO LEAGUE

REGRET AT RETIREMENT

FROM COUNCIL

(Received October 7, 5.5 p.m.)

LONDON, October 6

The Geneva correspondent of the Associated Press says that it is generally regretted that Australia is no longer a member of the league council, as not only Mr Bruce, but Mr E. L. McDougall and the other permanent Australian delegates, rendered the greatest service to the league. Australia’s work in the field of nutrition and economics was outstanding in results, and her influence on league affairs was probably greater than that of any of the other Dominions.