GENEVA TRADE TALKS

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27151, 22 September 1953, Page 9

GENEVA TRADE TALKS

BRITISH DELEGATE CRITICISED

LONDON, September 20. Under the heading of “Geneva Betrayal,” the “Daily Express” says in a leading article: "The Geneva story is a shocking story. It was said that at last Britain was going to make a stand against the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, and that she was going to demand modifications in the agreement to permit an extension of imperial preference.

“Well, those who believed it and rejoiced have been swindled and cheated.

"Instead of roaring like a lion, Mr Peter Thorneycroft, who represents Britain at Geneva, bleats like a sheep. He asks only for the most ridiculous concessions. These .concessions bring no benefit to Empire trade. They in no way meet the public demand. "And that fact is well known to Mr Thorneycrdft. For he shows that he is perfectly aware of the evils of G.A.T.T.

"Mr Thorneycroft presented an excellent case against G.A.T.T. He drew attention to the high tariffs which America imposes on imports whenever she likes, and to all the benefits which accrue to America through holding aloof from G.A.T.T. And yet, with all that knowledge, he is content that Britain should continue to drag along with G.A.T.T.,’’ the article concludes.