AUSTRALIAN TRADE

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28866, 10 April 1959, Page 11

AUSTRALIAN TRADE

McEwen In U.S. For Talks

WASHINGTON, April 9. Australia's recent lifting ot import restrictions on a wide range of dollar goods is expected to strengthen the hand of her Trade Minister (Mr John McEwen) in his forthcoming talks with United States Government leaders. Mr McEwen, who is due in Washington tonight from New York for a week's visit, plans to raise the issue of United States farm surplus disposal programmes and give his views on other disturbances in Australian-American trade relations.

In particular, observers expect him to suggest some international remedial action or at least some easing of the United States quotas on imports of lead and zinc from Australia and other countries. American officiate conceded today that Mr McEwen, as a result ot Australia's relaxation on dollar

goods, was in a strong position to say—as they put it: “Look, we have done everything possible so far to lift our restrictions. Why don’t you give us a break?”

At the same time, however, these officials said that the Australian restrictions had been imposed originally for balance of payments reasons, whereas such actions as the United States lead and zinc quota system were designed to help domestic producers. With American surplus and reserve wheat stocks now standing at about 1340 million bushels—and still growing—Australia and other wheat-exporting nations fear that their traditional markets- may be disrupted further. Informed sources said yesterday that Mr McEwen might urge the United States to consider an international agreement to protect small nations, dependent on export sales of their agricultural products, from unfair trade practices.