NO IMMEDIATE HOPE

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 121, 15 February 1935, Page 11

NO IMMEDIATE HOPE

New Anglo-Free State Trade Agreements STATEMENT BY DE VALERA By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. (Received February 14, 5.5 p.m.) London, February 13. Referring to the coal and cattle pact. Mr. de Valera told the Dail that there was no immediate hope of future agreements, though there was an obvious ease for further negotiation in view of the increased receipts to Britain from special duties. Mr. de Valera admitted that new representations had been made to Britain in view of the fact that she would gain considerably by the increased price of imported cattle if the penal charges remained. Asked whether the duty of five shillings 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 that Mr. J. W. Dulanty, High Commissioner in London, has been negotiating in London for some weeks to secure a' reduction in British duties on Irish cattle. It is believed that these 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 that the door was still open. It is expected that Mr. Thomas will make flirtlier reference at a luncheon engagement to-day. The “Daily Telegraph” says that certain private -individuals have been at work behind the scenes.