EMPIRE TRADE

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 69, 15 December 1937, Page 13

EMPIRE TRADE

Talk Of Conference In London

OTTAWA AGREEMENT No Advice Received In New Zealand Although statements from Canberra published in the Australian Press last week referred to the possibility of a conference between the British and Dominion Governments early next year to revise the Ottawa Agreement, no word of any such conference has so far been received by the New Zealand Government. “I have no news of any sueh proposal,” said the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, when asked last evening if the New Zealand authorities had received advice on the matter. ‘‘The New Zealand Government has certainly not been approached about any trade conference of representatives of the Empire Governments.” The statement was published in Sydney last week that it was practically certain that arrangements would be completed between the British and Dominion Governments for a conference in London in March or early in April to revise the Ottawa Agreement. It was also stated that the conference would discuss a proposed trade understanding between the Empire countries and the United States of America, and a general policy for concerted imperial action to stimulate international trade generally. Discussions regarding the proposed Empire-American agreement would go far beyond the scope of an ordinary trade discussion, and were likely to embody an understanding for common policy, and, if necessary, common action on matters affectiifg the welfare of the two great English-speak-ing groups of the world. The Australian delegation, it was stated, would probably leave for London in February. The opinion was growing that two Ministers would be chosen, and these were almost certain to be the Attorney-General, Mr. Menzies, and the Minister of Commerce, Dr. Page. There was a possibility that the Pripie Minister, Mr, Lyons, himself would go. In that event the delegation would be Mr. Lyons and Dr. Page. Mr. Lyons, however, was understood to desire to avoid another overseas visit,at this stage. At the conference the delegation would be joined by the High Commissioner, Mr. Bruce. A small staff of departmental experts, which would be headed by the Controller-General of Customs, Mr. E. Abbott, and probably the assistant-secretary of the Department of Commerce, Mr. E, McCarthy, would accompany the delegation. It was lUcely that several consultants from primary and secondary industries would also be asked to make the journey.

It was expected that the delegation would return via America, visiting Washington to consult with the Government of the United States.