CLOSE NEXT WEEK

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 38, 13 August 1932, Page 9

CLOSE NEXT WEEK

SURPRISE TO DELEGATES

BRITAIN STILL SILENT

. OTTAWA, 12th August. An omcial announcement that the Conference would probably close next Inursday came as a surprise to the Dominion delegates, who, despite long conversations with the British Ministers, have not yet succeeded in obtaining a definite indication of the ultmate decision regarding any commodity, although there has been a hopeful tone throughout the-, proceedings. It is not considered that dairy'produce and fruit will offer* dimcnlty. The most ticklish problem is meat, on'whicli Messrs. S. M. Bruce (Australia) and J. G. Coates (New Zealand) are taking an unswerving stand. It has been emphasised to Britain that a restriction on foreign imports plus, a small duty represents the Dominions' minimum requirement, for which agreement the Dominions are prepared to give an adequate, returii. ;

It is known that both Australia and New Zealand could conclude the negotiations with Britain in half an hour if Britain • would declare herself, but tho decisions are necessarily postponed pending the speeding up of negotiations with Canada. '

The generally accepted.view is that now the closing date has been announced, Britain will be prepared to make concessions sufficient to satisfy the Dominions, who nevertheless are anxiously awaiting the moment when they will learn the extent to which their desires have been fulfilled.

A sub-eoinmitteo was formed to con-! sidor films and wireless sets. The spokesman admitted the possibility of the Conference imposing a quota on foreign films. A STAGE FURTHER. The British delegation had long discussions with Canada, Australia, India, and South Africa, and pushed the work a stage -further. The Britishers also met the Rhodesian delegates, and later consulted their own industrial advisers. .. There were further long consultations between the British and Canadian officials and British and Australian officials. The spokesman emphasised that negotiations were proceeding as quickly as practicable. There was still an optimistic spirit, and good chance of a satisfactor3' agreement all round.

The Empire Content Committee recommends increasing the percentage of Empire content over three years, commencing at 60 per cent. for. the'first year, with 60 per cent, in the second year, reaching a maximum of 75 per cent, in tho third year. _

The- holding of a plenary session on Thursday will not necessarily complete the Conference's work, but it is hoped then to dispose of tho greater part of it. The delegates concerned will cciltainljr, remain in Ottawa until the task lias Ijeen completed. '