JAPANESE TRADE

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 60, 12 March 1934, Page 7

JAPANESE TRADE

PROMPT ACTION NEEDED

MR. RUNQIMAN'S VIEW

(From "The Posfs'4 Representative.) LONDON, February 2. Mr. Runciman, President of the Board of Trade, who has been making a tour in the North of England, referred to Japanese competition at the Manchester Chamber of Commerce luncheon. He had watched with great apprehension, he said, the progress which had been made by some competitors in markets which this country had thought to be peculiarly her own. "What we protest against," ho said, "and what we struggle against, is a tendency in some parts of the world for political and other influences to render illusory our own best efforts. Such a case has arisen in our competition with Japan." One thing necessary was that whatever actiorf was taken should be prompt action. He held the view that it was much better to enter into industrial negotiations and agreements between tho British and Japanese industrialists than, to proceed through purely official channels. "I.cannot believe," Mr. Rnncimnn said, "that tho discussions will fail. If the British delegation finds it'cannot come to reasonable terms with Japan, then it is possible that we may have to step in." THE TIME FACTOR. He did not believe it was the Government's duty just to stop the rot and leave things in. their present position. No market would, suit this country except the world market. All that was asked was fair play in the world market. * "I can tell you emphatically," said Mr. Runciman, "that we believe that by conference and discussion, and collaboration and co-operation, we can put you in a stronger position than you are in today.. You may rely on our support. It will be given unstintedly in every direction, and you can be assured of this fact —we realise that the time factor is of the first importance, and that we cannot afford to delay." Editorial reference is made to the subject, by the "Daily Express." The writer says:— "About the Japanese competition in the Empire mar.ket, Mr. Runciman says that it is possible the Government may have to step in. Sir James Parr says that unless real action is taken, and quick too, British trade in the Dominion will bo overwhelmed. New Zealanders arc the best customers this country has in the whole wide world. For every penny per head of her population that Japan spends with us New Zealand spends iiearly eight shillings. Australians per head are our next best customers. The Japanese are not so much better than the Russians."