A LARGER TRADE-HORIZON

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 108, 8 May 1937, Page 8

A LARGER TRADE-HORIZON

In an article that looks back and also looks forward, "The Times" recalls that "the intention of the Ottawa Conference was to increase the total volume of world-trade, not merely of trade within the British Commonwealth of Nations." But it was the latter half of the intention that bulked larger at Ottawa, because "circumstances of time made it urgent." Does this mean that the moment has now arrived to do something for world-trade as well as Empire-trade? That question seems to be answered affirmatively in the following carefully-worded sentence:

Britain, and to an. increasing extent the Dominions as well, need expanding outlets in foreign markets. They are thus predisposed to take part in any movement for the reciprocal removal of obstacles, though they will be careful not to throw away the benefits secured by their mutual concessions until they can be sure that any suggested widening of the system will be to their own and to the general advantage.

The suggestion seems to be that the Commonwealth started off at Ottawa on its intra-Empire foot, and should now move forward its foreign trade foot, but not in a way to compromise its first effort to walk. The writer of the article evidently had worldpeace as well as world-trade in his mind. But "revision of the Ottawa Agreements is not on the agenda paper" of the Imperial Conference. "Modifications," it is added, "can best be secured by separate negotiations." The Imperial Conference's main contribution to peace is expected to be an understanding on Empire defence; that will be a domestic decision. To invite foreign nations to trade with Empire units, as they trade with each other, is a different kind of contribution to peace. It is more than a domestic decision, and will require time. In confirmation of this, a cablegram is published today stating

that the problem is too big to be discussed next week, "except in a preliminary way"; but trade approaches from the United States, Belgium, and Scandinavian countries make it likely that an Empire Conference to take stock of the whole Ottawa policy will be held next year.