FOSTERING TRADE

Evening Star, Issue 20422, 1 March 1930, Page 20

FOSTERING TRADE

BRITAIN tylD SOUTH AMERICA ECONOMIC MISSION'S REPORT (British Offic/al Wiwle*.) Pmi Association—By Telegraph--Copyright. RUGBY, February 27. The report was issued to-night of Lord D’Abernon’s economic mission to the Argentine, Brasil, and Uruguay. He report points out that as Britain j# the largest customer for many South American products, she has a definite claim for favourable treatment. This claim is strengthened by the fact that, in strong contrast with most other importing countries, Britain now allows South American produce free entry to its vast market, and has hitherto refused to listen to those who advocate Customs duties against foreign produce. The mission is convinced that real advantage can be derived from negotiating on a reciprocal basis, either through block purchases similar to the system initiated in Buenos Aires or, still better, by stipulating concessions in return for advantages offered by Great Britain ai* a consumer. Reciprocity, the commission says, might become an essential feature of the British economic policy in South America, each country endeavouring to assist the other by facilities and reciving in exchange a adequate return. Dr Irigoyen, with foresight and prescience, demonstrated the adherence of the Argentine Gwemment to this policy by signing with the mission a trade agreement, whereby each country undertakes to buy up to £8,700,000 in value of the products of the other.

Referring to the enormous potentiates of Brazil, the mission contrasts the high tariffs of that country with the absence of British tariffs against Brazilian produce. The mission recommends that on the British side removal of the coffee duty should be sympathetically considered if Brazil shows signs of a reciprocal concession favouring the British/ Regarding Uruguay, the mission sug geats that the discussions on reciprocal treatment which they initiated should be continued. , THE ADVISORY COUNCIL. RUGBY. February 27. The Economic Advisory Council which was set up by the Prime Minister to co-ordinate work of the departments concerned with economic and industrial matters and to advise on trade matters, has begun its work, and has appointed an Imperial sub-commit-tee, of which Sir Arthur Balfour is chairman. Sir Arthur, who is a wellJcnown steel magnate, was chairman of the Government Committee on Industry and Trade in 1924.