RECIPROCAL TRADE

Evening Star, Issue 22810, 19 November 1937, Page 9

RECIPROCAL TRADE

BRITAIN AND AMERICA NEGOTIATIONS FOR AGREEMENT EXPECTED Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright NEW YORK, November 18. Mr Bertram Helen, a member of the Washington staff of the New York ‘ Times,’ in an exclusive article, says an announcement that Britain and America are contemplating the aiegotiation of a reciprocal trade agreement is expected at any moment following a conference %t the State Department this afternoon between Sir Ronald Lindsay, British Ambassador, and the Assistant Secretary of State, Mr Francis B. Sayre. It will be the climax to Mr Cordell Hull’s programme of iliberalising international trade relations, because he has always. recognised that Britain’s adherence is an essential factor for success. It is felt that with a trade agreement supplying the impetus, opportunities for collaboration in other detailed economic fields will open tip to Britain and America, while political relations will he even more closely cemented, There is no indication at present of what the possible effect will be on the dominions. It is reported that a broad agreement for the whole Empire may he contemplated; or, alternatively, it might be followed by short separate agreements covering Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Canada. However, it is believed that developments in respect to the dominions require more consideration, although Mr Hull’s programme has always contemplated agreements with all Governments.

FORMAL NOTICE OF NEGOTIATIONS

TO BE ISSUED AT LATER DATE.

WASHINGTON, November 18. (Received November 19, at 10.35 a.m.) . Mr Cordell Hull annonuoed the intention of the United States to negotiate an Anglo-American trade treaty, and invited interested persons to submit suggestions regarding imports and exports of products that should be considered. Formal notice of negotiations will “ be issued at a later date, after receipt of proposals by the United Kingdom, at which also will be published a list of products on which the United States will consider granting concessions to the United Kingdom. ANNOUNCEMENT IN COMMONS A DEFINITE STEP FORWARD. LONDON, November 18. (Received November 19, at 10.15 a.m.) Mr Chamberlain was greeted with applause from all parts of the House of Commons when he announced in reply to Mr Attlee that ho was happy to state that the exploratory discussions regarding an Anglo-American trade pact had reached the point of enabling the Governments concerned to announce that negotiations were contemplated. He added that this marked a definite step forward. A Washington report says that the pact will offset the Anti-Comintern Pact.