TRADE PACT

Evening Star, Issue 23092, 19 October 1938, Page 11

TRADE PACT

BRITAIN AND AMERICA COMPLETE AGREEMENT ASSURED Tress. Association—By Telegraph—Copyrigh LONDON, October 18. (Received October 19, at 8 a.m.) Nothing published in London supports the report of a breakdown in the Anglo-American negotiations. It is stated in high places that the difficulties are being smoothed out and that a treaty will definitely eventuate. It is understood that on several occasions the negotiations were dangerously close to a breakdown, chiefly as the result of America’s demands for preferences on motor cars and wheat. The ‘ Financial News ’ confirms that a complete agreement is assured, changing hundreds of schedules in British and American tariffs and embodying a document preparing for certain difficulties in drafting which remain to be overcome. American raw, materials, apples, other farm products, and tobacco will have easier entry to Britain, and America reciprocates regarding specialised British manufactures, including certain textiles. REASONS FOR DELAYS NEW YORK, October 18. (Received October 19, at 10 a.m.) The New York ‘ Journal of Commerce ’ correspondent in Washington attributes the trade pact delays to the anxiety of Britain and America to safeguard treaty benefits for themselves, forestalling a third nation obtaining concessions without a quid pro quo. He also expresses the opinion that the United States is pressing for greater concessions in respect to a small list ot important commodities than Britain is willing to accord, and instances the fact thgt America is seeking ■ parity with Canada in respect to wheat duties. CANADIAN-AMERIGAN TREATY READY FOR SIGNATURE. OTTAWA, October 18. (Received October' 19, at 1 p.m.) 1 The Finance Minister, Mr Dunning, who returned from a health holiday in the United' States, announced that a Canadian-United States treaty had been completed . and was ready for signature. There would be no consummation of the treaty pending the United States elections, lest the pact should become a‘political issue. A detailed- announcement is expected on Armistice Day. “DEVELOPING SATISFACTORILY" _ WASHINGTON, October 18. - (Received October 19, at 2 p.m.) The State Department, officially denied reports of - the breakdown of the Anglo-American trade negotiations, but declined to indicate .when the treaty might be - concluded. The official spokesman said the negotiations were continuing- and developing satisfactorily. - ANTI-AIRCRAFT GUNS AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURE PROPOSED Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, October 18. (Received October 19, at 11 a.m.) The Australian Associated Press learned that the War Office is prepared to make available immediately specifications enabling the manufacture iAustralia of 3.7 and 4.5 anti-aircraft guns, thereby making the Australian anti-aircraft defences as modern as any in the world. It was also agreeable to the Australian . manufacture for New Zealand of a 4.5 gun, which is a considerable advance on the 3.7 weapon. Details of the -gun, which is not yet of standard equipment in England, are closely guarded.