PRESS CABLE MESSAGES

Evening Star, Issue 25619, 20 October 1945, Page 7

PRESS CABLE MESSAGES

EMPIRE PREFERENCE RATES CONTINUATION OF PRESENT CHARGE URGED LONDON, October 19. The disclosure in an ' Evening Standard ' despatch from Washington that American communications companies intend to make strong demands at the International Communications Conference at Bermuda in November, including " the abolition of the British Empire preference rates," gives emphasis to replies which the Empire Press Union has received from overseas sections concerning the need for continuing the penny Press rate. The replies, which unanimously deplore or express concern at the suggestion that the penny rate may be discontinued, have been sent to Mr Attlee, Lord Addison (Dominions Secretary), Mr G. H Hall (Colonial Secretary), Mr Pethick-Lawrence (Secretary for India), and the Earl of Listowel (Post-master-General) . Overseas sections of. the Empire Press Union have cabled the following replies:— Sir Cecil Leys (on behalf of New Zealand): " The abolition of the penny Press rate between Empire countries would be retrograde and dangerous. It is essential, in the highly explosive state of world affairs, as it was in the most critical war phases, that Commonwealth solidarity should be maintained by the exchange, not only of facts, but also of the views of those to whom the public has learned to look for guidance, and it is essential to ensure this. To abolish the rate that made this possible would be to injure vitally British interests. All the Governments concerned should combine to see that such a blunder is not. perpetrated."

Sir Keith. Murdoch (Australia): " The Australian section of the Empire Press Union is greatly concerned at the imminent prospect of a heavy increase in Press cable and wireless rates. This would undoubtedly be a sad injury. Our members have all greatly expanded their British services since the introduction of the penny rate and they feel that the freedom to use words liberally substantially increases their usefulness." Mr W. R. Davies (chairman of the Canadian section) urged the continuation of the penny rate as an effective means of strengthening Empire ties, not only with the United Kingdom, but between the dominions and colonies themselves. The chairmen of the South African, Indian, and West Indies sections all stressed the necessity of maintaining the penny rate, and declared that the withdrawal of the penny rate would be regrettable. ,