ECONOMIC CONFERENCE

Greymouth Evening Star, 1 April 1933, Page 7

ECONOMIC CONFERENCE

QUESTION OF VENUE. [by CARLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYBIGHT.] NEW YORK, March 31. The “New York Times” Washington correspondent states: It was learned to-day that the French Government has informally suggested that the Economic Conference bo held at Washington, instead of at London. It appears that the chief opponents to the holding of the conference in Washington will be Mr Ramsay MacDonald and certain Democratic Congressmen. The former naturally would like to have the meetings at London, where he could preside. The latter, for tactical reason, would like to go abroad, for if the Conference failed at Washington, it would be President Roosevelt’s failure, whereas if it failed in Europe it would be the fault of “Continental politics.” It is understood that many of the British statesmen, including the Foreeign Secretary, Sir John Simon, believe that the Conference would have more chance of success if held in Washington, because of the propaganda of certain of the American newspapers, that the European diplomats, when they meet Americans on “foreign soil,” always victimise them by their undcseribed subtleties.

FRENCH SURTAX. ANT.I-BRITISH DISCRIMINATION LONDON, March 30. In the House of Commons, speaking on a motion for the adjournment, Mr T. J. O’Connor, K.C. (Conservative member for Central Nottingham) drew attention to what he termed a discriminating x surtax which France had imposed oh British goods. In reply, Major Colville, on behalf of the Government, said that in negotiations it was made perfectly clear to the French Government that Britain was not prepared to enter into general negotiations for a commercial agreement while a discriminatory surtax existed. It was thought right to give the French Government reasonable time to reply, and it was hoped that in the interests of friendly relations, the French Government would see its why to meet Britain. The Import Duties Act gave 100 per cent, in the event of discrimination, but this could only be used as a last resort. The Government was fully aware of these powers. (Cheers).