AID FOR BRITAIN

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22416, 25 August 1947, Page 5

AID FOR BRITAIN

AUSTRALIA'S PLAN CUTS IN MANY IMPORTS DOLLARS FOR TRAVELLERS SYDNEY, Aug. 23. Drastic cuts in many Australian imports from the dollar areas are expected to be decided upon by the Federal Government next week in an effort to assist Britain in her economic crisis. The steps to be taken by the Government, following Britain’s decision temporarily to cease exchanging dollars for foreign creditors, were announced in Canberra last night by the Prime Minister, Mr. J. B. Chifiey. These are: 1. The Commonwealth Bank will severely restrict dollar advances to travellers except for very essential purposes2. On Monday a conference in Canberra will review the whole range of imports from the dollar countries, including tobacco. 3. On Tuesday the Ministers will meet the film interests to re-examine the imports of films. 4. Negotiations have begun with users regarding newsprint imports-

Before this week’s developments the Government had already announced reduced petrol rations The Sydney Morning Herald’s correspondent in Canberra says it is considered almost certain that some cuts will be made in the imports of newsprint and films.. The Commonwealth Government has kept a close cheek on dollar imports over the last 15 months, and the action now contemplated is the considerable tightening up of the existing restrictions.

The Daily Telegraph says the Government will also reduce British imports. but is awaiting advice from Britain before ordering these cuts.