BLOW TO JAPAN

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 12869, 23 May 1936, Page 5

BLOW TO JAPAN

AMERICA’S! REPLY TO TEXTILE MENACE TARIFF RATES INCREASED -12 PER CENT. ((T.p.A. bv Elec. Ted. Copy-iilht). WASHINGTON, May 22. The complete collapse of protracted trade- negotiations with Japan to etfoet ai gentlemen’s agreement regarding imports of her cloth, was indicated to-day when Mri Roosevelt proclaimed a'-12 per cent. increase in tariff rates, on bleached, printed, dyed, and colored cotton clothes, to become effective on June 20., The proclamation was issued under the Tariff Act off 1930 which allows up to 50 per cent, increases on the recommendation of the Tariff Co unit is hi on. '|.’h o increase covers some 58 per cent, of the cloth imported into America, and about 90 per cent, of the cloth from Japan.

The ruling,’of course, is unilateral, but it is obviously directed against Japan, Mr Roosevelt indicating that while tariff increases were contrary to the Administration’s policy, the menace tci the American textile industry could not he averted through •diplomatic procedure. Whether the move wilt start a Jn-panaso-Amdrican trade war is uncertain, with the Administration making no comment. It is pointed out. however, that the negotiations arc amicable, Japan explaining that she is unable to ‘ control certain mechanical details Mi exports necessary to give substance to a “gentlemen's agreement.” .......