World Wheat Brokers Claim to be Non-combatants

Grey River Argus, 19 February 1949, Page 6

World Wheat Brokers Claim to be Non-combatants

WASHINGTON. Feb 17. An announcement that no international wheat agreement can be written may be expected within a few days. It is learned that the sub-commit-tees represesnting importers and exporters, which have been discussing the vexed question of prices have virtually come to a conclusion that there is little hope of this issue being sett led. However, the price discussions will continue, at least until the end of this week, in the hope that some last minute compromise may be reached. The conference has been in progress three weeks. The delegates have shown little disposition, to compromise, even on relatively minor mailers.

The secretariat of the conferesce announced to-day that Uruguay would contribute “a small quantity” of wheat to a world pool. Uruguay is the filth exporter prepared to join a world wheat agreement. The others are the United States, Canada, Australia, and Russia. It is thought, that although this, a relatively small amount would strengthen an already strong hand of the importers in seeking a substantially lower maximum price. Behind the scenes, discussions on price are proceeding, but it is believed that no marked progress has been made towards a compromise by either exporters or importers.