OTTAWA SURVEY

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 204, 12 August 1932, Page 7

OTTAWA SURVEY

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT INDICATIONS OF CONFERENCE'S COMPLETE SUCCESS. EXPANSION OF PREFERENCE SYSTEM. (United Press Association—By CableCopyright.) (Received 12, 12.20 p.m.) Ottawa, Aug. 11. The British spokesman attended a Press interview and gave a much more elaborate survey of the Conference than hitherto. It is regarded as the most important announcement since the conference opened. He stated that the British delegation expects such progress as to make it possible to hold the plenary session next Thursday, at which the preferential agreements between Britain and the dominions will be signed and sealed. There is every indication that the conference, which is progressing satisfactorily, will be a complete success, in which Canada will fully participate. The preference system which Britain initiated last year has definitely come to stay and will be widely expanded. It is forecast that there will probably be enlargement of the Empire Marketing Board, the dominions contributing to the cost in view of the proved value of the board’s work, particularly agricultural work One of the duties of the new body will be to keep the Ottawa trade agreement under constant review.

It was emphasised that the British delegation is anxious to reach a very good and generous agreement with Canada, not for negative reasons, but for cementing more closely the relations already existing between the two countries.

We fully recognise the position of Canadian industries,” said the spokesman. “It is no part of the British policy to do anything prejudicial to the development of secondary industries in Canada, Australia, New Zealand or any other dominion, just as the dominions have no desire to prejudice the development of British agriculture. Britain and Canada have their own domestic problems and each respects and appreciates the other’s problems. Facing the task in this spirit undoubtedly there will be an amicable agreement.” Replying to an American correspondent, he emphasised that Ottawa is not aimed against foreign countries. It is a British Empire effort to get together and survive the world depression, and it is hoped to open fresh channels of trade, which will give a helpful lead to the whole world. It was indicated that no recommendations will be made by Ottawa to the world monetary conference, nor will there be any official link, but the Ottawa resolutions naturally have an important bearing on forthcoming international discussions. EMPIRE MARKETING BOARD. (Received 12, 9.10 a.m.) Ottawa, Aug. 11. The question whether the dominions should not bear a proportion of the cost of the Empire Marketing Board was discussed at a meeting of the subcommittee on economic co-operation. The view was expressed that the board had done excellent work. Its objective of facilitating the development of the marketing of Empire goods in Britain had been attained with a gratifying measure of success. The dominion representatives unanimously agreed that the work should be continued. The delegates expressed the view that Britain should not be asked to bear the whole cost. The dominion governments might take over a share by making annual contributions. BRITISH PRESS COMMENT. (Received 12, 8.50 a.m.) London, Aug. 11. The “Manchester Guardian” in a leader says:—“Ottawa is a sad disillusionment to those who took the opening speeches seriously. Britain is being driven into a huckstering spirit against her will. Imperial sentiment is all very well, but it does not transcend economic interests. It is impossible to reconcile protectionism and economic nationalism with freer world trade.” ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION, MARKETING BOARD’S WORK. (Received 12, 1.10 p.m.) Ottawa, Aug. 11. The sub-committee on the existing machinery for economic co-operation within the Empire considered a report giving especial attention to the Empire Marketing Board’s work. The desirability of co-ordinating the activities of the different parts of this machinery for economic co-operation and develop ing existing methods of economic consultation were also examined. The committee found that the problems involved are: (1) There exist eleven official economic bodies, such as the Empire Marketing Board, Imperial Economic Committee, Shipping Committee, and Agricultural Bureau. (2) The question arises whether there is overlapping of these bodies or any gaps which might require additional machinery. This question is not yet answered. END IN SIGHT. (Received 12, 1.30 p.m. Ottawa, Aug. 11. The currency declaration, framed yesterday, and the trade agreements, are reaching the stage of final decisions, and it is clear that the Conference will end next week, unless there are any untoward developments with Canada, which is most unlikely.