U.S. TRADE

Hokitika Guardian, 6 May 1936, Page 2

U.S. TRADE

POSSIBILITY OF AGREEMENT

AUCKLAND, May 4

Some months ago the Auckland Chamber of Commerce advocated that the Government should enter intonegotiations with the United States for a trade agreement between the Dominion and that country. The matter was referred to the Associated Chambers of Commerce, and advice on the subject has since been received by that body from the Minister for Customs (the Hon. W. Nash), “The Government has given much thought to the trade policy of the Dominion,” stated the Minister, “and after an agreement has been reached with the United Kingdom it is hoped to make an agreement with the United States. In the meantime, the necessary material to determine a basis for the agreement is being collected, and if your association lias any particular points that it desires to bring before tho Government I should be glad,-if you would advise me.”

•: ; In an earlier communication 'received bv the Auckland Chamber, the Minister stated that according to information available the policy of the United States was to-extend the benefits of the maximum tariff to all countries, except such countries .as discriminate substantially against American trade. It was not essential to the grant of such treatment that there should he a most, favoured nation treatment agreement between any particular country and the United States. There was, at present no niost favoured nation arrangement between tlhe Dominion and the United States.. It was understood, however, that the benefits of any aigreemenit concluded between the United . tSatesi aynl other countries Would he extended to New Zealand and steps were being taken to obtain confirmation of this position.