BRITISH TRADE

Inangahua Times, 28 March 1934, Page 2

BRITISH TRADE

POLITICAL SPECULATION. LONDON STATEMENT.

j (Per United Press Assn.) WELLINGTON, Last Night. ■ “I am inclined to regard the statement as political speculation,'” said the Hon. G. W. Forbes, when asked to comment on a London cable relating to New Zealand’s trade with (Britain. Mr Forbes said Mr ajhomas had made the position clear in his replies to (cables sent to him by New Zealand. Both cables and replies had been made public during the recent Hairy Conference. | Mr Forbes pointed out that New : Zealand had not made an. offer to re- ’ duce tariffs, but had simply made an inquiry as to what would he Ijhe effect ’ of a reduction of tariffs on Britain’s 4 attitude towards the Dominion’s products . i “The cable we sent makes it perfectly clear that there was no offer to (lower the tariffs,” said Mr Forbes. “It would be most improper to make such an offer while the Tariff Commis--1 sion was sitting and inquiring into the position. As far as it affects British interests, we simply asked the question in view of the widespread rumours which had been circulating, to the effect that Britain would give free entry for our produce if we reduced or • removed our tariffs. ‘ ‘ The question was discussed at Ot- * tgwa Conference and the World EcO- . nomic Conference and on both occa--1 sions it was stated that Britain would [ not give to one Dominion wlhat she I would not give to others. However, as i the statements persisted, we sent a I cable in order to obtain a public statel ment from the British Government.”