CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXIII, Issue 15923, 8 May 1912, Page 9

CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES.

PRESIDENT TAFT’S LETTER, DEBATE IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.' ’United Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright/ (Received May 8. 1.5 a.m.) LONDON, May; 7. ' In the House of Commons, Mr Henry Page Croft asked whether the Government would reconsider Imperial preference in order to defent President Taft’s design to make Canada an adjunct of the United States.,' Mr - Asquith replied that the Taft-Rooseveit letters were private, and Mr Bryce had no knowledge of their contents. There was nothing in the correspondence to make the Government alter its policy regarding preference. Mr Bryce only saw Mr Fielding, Canadian Minister of Finance, in order to learn the facts and only gave- assistance when asked. The Canadian people would resent interference. Mr Bryce’s action had inspired confidence in Canada. He would support the policy of the present Government equally with’ that of ifs predecessor.

Mr Page Croft moved the adjournment. He accused the Government of supporting United States-Canadian reciprocity, on which it was ill-informed. If Mr Bryce kept the Government in touch with negotiations essential afte» the Canadian verdict lie should be,pro moted to another sphere of usefulness. Sir Edward Grey repudiated unfair attacks. He said that Mr Bryoe did nothing whatever to induce Canada to accept President Taft’s , proposals. He was not present'during the negotia. tiohs. Sir Edward asked did his critic? think that Air Bryce ought, to have stopped negotiations. If Mr Bryoe had shown reluctance to support the Cauadian Government it would be difficult to resist the demand for separate diploma, tic representation. .