BRITAIN AND RUSSIA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 119, 16 April 1930, Page 9

BRITAIN AND RUSSIA.

TEMPORARY AGREEMENT. . (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, April 15. Referring to the negotiations which liave been proceeding for the purpose of concluding a temporary commercial agreement with Russia—it is to serve as a modus vivendi pending the conclusion of a full treaty—Dr. Dalton, Under-Secretary of Foreign Affairs, said that, although certain points remained to be settled, an agreement had been reached on the main features. The instrument would provide generally for the reciprocal granting of mosti-favoured-nation treatment in respect of trade and of national treatment, subject to certain exceptions in respect of shipping. It would also accord to the Soviet Government the right to establish in London a trade delegation consisting of a trade representative of the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics, and his two deputies, forming part of the Soviet Embassy. The head of this delegation and two deputies would consequently receive diplomatic privileges, immunity would also attach to specified offices occupied by the delegation and used exclusively for delegation purposes. The diplomatic privileges accorded by the agreement would not, however, be ela-imed in connection with any proceeding before 'the courts in respect of commercial transactions entered into by the delegation in this country. Dr. Dalton said that it was hoped to bring this temporary agreement, which would be subject to denunciation at six months’ notice, and only valid pending the conclusion of a full treaty of oommerce and navigation, into operation at an early date. He added that the Foreign Secretary contemplated that the negotiations for a full commercial treaty and those for the settlement of claims and debts would proceed concurrently.