EMPIRE SEA ROUTE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 123, 24 April 1936, Page 9

EMPIRE SEA ROUTE

WILL BE MAINTAINED. GREAT BRITAIN’S PLEDGE. SUBSIDY ANTICIPATED. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph .—Copyright.) Received April 24, 10.10 a.m. LONDON, April 23. “Lot me say, as clearly as I can, that the Government intend to maintain the Empire shipping routes.” This categorical statement by Dr E. L. Biirgih, Air Walter Kunciman’s lieutenant, in a speech at Hull, constitutes the most favourable Government utterancq thus far.

Mr Burgin added: We are gravely concerned as to the possibility of the United States subsidy seriously interiering with the Empire routes, but the gravity of the situation does hod necessarily mean that the best remedy is a short cut by adopting subsidies. There might be some other method. “Many urge the restriction of coastal shipping to the British flag, or subsidising British coastal hues .That is also a big problem. British •> vessels carry a large part of the world’s coastal trade. The old doctrine of tit for tat might prevail if we commence reserving coastal shipping.”

The Sun-Herakl Service says that, despite Air Burgin’s hesitancy concerning the best method of dealing with the Pacific shipping problem, the Dominion representatives participating in the discussions are confident that there will be an eventual agreement in favour of a subsidy.

They emphasise that this is the only satisfactory way of meeting the problem. Moreover, Air Runciman is now much more favourable to a subsidy. He desires the most comprehensive details, including finances, beiore approaching a decision.

TIAIE TO ACT

DAILY MAIL’S COMMENT,

Received April 2-4, 1.20 p.m,

LONDON, April 23. The Daily Mail says the Government has made promise after promise in the past two years to aid British lines in the Pacific, but nothing has been. done. It is an immense disappointment that Alinisters hesitate uj act. Air Burgin lias definitely discouraged the idea of counter-subsidis-ing British lines. If there is any real alternative the country ought to be told what it is. We ought to act effectively now.