BRITISH TREATIES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 177, 27 June 1936, Page 7

BRITISH TREATIES.

MODIFICATIONS INTENDED. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, June 25. Negotiations to effect modifications of certain trade agreements with for-, eign countries in order to prepare for changes contemplated in Britain’s agricultural policy will shortly be undertaken. This was announced by Mr Walter Runciman (President of the Board of Trade), iu the House of Commons. He was asked whether it was his intention to give immediate notice of termination of all trade agreements which could be terminated by the end of the current year by giving six months’ notice.

Replying, he said that he presumed the question referred to agreements affecting import facilities accorded in the United Kingdom to certain foreign agricultural and fishery products. The Government proposed to open negotiations with the countries concerned with a view to modifying these agreements. The primary object would be to render possible certain changes in agricultural policy at the earliest practicable date, the Government intended to proceed with the negotiations as rapidly as possible as soon as the necessary preparatory work could be completed. Iu the meantime the denunciation of existing agreements would be premature and unnecessary.