TRADE WITH U.S.A. CONSERVATIVE DISQUIET. ECONOMIC TRADE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 157, 4 June 1937, Page 7

TRADE WITH U.S.A.

CONSERVATIVE DISQUIET.

ECONOMIC TRADE.

PACT IN JEOPARDY. PREMATURE DISCUSSION. FEARS IN BRITAIN. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph .—Copyright.) Received June 4, 11.45 a.m. LONDON, June 3. The trade pact between Britain and America which promised ultimately to emerge as one of the most important sequels of the Imperial Conference appears to-night to be in jeopardy. Tins is entirely due to premature public discussion arising out of official reluctance to reveal tne nature and progress of tlie deliberations. Many of the details that have leaked out have proved to be accurate, leading to the beliet that an Anglo-American pact is imminent involving a modification of Ottawa, whereas, although this might be intended ultimately, there lias not been any question of attempting to reach an agreement before tlie conclusion of the conference. Even if the conference reached agreement in principle it would be necessary for Britain and the Dominions to discuss tlie matter with their respective Parliaments.

MIGHT IMPAIR OTTAWA. DANGERS TO MR LYONS. LONDON, June 3. There is disquiet among the Conservatives lest an Anglo-American trade pact might involve sacrifices from the Dominions, impairing the whole basis of Ottawa. This resuited in the Empire Industries Association, comprising 300 Commoners, summoning an emergency meeting. The Manchester Guardian says the importance of the Anglo-American trade pact project is its acceptance as a test case for the professed desire to enlist an imperial economic policy in the cause of freer world trade. The Australian and New Zealand Governments’ political and national interests may hinder tlie conclusion of a pact.' Moreover, Mr Lyons shortly faces an election and is more reluctant to sacrifice tangible privileges for the sake of a general principle. His position would be much stronger if he could bring back in exchange an advantageous settlement of the Australian-American trade dispute.

MR SAVAGE’S HOPES. Received June 4, 11.55 a.m. LONDON. June 3. It is understood that Mr M. J. Savage (New Zealand) who favours an international conference to consider economic trade, has taken soundings at the Imperial Conference, but his proposal apparently was greeted with little favour, most delegates believing that the world is not yet ready for an agreement.