TRANS-TASMAN SHIPPING

Northern Advocate, 31 October 1936, Page 6

TRANS-TASMAN SHIPPING

PROBABLE AMERICAN ACTION

Wnited Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph. — Copyright .] (Received 10 a'.m.) ' - WASHINGTON, October 29.

Reports published in Australia that the Tasman shipping dispute will be settled on the basis of an exchange of privileges with regard to coastal trade are considered as highly conjectural. It is pointed that there has not been even sufficient time to receive a full consular report from Australia on the new developments in the situation, and that officials, therefore, are not in possession of all facts. Emphasis is based on the fact that the coastal shipping legislation of the United States has had a long controversial history and that there is little likelihood of any important .change in the near future. Congress- alone •’ has power to alter laws regarding shipping. Changes in favour of Australia and New Zealand would bring objections from other nations, which have long been subject to coastal restrictions and which have sought redress for years.

Time To Consider, j The President is in the midst of the [final'‘week of the election campaign, j and, whereas he would be asked to advise Congress on any question arising from the shipping laws, there is little reason to believe that he would take any cognisance of the situation at this time. The Associated’Press says it is informed that the American Government will take no action for a considerable period until it has all facts before it, and studies the exact nature of the Australian legislation and its results.

Two courses, it is believed, probably will be pursued iu the event of a stoppage of Tasman shipping shipping' creating genuine difficulties for American shipping. First, a strong protest will be lodged in Britain pointing out there is no similarity between the United States coastal situation and Australia and New Zealand since the latter are economically independent. virtually enforcing status in international law. Secondly, it is possible that retaliation, will be attempted.

Moreover, little hope is held out - iat a reciprocal trade agreement may obviate these difficulties since a considerable opposition throughout fe nation has developed against such eciprocal arrangements, and the whole policy may undergo modification. even if Mr Roosevelt is elected to ino presidency.