Mr Savage Reassures British People

Northern Advocate, 17 December 1938, Page 9

Mr Savage Reassures British People

[Per Press Association. Copyright. l WELLINGTON, This Day.

The desire of the Government to increase purchases by New Zealand from Great Britain was referred to by the Prime Minister, Mr. Savage, commenting on the London cable message published yesterday containing criticism of the import control regulations as a breach of the Ottawa Agreement. Mr. Savage said everything possible would be done to safeguard Britain. “We have already told the British people we are prepared to spend every shilling we get from them in the purchase of goods and services provided by Britian,” said Mr. Savage. “We cannot do more than that. “The policy of the Government today is not necessarily bad, even from the point of view of those who do not like the look of exchange control. “It is the use made of any policy that decides whether it is good or bad in form. “We have stated quite definitely that we hope to increase our purchases from Britain, and, whatever happens, we cannot do less than take British goods in return for the goods Britain takes from us. “Anything that looks indefinite in that respect will be placed beyond doubt. The Government wilt make any sort of agreement that will safeguard Britain.”