London ’Change Cheerfulness Reflects Better Peace Outlook

Northern Advocate, 20 February 1939, Page 7

London ’Change Cheerfulness Reflects Better Peace Outlook

(Received 1.30 p.m.)

LONDON, February 19. BUSINESS ON THE STOCK EXCHANGE HAS NOT BEEN ACTIVE, THE ACCOUNTS CLOSED YESTERDAY ON A CHEERFUL NOTE.

Several factors in the past few days have combined to bring a revival both in business and prices for guilt-edged securities and industrial stock.

The first was the reception given the Defence White Paper, which was accepted as an indication that enormous expenditure on defence was likely to make war improbable.

Then came Sir John Simon’s opt the Secretary of the Board' of Trade which trade was suffering is over.

imistic speech, and the expression of of the hope that the set-back from

Lastly came eyents in Spain, of early peace there.

which are regarded as an. indication

IT is also considered that the Government plans are not likely to add materially to taxation. The Bradford market was much more cheerful in the belief that the corner had been turned.

Increased activity is likely soon, due to improvement in the international situation stimulating new business. Every important wool consuming country seemed determined to build up stocks while prices were at a reasonable level.

The butter trade is quiet. Prices are slightly lower. A good trade augury is the announcement that the number of foreign buyers visiting the British Industries Fair at London and Birmingham is 35 per cent, above <last year. v The End Of The Tether (Independent Cable Service). (Received 1 p.m.) LONDON, February 19. . The “Sunday Express” says that the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Commons decided that the period of concession to Germany and Italy had ended. The committee reached the decision after a private address from Viscount Halifax.

He is reported to have advocated that Britain should take a stronger line in dealing with units of the Ger-man-Italian-Japanese axis, and is credited with willingness to recognise the advantages of with Russia.

It is believed that the bombing of Minorca during the negotiations for its surrender had a profound influence on Mr Chamberlain’s attitude.