Unexpected Difficulties Over Tariff Adjustments

Northern Advocate, 18 October 1947, Page 7

Unexpected Difficulties Over Tariff Adjustments

(Received 1 p.m.) LONDON, October 17. BECAUSE of unexpected difficulties in the negotiations it is not now expected that any announcement about the AngloAmerican tariff preferences adjustments -will be made until October 28, says Reuters

The announcement will not be made in the House of Commons next Wednesday as earlier expected.

It can be said that there is agreement on a large number of major points, but it has become necessary to have further consultations on various outstanding matters before the agreement can be signed. The Daily Express correspondent at Geneva learned that the tariff agreements were concluded at Geneva. The talks will be kept secret to defeat international racketeers.

The spokesman said: “Britain stands to gain a considerable advantage in-the United States market immediately. We" are as anxious as Britain to have her increase her exports to America.” Although he refused to give details of American concessions for fear o£ arousing premature protests from do-, mestic industries the spokesman said textiles, china, motor cars and whisky all were included. > The reduced duty on cars would give British “baby models” a better opportunity in the American market. British concessions were not disclosed, but were understood to include a 25 per cent cut in colonial preferences to be carried out in two years.

Typists, who are sworn to silence. \vill duplicate the document which contains 1200 pages. Day and night guards have been placed on the printing works where the report will be bound. A State Department spokesman at Washington disclosed today that tariff slashes in a large number of commodities had been conceded by the United States in the Anglo-American trade agreement to be signed on November 16 and to be effective on January l, without needing Congressional authority. Trade pacts with other countries will also be signed on November 16.