FOREIGN TRADE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 21 April 1934, Page 7

FOREIGN TRADE

MR RUNCIMAN’S DECLARATION

UNREPENTANT INTERNATION-: .. ' ALIST

SIR J. PARR’S REMINDER

(United Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright)

LONDON, 20th April,

Special interest attaches to Mr Kunciman’s declaration at the annual dinner of tlie Associated Chambers of Commerce. He said: “I am still an unrepentant internationalist, and- I refuse to aqcept, the arguments of those who say despairingly that it. is- _ impossible to revive foreign trade. Their arguments appeal to the feajand to the suspicion of our neighbour • nations, and to national prejudice.. I am proud that we have completed eota- ! mereial pacts with nine foreign countries, all of which are operating suecessfully. Wo are now negotiating ; with seven others.” Sir James Parr reminded the gather- ,',- ing of the valu e of the • dominions’ trade to Britain, and .said she should not jeopardise it. Australia and New ~ Zealand despite tho comparative small- - ness of their popualtion brought morel*. from Britain than any other country ~ except India. Moreover, the dominions - from reasons of both sentiment. ;and f .. self-interest were most anxious ..toyincrease their purchases from Britain- <<■? Britain would be studying her _Q\yn, best interests by building up .imperial y instead of foreign trade, remembering that the dominions’ capacity to'-'buy ,; from Britain was limited only by the amount Britain bought from them.