WESTERN SAMOA TRADE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18685, 15 April 1924, Page 9

WESTERN SAMOA TRADE.

AMERICA'S GRIEVANCE.

NEW ZEALAND TARIFF,

PREFERENCE TO BRITAIN.

PRIVILEGE QUESTIONED.

ADJUSTMENT DEMANDED.

By Telegraph—Press Association— (Received 11.15 p.m.) I. and N.Z. WASHINGTON. April 13. The American Government has protested to Britain against the action of New Zealand in allegedly subjecting American goods entering Western Samoa to a 7£ per cent, higher tariff than British goods bear. . The United States Government maintains that this violates Article 111 of- the Tripartite Convention concluded in 1899 by the United States, Germany and Britain. This provided for equal treatment and commercial privileges in respect of the Samoan Islands. The United State's Government contends that American firms doing business in Samoa have suffered heavily, one large j house having been forced to withdraw from &e Samoan trade. Protests against the Orders-in-Council of September, 1923, establishing discriminatory rates, were lodged shortly after that date. Britain replied that the Colonial Office was considering the matter which would be handled as expeditiously as possible. However, in view of the alleged continuous loss which American firms are suffering the protest is now vigorously reiterated. An early decision is being insisted upon.