FEDERAL TARIFF

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22437, 5 June 1936, Page 11

FEDERAL TARIFF

JAPANESE THREAT RETALIATION INTENDED ALTERNATIVE TO REVISION By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright MELBOURNE, June 4 The Consul-General for Japan, Mr. Murai, paid an unexpected visit to Melbourne yesterday and interviewed the Minister in charge of trade treaties, Sir Henry Gullett. The subject of the conversation was not divulged, but it is believed that Mr. Murai submitted a new; communication from the Japanese Government containing a final appeal for the revision of the new Australian duties, failing which retaliation will follow. At present Australia is not concerned about such threats, as the Federal Ministers believe Australia holds the controlling hand, Japan being a large importer only of wool and wheat. In a subsequent address to a public meeting, Sir Henry said Australia did not desire to exclude Japanese goods. More than half Australia's requirements of artificial silk and a large proportion of cotton piece goods would be left for Japanese exporters. All Australia claimed was that this great market could not be given entirely to a country which, outside wool and wheat, was a sparing purchaser of Australian produce. It was far better to show courage now than to allow, competition to become unmanageable. Australia's action was merely defensive. TOKIO, June 3 A message from Hsinking states thai the Manchukuo Government has decided to restrict imports of Australian wheat and will introduce a licence system. This follows a decision to support Japan's tariff policy against Australia.