ANGLO-AMERICAN SHIPPING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23175, 22 October 1938, Page 12

ANGLO-AMERICAN SHIPPING

More than passing interest attaches to Mr. J. P. Kennedy's remarks on the possibility of America and Britain coming to terms on shipping because, before going to London as United States Ambassador, Mr. Kennedy was chairman of the American Maritime Commission. In a speech markedly friendly to Britain, addressed to the Navy League, the Ambassador admitted there was room for more harmonious relations in shipping. He pointed to the Anglo-American naval accord and the development of North Atlantic air services on a complementary basis and added: "There is no reason' why we should not come -to terms on mercantile shipping." Such an agreement would certainly be heartily welcomed by the British Empire, although London has in the past found it uncommonly hard to deal with Washington in this department of trade. That is because Britain is not yet prepared to go all the way with America when, speaking through Mr. Kennedy, the latter says: "Shipping, instead of a business, has become an adjunct to- national defence." Britain would still prefer to regard shipping as a business—one making an important contribution to the national income—although she needs no reminding of its importance in defence. "The sea is our life." Unfortunately other nations besides America have since the Great War come to regard shipping less as a business and more as "an adjunct to national defence." It is becoming increasingly difficult for British shipping to keep its independence as a business enterprise and hold its place against State-subsidised fleets. So, for defence reasons, Britain may feel compelled to accept the American thesis in part while seeking to retain the healthful spirit and vigour induced by the old idea of self-reliance and free competition.