BRITISH TRADE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20964, 1 March 1930, Page 13

BRITISH TRADE

THE SOUTH AMERICAN FIELD. REPORT OF ECONOMIC MISSION. (British Official Wireless.) (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) RUGBY, February 27. (Received Feb. 2S, at 5.5 p.m.) The report was issued to-night of Lord D’Abernon’s economic mission to the Argentine, Brazil, and Uruguay. The report points out that as Britain is the largest customer for many South American products, she has a definite claim for favourable treatment. This claim is strengthened by the fact that, in strong contrast with most other importing countries, Britain now allows South American produce free entry to its vast market, and has hitherto refused to listen to those who advocate Customs duties against foreign produce. The mission is convinced that real advantage can be derived from negotiating on a reciprocal basis, either through block purchases similar to the system initiated in Buenos Aires or, still better, by stipulating concessions in return for advantages offered by Great Britain as a consumer. Reciprocity, the commission says, might become an essential feature of the British economic policy, in South America, each country endeavouring to assist the other by facilities and receiving in exchange an adequate return. Dr Trigoyen, with foresight and prescience, demonstrated the adherence of the Argentine Government to this policy by signing with the mission a trade agreement, whereby each country undertakes to buy up to £8,700,000 in value of the products of the other. _ Referring to the enormous potentialities of Brazil, the mission contrasts the high tariffs of that country with the absence of British tariffs against Brazilian produce. The mission recommends that on the British aide removal of the coffee duty should he sympathetically considered if Brazil shows signs of a reciprocal concession favouring the British. Regarding Uruguay, the mission suggests that the discussions on reciprocal treatment which they initiated should be continued. *

THE ADVISORY COUNCIL. RUGBY, February 27. (Received Feb. 28, at 5.5 p.m.) The Economic Advisory Council which was set up by the Prime Minister to coordinate work of the departments concerned with economic and industrial matters and to advise on trade matters, has begun its work, and has appointed an Imperial sub-committee, of which Sir Arthur Balfour is chairman. Sir Arthur, who is a well-known steel magnate, was chairman of the Government Committee on Industry and Trade in 1924.