MR BRUCE IN AMERICA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23690, 23 December 1938, Page 9

MR BRUCE IN AMERICA

SUCCESS OF VISIT TALKS ON TRADE MATTERS WASHINGTON, Dec. 21. (Received Dec. 22, at 10.30 p.m.) An impression prevails that Mr Bruc«’s visit here was what the French would call “ Succes d’ estime,” and this term is used in a highly complimentary sense, for it is widely admitted that he effectively impressed all those with whom he conversed concerning trade matters that a treaty between the United States and Australia transcended in importance the mere commercial items it might contain. Mr Bruce told the Australian Associated Press that he found almost universal willingness and desire to conclude some arrangement, but he was compelled to recognise that the present moment was not propitious. The basic difficulty remains the fact that both countries produce similar products. It appears that Mr Bruce feels that something concise is not without the realm of practical possibility and it seems that he feels that too much time should not be allowed to elapse before writing some sort of instrument. Now that he is familiar with the situation the ground will be cleared, for a useful instrument if some future occasion make such advance possible.

THE CASE FOR AMERICA TIME NOT OPPORTUNE WASHINGTON. Dec. 22. (Received Dec. 23, at 0.15 a.m.) While American officials recognise that there will be deep disappointment in Australia concerning the present unreadiness of the United States to undertake trade treaty negotiations, there is an earnest desire that the Australian people should genuinely understand the situation. American sources stressed to the Australian Associated Press that it would be mischievous to intimate that the United States “let Australia down or that Mr Bruce’s visit was abortive.” Political considerations, such as the possibility of an outstanding Democratic victory in the 1940 Presidential election, the- similarity of products, and a .host of technical difficulties over negotiations make an agreement impractical now. It is recognised that the United States ultimately must make concessions to Australia in order to retain a profitable Australian market for manufactured goods. Eighteen months hence such concessions may be easy, whereas to-day they might mean political suicide. The Australian Associated Press says it is understood that the Australian authorities have made a minute investigation of the Ameri-. can market for wool and meat, and contemplate a study of butter, and possibly fruit and wines. It is understood that on the basis that America’s highest importation of wool from Australia is approximately 75,000,0001 b in one year, Australian sources feel that an assurance of 8 per cent, reduction in the duty now that American wool prices are near import parity, even if the United States fixed a 50,000,0001 b quote, would give Australia a profitable wool market here. Concerning meat, it is felt that if Australia could obtain h per cent, quota of America’s 6,000,000,0001 b annual consumption she could meet price competition successfully here.