WORLD ECONOMICS

Southland Times, Issue 20172, 7 May 1927, Page 7

WORLD ECONOMICS

GENEVA CONFERENCE INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERA-TION URGED JAPAN WANTS FREE TRADE (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Rec. 8.1,0 p.m.) Geneva, May 5. Doctor von Siemen (Germany) and Frau Freundlich (Austria) at the Economic Conference urged the amelioration of Europe’s economic situation on a basis of international co-operation. Meinherr Zimmerman (Netherlands) advocated economic co-operation between the countries; of Central Europe. Mr Shizachi (Japan) suggested the re* moval or reduction of Customs barriers, equitable distribution of foodstuffs and raw materials, and abolition of discrimination against shipping, opening coastwise trade to the world’s commerce, and the stabilisation of exchanges. The Russian delegation protested against the police exaggerating the need for protective measures, and appealed to Sir Eric Drummond to secure their removal. Sir Max Muspratt emphasised Britain’s share in the world’s development, especially the mercantile marine serving the world and the development of loans, resulting in new resources of foodstuffs and raw materials especially those of a tropical nature being opened up to the world on the same terms as to Britain, enabling a higher standard of living to be enjoyed in Europe. Britain fully recognised other nations’ similar services to civilisation, but overseas trade meant more to Britain than to those others. Referring to present conditions in Britain, he emphasised the greater production in spite of shorter hours and more pleasure among workers, but there were still unemployed. Britain was ready to adapt herself if the depression was due to fundamental changes, but if artificial they must adopt a policy for the reinstatement of former conditions. Britain’s increased exports to the Dominions were not obtained at the expense of the world, as her proportion of the Dominions’ total exports was reduced. He added that Britain seeks a more prosperous world economically, and a more peaceful world. The conference could count on British support to every sound suggestion having these objects in view.— A. and N.Z. RUSSIANS PROTEST AGAINST OVERPROTECTION. (Rec. 8.0 p.m.) Moscow, May 5. The Mass Agency states that the Soviet’s Geneva delegates report that the police conditions deprive them of elementary freedom and the possibility of working. Indignation is expressed in Government circles, which consider that the unprecedented chicaneries and humiliating restrictions are a proof of the insincerity of the League’s invitation, indicating the creation of conditions preventing the delegation joining in the work. The Soviet has therefore instructed M. Ossinsky, the leader of the delegation, to demand, (1) that the League agree to reasonable methods of protection, and the abolition of the humiliating police measures restricting liberty; (2) an assurance of equality of conditions with other delegations; (3) equal participation in debates, otherwise the delegation will immediately depart. The Soviet also proposes to reconsider participation in the League’s Conference, especially those in Switzerland.—A. and N.Z. AUSTRALIAN INVESTIGATIONS. (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) London, May 6. The Commonwealth statistician is arranging to accompany Sir James Cook to Geneva for the purpose of a first hand study of the International Labour Office’s ideas and sickness insurance, also methods of statistical work.—A. and N.Z.