NO DIVISION

Southland Times, Issue 21771, 28 July 1932, Page 7

NO DIVISION

BRITISH DELEGATION MISLEADING CANADIAN COMMENT MAJOR ISSUES UNDECIDED (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) Ottawa, July 26. Some Canadian newspapers comment inaccurately that they see the British delegation divided between free trade and protection, whereas the fundamental object of the conference is to readjust the preference. They describe Mr Walter Runciman as still an ardent free trader with Mr Stanley Baldwin leaning in that direction, while Mr Neville Chamberlain is a stalwart champion of his illustrious father s policy. The British delegation resents the imputation that the team work at Ottawa is imperilled by former individual views. The delegates have adopted a national outlook or rather an Empire outlook, which frankly admits that the position is hopeless unless all units can agree on a policy of mutual helpfulness. Another Ottawa despatch regarded regretfully by the Britishers reads: “Although Britain has not yet disclosed her hand she is expected to show a reluctance to go as far as Canada wishes in preserving, if not heightening, the tariff walls against foreigners, particularly the United States, adding that Canada is also concerned, believing that Britain is averse to lessening British purchases in Russia, the Argentine and Denmark. This attitude may prove a real stumbling block to the Conference.” It is learned on the highest authority that Britishers have not yet reached a final decision on any of these major questions coming before the conference. The influential Montreal Gazette, commenting editorially on an Ottawa correspondent’s despatch, says: The conference at the very outset reached a critical stage. Responsible correspondents naturally and properly are painting the picture in the softest colours, but it is becoming evident that if Ottawa is to overcome obstacles already encountered some of the viewpoints expressed must undergo radical modifications. If the complications which have arisen are as formidable as some despatches imply, the co-operative spirit seems certain to undergo a much more severe test than was contemplated when the conference opened. The uncertainty which surrounds the attitude of the British delegation appears to be. hampering the conference and creating a situation for which the word ‘critical is not too strong.” All the delegations consider that the foregoing is far from fact. The conference is getting to grips with vital business and is in perfect harmony.