BE FAIR TO THE DOMINIONS

Stratford Evening Post, Volume I, Issue 76, 9 March 1931, Page 5

BE FAIR TO THE DOMINIONS

TARIFF IF NECESSARY BALDWIN STATES POLICY MUST STOP RUSSIAN TRADE Reed. 8.55 a.m. LONDON, March 8. REPUDIATING the charge that he was committed to a policy of withdrawal and surrender in India, Mr. StanleyBaldwin, speaking at Newton Abbot, said neither he nor the Conservative Party had the remotest intention of shuffling out of essential responsibilities or surrendering any essential safeguards. Many grave difficulties had to be surmounted before the realisation of the objective of an All-India Federation was achievable.

Meanwhile he intended to give full

support to the Government of India in maintaining law and order, and insist that any future settlement of the Indian Constitution shall contain a provision prohibiting unfair discrimination against British trade. He would be prepared to stop Russian compejti£k>n, even if it meant denouncing the Trade Treaty, as he believed Russia to be the greatest potential danger to Britain's industrial development.

He wanted a free hand to deal with the Dominions, even if it involved a tariff against foreign foodstuffs, and he thought they would be able eventually to make agreements securing the principal share in the Dominions' markets for Dominions and British manufactures. Mr. Baldwin concluded with an invitation obviously directed to the Liberals to join in the task of national restoration.