OVERSEAS TRADE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16611, 8 December 1919, Page 3

OVERSEAS TRADE.

NEW BRITISH DEPARTMENT. TO MEET AMERICAN COMPETITION. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. LONDON, Dec. 4. Sir Newton Moore gave a luncheon to Sir Hamar Greenwood (Secretary of the Overseas Trade Department) in the House of Commons. Air. L. C. M. Amery (Under-Secretary for the Colonies), Sh Thomas Mackenzie, and the oversea agents were present. Sir Newton Moore congratulated the Government on establishing tho department, from which quick decisions could be obtained. This was formerly impossible, owing to the overlapping of departments. America was extremely active in canvassing trade centres where formerly Britain had no rival. Ho urged that the overseas representatives should he regularly consulted in regard to trade matters. Sir Hamar Greenwood, in replying, said that the Americans were our fiercest and most efficient competitors in world: trade. While we were fighting for our lives America was absorbing the wealth of the world and securing markets which she never before possessed, but he said onr sacrifices were worth the cost. The British Empire was the * greatest factor in the enemy’s defeat. He would do what he could to secure the Empire the largest portion of trade for the Empire’s use. The Government could not now offer large subsidies for shipping. It would mean more taxation, but he believed that comparatively small assistance would realise extraordinary results. If we did not have an Imperial policy there was something wrong with the country. Ho did not think that America had realised all that she expected in the way of trade since the cessation of hostilities. He would like to see the Agents-Gcneral and the High Commissioners a more corporate body. They would thus assist trade development, because they possessed knowledge which untravelled people did not possess. He considered that the shipping difficulty would soon disappear.. Air. Amery said that he believed that onr position was intrinsically stronger than that of the United States. “Tf me make the utmost use of our resources,” he declared, “we shall leave that-coun-try standing still, notwithstanding our present handicap. We must supply the Dominions with all tho man-power they need, and they must supply all tho materials.” Sir Thomas Mackenzie contrasted the warm reception businessmen, received in America compared with their reception in Britain. He complimented Sir Hamar Greenwood and hoped that he wonld soon sweep away the aloofness which had formerly been displayed towards the overseas representatives in trade matters. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.