REALITIES IN TRADE AND DEFENCE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20106, 13 May 1935, Page 5

REALITIES IN TRADE AND DEFENCE

APPEAL FOR INTRA-IMPERIAL CO-OPERATION United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph —Copyright LONDON, May 10. The Silver Jubilee celebrations offer a unique opportunity for revising the Dominion representation in London, Lord Strathspey told the “Sun-Herald” News Service. “Hitherto, the Dominions have not exactly received a fair deal,” he said. “Britain is too inclined to trade with foreigners at their expense. I suggest that the High Commissioners should be offered seats in the House of Lords, and that the Dominions be empowered to select a representative to sit in the House of Commons. Empire representatives would vote on Imperial questions, and act as observers when domestic matters are discussed. Straight talks in Parliament from Dominion representatives would help to bring members of the Cabinet face to face with realities, especially when foreign commitments in trade or other matters are being discussed.” Conference Mooted Several questions dealing with Imperial defence were discussed at a meeting between Mr Ramsay Macdonald and the Dominions’ Prime Ministers, including many details referring to the Committee of Imperial Defence. BRITAIN’S MEAT IMPORTS STRONG LETTER FROM AUSTRALIA United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, May 10. The “Sun-Herald” News Service learns that the Commonwealth delegation has sent a strong letter to the British Government in connection with the deadlock in negotiations over Australian meat exports to Britain. The letter, which is a reply to the British proposals made on May 3, says, in effect, that no useful purpose could be served continuing the discussions. It is understood that the British Government’s attitude makes an agreement impossible. The British authorities want a combination of a levy and a restriction of imports. The Commonwealth Government continues to oppose any form of restriction. A meeting of Australian Ministers considered the latest suggestion from the British Government, which, while indicating that there is no substantial change in the latter’s attitude, at least provides scope for another AngloAustralian Ministerial conference, which is expected to be held on Monday. Unless noteworthy progress is achieved, then hopes of any large scale agreement must dissolve.