BRITISH TRADE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19817, 8 December 1919, Page 7

BRITISH TRADE.

* OVERSEAS DEPARTMENT. AMERICAN COMPETITION. By Tolcgr&ph—Press Association—Copyright Renter's Telegram?., LONDON, December 4. Major-General Sir Newton Moore giive a luncheon for Sir Hamar Greenwood,' Secretary of the Oversea Trade Department of tlio House of Commons, colonel L. S. Amory, Sir Thomas Mackenzie and the Agents-Genorai were present. Sir Newton Moore congratulated the Government on establishing a department from which quick decisions could be obtained. This was formerly impossible, owing to the overlapping ol departments. America was extremely active in canvassing I rude centres whore formerly Britain had no rival. He urged that the overseas representatives should be regularly consulted in regard to trade matters. Sir Hamar Greenwood in replying said that the .Americans wen l our fiercest and most efficient eompetitois in world trade. AVhile we were fighting for our lives America was absorbing the wealth of the world and securing markets which she had never before possessed. But, he said, our sacrifices were worth the cost. The British Empiro was the greatest factor m the enemy's defeat. He would do what ho could to secure from 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 lie believed that a comparatively small assistance, would realise extraordinary results. If we did not have an Imperial policy there was something wrong with the country. He did not think that America had realised all that she had expected in the way of trade since the cessation of hostilities. He would like to see the Agents-Gen-eral and the High Commissioners a. more corporate body. They could thus assist trade development because they possessed knowledge which untravellcd people did not possess. He considered that tho shipping difficulty would soon disappear. Colonel L. S. Amory (Under-Secre-tary for tho Colonies) said ho believed tnat our position was intrinsically stronger than that of the United States. "It we make the utmost use of our resources,” ho declared, “we will leave that country standing still, notwithstanding our present handicap. Me must supply the dominions with all the man-power they need and thev "'ll Rl, pply all the materials.” Sir Thomas Mackenzie contrasted tho warm reception business men received in America compared with their reception in Britain. He complimented Sir Hamar Greenwood and expressed a hope that he would soon sweep awav the aloofness which had formerly been displayed towards the overseas representatives in trade matters-