CATTLE FOR COAL.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20540, 15 February 1935, Page 1

CATTLE FOR COAL.

Door is Still Open for Negotiation. United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, February 13. Referring to the coal-cattle pact, Mr Eamonn de Valera told the Dail Eireann that there was no immediate hope of future agreements, though there was an obvious case for further negotiation in view of the increased receipts to Britain from special duties. Mr de Valera admitted that new representations had been made to Great Britain in view of the fact that she would gain considerably by the increased price of imported cattle if the penal charges remained. Asked whether the dut}- of 5s a ton on British coal would continue, Mr de Valera replied that it would not be wise to say that there would be any change. The “Daily Express” says that the Free Sta f e High Commissioner in London (Mr Dulanty) has been negotiating for some weeks to secure a reduction of the B -itish duties on Irish cattle. It is believed that these would lead to further trade agreements, the largest aiming at an increased market for British plant and heavy machinery. Mr J. H. Thomas (Dominions Secretarjri, when informed of Mr de Valera’s statement, said that the door was still open. It is expected that Mr Thomas will make a further reference at a luncheon engagement to-day. The “Daily Telegraph” says that certain private individuals have been at work behind the scenes.