BRITAIN AND RUSSIA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 34, 9 February 1934, Page 5

BRITAIN AND RUSSIA

THE NEW TRADE TREATY HITCH IN NEGOTIATIONS SUPPLIES FOR THE EMBASSY. [British Official Wireless.] RUGBY, Feb. 7. The drafting of the An gio-Soviet trade agreement is now proceeding, and it is expected that the signing of the agreement will take place in London shortly. Sir John Simon stated in the House of Commons this afternoon that the conclusion of the agreement is now being delayed by the question of food supplies to the British Embassy at Moscow. He added: “Inasmuch as the Soviet Government seek to secure in their trade agreements with other countries privileges for their trade representatives, and in view of the fact that certain restrictions have been imposed on the purchase and importation of supplies by His Majesty’s representatives in the Soviet Union, the British Government has requested the Soviet Government to give an assurance that the necessary supplies would continue to be available at reasonable prices, and such supplies as they found it necessary to import would not be subject to import duties. The Soviet Government having declined to give such assurance, and as it is essential for the continuance of the satisfactory relations that proper treatment should be accorded His Majesty’s representatives, the Government have made their position clear to the Soviet Government in a formal Note.”