TRADE WITH AMERICA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 125, 28 May 1936, Page 7

TRADE WITH AMERICA

AUSTRALIA DISSATISFIED CANBERRA, May 15. Since the Great War, Australia has been dissatisfied with its trade _ relationships with America. There is a trade balance of nearly ten million pounds a year in favour of the United States, which sells to this country an enormous cable of motor-cars, motion pictures, oil and other goods, while heavily taxing Australian products. The United States also runs its ships freely between the British countries of Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, although at the same time it prohibits all except United States ships between American ports and also between the United States and Honolulu. Australia is anx’ous to promote friendliness with the United States, and it asked the Roosevelt Government recently to enter into negotiations for a trade treaty. According to reports the request elicited no response. Thereupon the Minister of Customs (Sir H. Gullett) announced that he would submit an amended tariff, putting higher duties on United States products. The announcement led to vigorous protests from people who recognise the unfairness of the trade position but who believe that further efforts to get a response from the United States will be successful. They are anxious to promote goodwill across the Pacific. The matter is tentatively in abeyance, but it is thought that matters cannot remain as they are.