TRADE WITH CHINA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 249, 21 October 1936, Page 7

TRADE WITH CHINA

THE BRITISH DRIVE EXPORTS CREDITS PLAN REPRESENTATIVE TO BE SENT. [British Official Wireless] RUGBY, Oct. 19. The Exports Credit Department has announced that it has appointed representatives to go out to China to examine and consider on the spot proposals submitted for guarantees in connection with the export of United Kingdom goods. The new representative, who will work in close contact with the commercial counsellor to the British Embassy, will make any detailed investigations required and assist, if necessary, with the negotiations. He will not initiate propositions or seek orders, but will be solely concerned with the financial and economic merits of the proposals for the export of United Kingdom goods. Exports to China have always been within the scope of thd scheme, and the present appointment simply provides machinery for facilitating its application. The announcement points out that the Export Credits Guarantee Department deals with exporters in the United Kingdom only, and adds: ‘‘There is no truth in the reports which have been in circulation that a loan or credit has been negotiated with the Chinese Government.” The department has appointed as representative, Mr. W. M. Kirkpatrick, who for many years represented British commerecial and financial interests abroad. Mr. Kirkpatrick’s appointment will necessitate his resigning his seat in Parliament which he has held since 1931 as one of two Conservative members for Preston. This makes the fifth by-election pending. The Daily Telegraph regards Mr. Kirkpatrick’s appointment, which is the only one of its kind, as an indication of a new drive for trade. It is considered that the more stable Chinese conditions are now favourable for large developments of electrifications, drainage systems, and railways, for which Germany, Belgium, and Czechoslovakia are bidding.