GERMAN PENETRATION

Waikato Times, Volume 88, Issue 13659, 13 December 1917, Page 5

GERMAN PENETRATION

MUST BE STOPPED. IN POST-WAR TRADE. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received Dec. 13, 8.40 a.m. LONDON, Dec. 12

In the House of Commons the NonFerrous Metals Bill, to prevent German interests ever again obtaining a deathgrasp on the vital industries which their control of metals before the war gave them, was read a second lime by 182 votes to 7i). Mr Walter Runciman, who was President of the Hoard of Trade in the Coalition Ministry, declared that the Bill was unworthy of the British nation. The Government should also consider how far it was in coniliet with Mr Wilson's economic policy. Mr Bonar Law, Chancellor of the Exchequer, declared that the Bill vns

h-tsi'il mi !'•:•' Par's Conference resolutions. He denied that il would interfore to any extent with trade, r>nd reiterated that we m:isl stop German penetration. It was essential to let our enemies know that we realised the

powers we had, and when the time came should not hesitate to use them. It was perfectly plain that many members of the House thought it would be the right thing after the war to deai with Germany precisely as in the past. Cries of "Never."

Mr Bonar Law added that the. Bill really raised a big issue of policy, and members had to decide whether they meant to make a change in their relations with Germany after the war.