CHANGE IN DENMARK.

Waikato Times, Volume 112, Issue 18723, 25 August 1932, Page 8

CHANGE IN DENMARK.

FREE TRADE POLICY. OSLO CONVENTION DOOMED. OTTAWA CONFERENCE RESULT. United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright. MONTREAL, August 23. It is reported that Denmark on September 1 intends to institute a sweeping free trade policy as a result of the Ottawa Conference. The Danish Con-sul-General has unofficially learned that the change has been considered. Cattle, coffee, rice, raw tobacco, fodder, pig iron, raw metals seeds and fruits for oil pressing are to be admitted free. This will create the most important free market in Europe. Canadian business men already are after trade. Denmark’s move is interpreted as the break-up of the trade relations established by the Oslo Convention binding Denmark Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg under a preferential customs duties agreement. Sweden previously allowed the Swedish-German and Swedish-Polish pacts to lapse. The Oslo Convention was signed on December 22, 1930. The chief object was to prevent increases in customs duties, the Powers concerned undertaking not to raise them beyond their existing level and not to introduce new duties without first giving each other the opportunity to exchange views and opinions. Each was free, however, to impose certain revenue duties wilhotit previous notification. It was considered that the Oslo agreement would set an example to other nations and a protocol was signed in which the various Governments declared themselves willing to support and’ encourage international efforts to minimise obstacles in the way of trade.