FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1916. TRADE CONSULTATIONS IN LONDON

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2716, 10 March 1916, Page 4

FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1916. TRADE CONSULTATIONS IN LONDON

The Commonwealth Prime Ministor (Mh. Hughes), who is at present in England, has some "very definite ideas and concrete proposals" to place before the British Government on the question of Empire trade, and- although not empowered to speak for Canada and New Zealancl he says he is in a position to state their views, having discussed the matter with Sir Robert Borden and Mr. Massey. There seems to be a general feeling that a full discussion of tho questions involvedshould take place as soon as possible in order that the foundations of an Empire trade policy may bo laid. The reply of Mh. Asquith to a deputation representing commercial and industrial interests shows that the British Government realises that it must, without much further delay, come to some decision regarding Britain's future trade relations with the overseas Dominions, with our Allies, and with neutral and enemy countries. _ Mr. Asquith thinks it would be inexpedient to make a definite announcement on this vitally important matter until the views of the Dominions and the Empire's Allies have been ascertained. British Ministers have so 'far been rather reticent in their references to the coming campaign against German trade. Perhaps the most definite Ministerial utterance on the subject is a statement made by Mr. RunciMAh, the President of the Board of Trade, during the debate on a motion _by Mr. Hewins asking the British Government to consult with the Governments of the Dominions "in order to bring the whole economic strength of the Empire into cooperation with our Allies in a policy directed against the enemy." Mr. Runcijian ( recognised the necessity of taking measures to cope with a fresh outbreak of economic war on the_ part of Germany against the Allies. Ho .said that British traders had already done much to capture German trade .abroad, and that the Empire had regained and would keep control of its own resources. It ought, he declared, to be part of our national organisation that we should have within the Empire all the essential industries. Leaving general principles and coming to particular measures, Mr. Runciman stated that the patent laws and shipping _ legislation must be improved with the object of depriving tho Germans of certain advantages which they have hitherto enjoyed to the detriment of British industries. Mr. Runoiman laid stress also upon the necessity of seeking the co-opera-tion of the Dominions in these matters. , As conferences and negotiations must take place sooner or later in regard' to tr'ade problems, the British Government is desirous of being in a position to act as spokesman for the whole Empire, and not merely for the United Kingdom. But before the Imperial authorities can speak for tho Dominions they must have full and clear knowledge of the points of view of each Dominion on tho questions which will come up for consideration. ' The Australian Prime Minister will place before the British Cabinet an authoritative exposition of the Commonwealth's ideas and expectations, regarding the commercial reorganisation of the Empire. Sir Robert Borden will announce Canada's proposals and wishes. .What is the New Zealand Government doing? The time for definite action appears to have come. The trade relationships between tho Empire and other countries arc to bo discussed at an important conference to be held in Paris shortly, and it was recently announced that the. Imperial Council of Commerce had matured plans for a conference in London in June next to discuss the retention and extension of trade within the Empire, the aim being to frame and adopt a common policy preparing the way for further action in connection with the Congress of 1917. These fixtures, taken in conjunction with the visits of the Canadian and Australian Prime Ministers and tho movement in favour of the creation of the office of Minister of Commerce in Britain, point to the possibility of important developments. New Zealand cannot afford to keep in the background much longer, and there seems to be no good reason why our Government should not take the necessary steps to place its views on commercial policy before the British Cabinet as directly and authoritatively as the Governments of Australia ancl Canada. Mr._ Massey stated yesterday'that it is quite possible that 1 arliament may meet earlier than usual this year, but this depends upon circumstances which he cannot at present _ make public. This sort of vague indefiniteness is not inspiring. Other of the overseas Dominions can spare their Prime Ministers in the thick of tho war. They have their difficulties and emergencies to meet, but these do not prevent their representatives going to London to discuss the urgent matters under consideration there. Here we have the advantage of a National Government, and it is astonishing to hear all this talk about the difficulties in tho way of the Prime Minister and tho Minister of Finance leaving for London. Mr. Asquith says it is most desirable that he and his colleagues should hear what the 1 remicrs of Australia, New ZeaSouth Africa have to say. It is' obyiouu that this is the case. A peculiarly favourable opportunity tor effective consultation now presents itself, and it is quite time that the New Zealand Government : made up its mind and announced its intentions.