The Dominion THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1916. STRANGLING ENEMY TRADE

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2888, 28 September 1916, Page 4

The Dominion THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1916. STRANGLING ENEMY TRADE

. Thb official notification published in our cable columns of fresh measures which have been adopted in connection with the, war against enemy trade is a welcome indication that the resolutions carried at tho great Economic Conference hold at Paris.in June last are quickly going to bear fruit. The Conference submitted for the approval of the Allied Governments three sets of resolutions: (1) Measures'for tho war period 1 ; (2) transitory measures,for tho period of reconstruction j '(3) permanent measures for mutual assistance and collaboration among the Allies. Tho new regulation with reference to goods exported from certain specified countries to the United Kingdom and other parts of tho British Empty-© is, of course, a war measure. It is designed to prevent the importation of goods in which anyone with whom trade is prohibited has an interest. Tho Pans Conference agreed that the Allies will prohibit their own subjects and citizens and all persons residing within their territories from carrying on trade with: (1) Inhabitants of enemy countries, whatever their nationality; (2) enemy subjects wherever resident; (3) persons, firms, and companies whose business is controlled wholly or partially by enemy subjects, oils subject to enemy .influence, and whose names are included in a special list. The list referred to is no doubt the "black list" about which a good deal has,been heard recently. The outcry against it which has been raised in certain quarters is a sure proof that it is an effective weapon, The latest blow at enemy trade is in accordance with the decision of tho Conference that the Allies shall prohibit the_ importation into their territories of all goods orginating in or :oming from enemy countries. This prohibition has been in force in a general way ever since the beginning of the war, but it is a difficult matter to frustrate all tho secret machinations of our cunning and unscrupulous foe, and tho Imperial authorities are endeavouring to jounteraot every conceivable device oy means of which C4erraany may endeavour to save herself from commercial strangulation. In one of Ihe first speeches which Mr. Hughes delivered on his return to Australia from his recent visit to Europe he declared that tho Paris Conference lad formulated the terms of an economic treaty which would revolutionise not only trade between the allies and the Central Powers, but ilso the economic fabric of the Alies. He laid great stress upon the necessity of getting to work immediately. "'lf wo act promptly," ie said, "tho resolutions can be nado an effective weapon against iur enemies during the war. They :an shorten the duration of the far, and assure to the Allies. tho truits of victory, economic independence after the war, and tho gating peace of the world." The (lilies have been looking to Britain for a strong and firm lead in this patter, and it is satisfactory to ind that the Imperial authorities realise tho gravity of tho responsibility cast upon them. The resolutions of the Paris Conference formed tho subject of a ughly-important debate which took ilaco on August 3 in tho House of Doramons. In tho course of what vas evidently a carefully-prepared ipeech, Mr. , Asqctith announced ihat tho resolutions had been fornally and publicly adopted by the British and French 'Governments. 4s far as tho war period was con»rned, they had resulted in the strengthening of tho existing measures, particularly by the prohibition of trade witli onemy subjects, ■vherever resident, and steps were icing taken to extend the "black ist.' Mr. Asquith's references to ;he preparations which aro being nado for tho coming trade war ivero extremely interesting. The British (Government is in communi:ation wioh the Dominions and with India on the subject of tho Paris resolutions, and ,when tho Oommitieo to which the pf com-

raercial and industrial policy ■ has been referred presents its report a . conference will be held in London between tho Imperial authorities • and representatives of the Dominions and India for the purpose of discussing the whole problem of Empire trade. . Mr. Asqcith disclosed the very significant fact that the resolutions passed by the Paris Conference regarding tho most-favoured-nation treatment, dumping, and unfair competition, and the 'adop- . tionof measures rendering the Allies independent of Germany were put forward by the British representative, and had been drafted by Mr. Runci'jian himself. This seems to indicate that Britain means business, and is prepared to make big departures in trade policy. In reply to the suggestion that he had thrown over his free-trade principles, Mr. Asquith evoked hearty applause by his contention that it would be pedantry if we were to say that we had forgotten nothing and learnt nothing from such a •war .as this. It would be worse than' pedantry, it would be sheer stupidity. What answer is the slavish supporter of out-and-out free-tirade going to give to the blunt question put to him by Mr. Bonar Law? "Is it suggested that directly the 'war is over German goods are to come in horo as before V Such free-trade madness would not be tolerated by any sane person fully alivb to the position. We have promised to co-operato with our Allies in the coming commercial struggle, and free-trade with our enemies would be treachery to our friends. Sir Edward Carson has reminded us that "we have now got a clean .slate as rogards treaties with our.enemies. Let us take care what we put upon it."