FREE STATE DOUBTS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 87, 7 January 1935, Page 7

FREE STATE DOUBTS

Value of Trade Bargain

SOME DISSATISFACTION (Received January 6. 6 20 p.m.) London, January 5. The Dublin correspondent of “The Times” says that the first feelings ot relief at news of the Anglo-Irish agreement have been succeeded by some dissatisfaction. It was at first assumed that the agreement involved the re moral of the duties, which would be ot real value, genuinely relieving the Free State's farmers, ami would have been a blessing to consumers. However, opinion is growing that the Free State made a bad bargain, receiving little or nothing for a substantial concession to Britain. “Obviously I am pleased with the new Anglo-Irish agreement.” said Mr. J. H. Thomas, Dominions Secretary, to the "Daily Mail.” He added: “I want to see the Free State playing its part as a member of the British Commonwealth.” He refused to prophesy regarding a settlement of the' Anglo-Irish dispute. The arrangement reached whereby the Irish Free State will import all its coal from the United Kingdom, while the quota of Free State cattle entering the United Kingdom will be increased, has been welcomed by Free State business circles, says a British official wireless message Free State newspapers express much-gratification at the measure, which will give great relief, to the Irish cattle trade, and describe it a--> (he first sensible step since the beginning of the “economic war.” "Tlie Times” thinks the agreement reflects credit on all concerned, and is a sensible recognition that the two countries are natural customers of each other. PAST YEAR’S TRADE Record Adverse Balance Ixmdon. January 4. The Free State's adverse trade balance for the year ending November 30 was £20,146,043, constituting a record The imports were £38,798,023, and exports £18,651,980.