COMMERCE CONGRESS

Evening Star, Issue 22461, 5 October 1936, Page 8

COMMERCE CONGRESS

FIRST BUSINESS SESSION THE SHIPPING PROBLEM SUBSIDIES OR ASSISTANCE RECOMMENDED [Per United Press Association."] WELLINGTON, October 5. The congress of the Chambers of Commerce of the British Empire commenced the business sessions to-day. The first subject was subsidies to shipping, several resolutions being embodied in one to the effect that— While reaffirming adherence to the principle of free, unrestricted, and unsubsidised ocean transport services, congress recommends to the Governments of the United Kingdom and the dominions that trade facilities to foreign shipping trading between Empire ports should only be granted to the shipping of those countries giving similar facilities to Empire shipping, and that they should, whether by subsidy or otherwise, afford such assistance as would enable the British Mercantile Marine to remain, as in the past, one of the greatest bulwarks of the Empire, whether in peace or war. The mover was Mr Spencer Watts (■Sydney), who particularly emphasised that what they wanted to get was similar treatment to that meted out_ to others—in other words, the application of the golden rule. They would prefer to have no discrimination against any flag, provided there was none against them. The seconder was Mr Seaman (Auckland), who dealt particularly with the disabilities that were being suffered by British shipping in the Pacific through America’s subsidies and between-ports restrictions to her own shipping, and loans. The resolution was supported by the Australian and New Zealand delegates. Sir T. Wilford put forth the suggestion that Britain, the world’s biggest purchaser, should use her purchasing power to secure equality to her shipping. She had the power if she had the will. The resolution was carried, with one dissentient. PACIFIC SHIPPING Sir Thomas Wilford then moved a resolution urging all the Governments concerned to take early action in the interests of British trade in the Pacific to preserve this link in the All Red shipping route. Mr Lunn (Auckland) seconded. During the discussion, Sir Montague Burton said if there were a resolution for a London conference, as suggested by Mr Wigglesworth, he would support it. Mr Emlyn Jones (Cardiff) moved an amendment that the whole question of British shipping in the Pacific be deferred until a conference has been arranged between the countries concerned, including the United States. The objection was raised that there was no saying where this would lead to, and the amendment was lost. The resolution was carried. Mr Jones (Cardiff, Swansea, and South Wales) expressed the wish that the problem was as simple as the supporters’ resolution made it appear. Ho made the point that there was grave danger by retaliation in the Pacific that they might drive the American nation into competition with shipowners in other parts of the world. They had not been as pure in Britain as wo were led to believe. Britain had been lending money cheaply abroad to build ships not required, and that brought its own Nemesis .in the end. What they should aim at was increased trade among British peoples. Mr Gibson (Leeds) strongly opposed this view. He thought Mr Jones overlooked their reaffirmation in the resolution of freedom in ocean transport. Mr Gibson agreed with Sir Thomas Wilford that British shipping in the Pacific must be maintained. . Mr Paxton (Sydney) gave the history of the Vancouver and ’Frisco services, and made the point _ that the main trouble was the suitability of competing ships for the passenger trade. He hoped the resolution would be earned unanimously, iust as worded. Mr Wigglesworth (London) suggested that a conference should be held in London as to what was the subsidy, and the form it should take.