England's Commercial Treaties.

Feilding Star, Volume XIX, Issue 32, 6 August 1897, Page 2

England's Commercial Treaties.

o (Per Press Association.) London, Au£ust 0. In the House of Commons Mr Courtney directed attention to tbe denunciation of the commercial treaties between Britain, Germany and Belgium. He declared tbis action would lead to a battle of tariffs, to tho abolition of Free Trade in England and the disintegration of the Empire. Mr Chamberlain said the Colonial Premiers during their recent visit to London unanimously and earnestly recommended the denunciation of tbe treaties aod passed a most significant resolution to tbat effect, expressing a hope it would lead to the improvement of trade relations between the colonies and the mother land. Tbe Premiers bad promised to confer with their colleagues as to whether granting preferential treatment by the colonies to British products would secure that re.- It. The Government were acting upon the desires of tbe Colonial Premiers and immediately denounced the treaties. Mr Chamberlain added tbe fears expressed by Mr Courtney, were unjustified as tbe intention of tbe Government was merely to enable the colonies to accord preferential treatment to Britain if they were so disposed.