EMPIRE PREFERENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 June 1923, Page 3

EMPIRE PREFERENCE.

GENERAL SMUTS’ VIEWS. [ R butebs Telegrams.] (Received this day at 9.-15 a.m.) CAPETOWN. June 21. In the Assembly General Smuts initiated a discussion upon flic agenda for the forthcoming Economic Conference. Referring to reciprocal preference between tho various parts of tin* Empire, lie declared that preference hitherto had been largely to the advantage of Britain rather than to Dominion producers. He was sure the question of Imperial preference was going to be raised. The position South Africa would adopt would he to welcome any assistance the British people could give in the way of preference to South African products. Owing to the British fiscal policy the field for preference was of the smallest and the most limited. "I hat was where the qucstitiu would arise and Australia and New Zealand were going to press more strongly for a very much stronger measure of preference being accorded to their products. South Africa was not going to press the British GovernenL to change their fiscal policy which was a question the people of Britain must settle; but lie was going to point- out. from tin.* Dominion’s point of view, that large advantages would accrue for the Empire Irom a widened preference to .South Africa. In regard to the fiscal policy in general he would adopt the same line as Canada had done. He emphasised that the development of South Africa would require the very wide expansion of their markets throughout the world. Whatever arrangements they might make at the Conference they would not he of an exclusive character. They had at present- preference to Britain and reciprocity with the Dominions. but it might he that In years to come they would have to reshape (heir policy on diflorout fiscal lines, and so the ilcnr should he left open to develop trade with other countries. The policy should he i<*shaoed so as to make it. possible to distinguish between touutries who treat os badly.

General Smut, stressed the need fin better Empire shipping and other "ominunientions. Properly regulated. OtoiM*as settleent was foreshadowed. The Government proponed to appoint a Trade Commissioner for the I 11 i ted Slates and Canada.