TARIFF STRUGGLE

Hokitika Guardian, 21 December 1931, Page 6

TARIFF STRUGGLE

BRITAIN AND FRANCE

(United Press Association. —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.)

PARIS, December 19

A British note to France, explaining the attitude on war debts an.) nm.(.ratio ns, emphasises British loans to Germany sjnce the war kept Germany solvent and Europe stable. France’s reparations from Germany have been paid from money lent by Britain to the Berlin Government. %

Britain’s note reminds France that Britain’s open door to imports helped to keep European trade going, But the tariff poi'icy of other countries no longer justifies a continuance of this course. Britain cannot afford any longer to carry immense burdens and interests of others. A general settlement (of war debts and reparations must be faced. Tire note is Marte friendly, and deals only with pimciples, leaving details to be settled Ly an international conference at the New Year. GERMAN CONCERN. BERLIN, December. 1? Although sympathising with the German claim for a discussion on the new British Customs duties, Britain has informed Germany that at presen. she does not see her way to negotiate on the matter with Germany, as any withdrawal of the duties is impossible. The Gorman reply maintains that Germany is entitled to a free hand in subsequent measures. The Centre Party in the Prussian Diet is already demanding a restriction on the imports of British coal to Germany as a retaliatory measure.