BRITISH DELEGATES

Hokitika Guardian, 29 August 1932, Page 5

BRITISH DELEGATES

DISCUSS OTTAWA

UPON RETURN FROM OTTAWA.

(United Pi ess Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.)

LONDON, August 27

An authority, who Ims been.in the closest touch with developments at Ottawa, interviewed on the liner. Cherbourg, expressed the opinion that the Conlereiiee had created a strong foundation on which the Empire Governments could build an even stronger policy of economic co-operation. it was noteworthy that common principles had been approved, including classification and interpretation of tariff's, and the agreement not to return to the gold standard until certain conditions had been fulfilled was also a remarkable achievement. The very fact that some were openly expressing disappointment with the results was the best proof that, the Conference had been a success.

The Empress of Britain clocked at Southampton at mid-day amid a deafening chorus of welcome from the sirens of a hundred steamers, while flags dipped in salute and aeroplanes and flying boats swooped overhead, Tho Mayor and the corporation gave tho returning delegates a civic welcome. Before they disembarked Mr Baldwn said: “Wo were a very happy and united team. We did not care who made tho runs' provided that the runs were made, and wo hope and believe that we have done a useful work.” Mr J. H. Thomas said that the Conference had been a huge success from every point of view, and added: ‘‘Under the guise of card 'parties, 1 have been talking with the Irish every day. I had hoped that my proposals would have resulted in a . settlement there, but I am quite sure that they cleared tho ground and that' the discussions have done good. I certainly did not shut the door to any avenue of peace.” The Prime Minister, having flown from Lossiemouth-, arrived at Waterloo station just a-s the boat train from • Southampton, with the four members of the British delegation to Ottawa, drew alongside. Sir John Simon, who, in another aeroplane had alsp flown to London from Lossiemouth, joined Mr MacDonald’s party, which . included several members of the Cabinet. The King was represented by Lord Hampden. During the afternoon the Prime Minister met in turn each of the delegates and to-morrow a meeting of Cabinet will be hold for more formal consideration of fjhe work of what is likely to prove an historic conference.

The conclusion, of the Ottawa Conference marks the end of- an important phase in the re-organisation of interEmpire trade, hut the task of putting into effect the Ottawa decisions must involve the Governments of Britain and the Dominions jn heavy work during the next few weeks. Meanwhile the framework of economic relations, within the Empire having been settled it has become possible for the Government in Britin to proceed with its efforts to promote Britain’s world trade through negotiations with other Powers, for a mutual reduction of tariffs.