DANUBE STATES

Hokitika Guardian, 15 September 1932, Page 5

DANUBE STATES

BRITAIN REFUSES TO ENTER TARIFF AGREEMENT. (United Press Association —By Electric - Telegraph—Copyright.)

LONDON; September 14., Regarding the conference at Tlxesa at (viiioh. representatives of fifteen countries are attending, with the object of finding a means of relieving the economic collapse in central and eastern European countries in th© Da-n/u----bian regions, Britain’s attitude has been indicated at the conference. On the ground that ishe is not prepared to offer any preferences on the Danubinn countries’ grain, or to contribute to any oommon fund for that purpose. Britain has refused to participate in the suggested lagreemtnt formulated by France, which, agreement is supported •by Germany. It appears as if Italy, Holland and Switzerland are likely to follow the lead of Britain, whose delegation have dedlared that the only remedy for the distress in th!e Danubian countries is a removal of trade barriers. Britain has also tolld the Conference Financial -Committee that she cannot discuss the question of the reduction either of the interest or the principal of the Dianuißilan States’ debts.

The “Daily Telegraph” emphasises that Britain for eleven years, granted the Danubian countries larger loans and credits, than any other Power hkd dome. It says that most of . the recipients are unable to pay even the interest on the money Britain lent. Moreover, all of them have imposed high tariff restrictions. In their foreign exchanges, they still retain the gold standard, which, the “Telegraph” says, is, not suited to their present conditions.