TRADE NEGOTIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 24 March 1933, Page 5

TRADE NEGOTIATION

A REQUEST MADE TO SENATE.

(United Press Association— 3y Electric Telegraph—Copyright.)

NEW YORK, March 22.

The “New York Times’ ” Washington, correspondent says: The State department made the announcement to-day that the Administration would request from Congress a definition of certain limits within which it (the Administration) can effectively negotiate reciprocal' commercial 'agreements arid other treaties.

Thio announcement is characterised by observers as being the definite end of whlat Europe call's “pig 1 in a poko” treaty making, which haS been an outstanding characteristic of the American foreign policy since the Versailles Treaty fiasco in Congress. ' As to the forthcoming’tariff, debt, and trade concessions and other’negotiations of the President, ’lie will merely get :advance “advice”" from Congress, telling him how far he can go, which, in effect, will pledge Congress to . ratify any treaty . after the President and his advisers have completed the negotiations. ' - It js recalled that President Roosevelt was a member of President' Wll- - administration, and that he has closely 'observed why the Versailles' Treaty failed ' to pass-'the- .United States Sen a tec At that time the for eign observers were.astounded at the fact that President.WilsonV signature to the Versailles .Treaty did not mean its (ratification of America, .Since then they, the foreigners, have been suspicious of American treaty making. President Roosevelt intends to obviate the vagaries of the Senate. by this expedient of getting permission in 'advance. A <■i i) '■

President Roosevelt’s problem will be ! to form treaties in oxact accord- ' ance ; with the nature of the Congress •permission. Otherwise, Congress could refuse'its sanction:'; but with the. cooperation of-an Advisory-. Commission, it is believed that the President' :can effect agreements calculated to stand this' test. : v-.' To-day Senator Hull (Secretary, of Btate) admitted that - conversations have been conducted with foreign en- , voys,; which were ‘'preliminary exploratory and even desultory,” but be said, they may be followed soon by bilateral discussions with Britain concerning the war, debts, these depending upon when Britain comes forward with definite proposals. Senator Hull is tending to subordin. - ate the war debts to general economic matters, a”d he will ■ not iyieH fi’em into the World Economic Conference, as the debtors of America are relatively few, Compared with over fifty prospective participants in the World Conference,

The administration is represented -\rs being Convinced that unless the nations awake to the dislocated 1 conditions of exchange currency and other obstructions to trade, a return to a better international finance and commerce condition will be delayed.

NEW MINISTER TO BRITAIN

WASHINGTON, March 23.

The Senate late on Wednesday confirmed, Mr Bingham’s appointment as Ambassador to' Britain . His confirmation came after Senator McNary withdrew his previous objections that wet e based bn the absence of Senator Borah laifter he had been advised that Senator .Borah had no objection to, Mr Bingham. >

RECIPROCITY IN TRADE,

WASHINGTON, March 22. State Department officials said today that they hoped to secure legislation shortly, authorising the Administration' to negotiate reciprocal commercial treaties based on mutual tariff concessions.

Officials would not. connect the question of reciprocal tariffs with that of war debts, but the impression (prevailed that tariff advantages wpuhl. be discussed when American debtors press their claims for a revision. ... It was 1 made clear by the Depart- • ment, that the' American Government would' emphasise a® most important •the removal of trade barriers and exchange restrictions, hampering the free movement of goods.

y THE NEW BEER LAW

WASHINGTON, March 22

President Roosevelt signed the Beer Bill to-day. legalising beverages to be sold, where not otherwise prohibited as the clock strikes midnight on April <3.

Fourteen States allow beer, which must be held at 3.2 per cent, alcohol by weight, or 4 per . cent, by volume.

U.e.A. FARM BONDS.

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright)

(Received March 24 at 8 a.m.) WASHINGTON, March 2.3. Speaker Rainey told newspapermen to-day- that the Treasury was considering, and Congress will shortly 'receive, a recommendation frpm Mr Roosevelt for the. enactment of a farm mortgage refinancing plan, callfor, possible .issuance of two billion dollars worth, of bonds.

ROOSEVELT’S MOVE *