BRITISH TRADE

Hokitika Guardian, 22 July 1933, Page 5

BRITISH TRADE

PLAN WITH SOVIET

DISCUSSION IN THE HOUSE.

lUnitvjd Press Association—By Electrio

Telegraph—Copyright)

LONDON, July 20

In the Commoiis, Air Baldwin said the House would adjourn on July 28 until November 7. In the event of a trade agreement with Russia being signed during the recesss, opportunity would be given to the House for discussion before ratification.

In the Lords, Lord Newton said that throughout the existence of the Soviet it had conducted a deliberate swindle. The recent arrests of British subjects should have precluded a commercial treaty; instead of which Britain should have insisted on a heavy indemnity. if Mussolini or Hitler had done one-lmndredth part of wlmt the Soviet had done, the Labour party would have demanded the breaking off of all intercourse. In the House of Lords members inquired regarding the basis of which negotiations for an Anglc-Russian trade agreement are to bo conducted. Several of their Lordships urged that ) before concluding such an agreement a condition pfieceflent ti> it should bo a recognition, by the Soviet Government of public and private debts that were owed to Great Britain.

Replying, Lord Londonderry said that on the general subject of the British attitude towards Russian trade, he could not agree with those who said that they should wipe out Russia- from Britain’s trade purview, and leave the Russians to occupy their own position in the world. He could assure their Lordships that the negotiations would he carried out on an equitable basis, under which trade could be developed in a satisfactory manner. No permanent commercial treaty would be made without a settlement of the Russian debt.

COMPETITION FOR JAPAN BRITISH MOVE FOR A CHECK LONDON, July 21. The question of Japanese competition was raised in the House of Commons by -Mr T. Levy (Conservative), who declares that it was a menace to the colonies. He said that two valuable British industries, silk and cotton. were being killed by there being a low standard of wages and of conditions of life in Japan. Sir P, Cunliffe Lister (Colonial Secretary) said that he, in conjunction with the Board of Trade, was engaged in negotiations with the Japanese Government, which he hoped would be successful. If they were not, it was certain that the Government would be prepared to take whatever steps were considered wessary to protect British interests, J-Jc said that Japane* competition was serious. It must be dealt with as a separate proposition.