Seeking a More Prosperous World

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 38, 7 May 1927, Page 11

Seeking a More Prosperous World

geneva discussions NATIONS’ ECONOMIC ILLS By Cable. Press Association.. —Copyright GENEVA, Thursday. At the International Economic Conference, Dr. von Siemens, a German delegate, and Frau Freundiich, of Austria, urged the amelioration of Europe’s economic situation on a basis of international co-operation. M. Zimmerman, a Dutch delegate, advocated economic co-operation between the countries of Central Europe. Mr. Shizachir (j;apan) suggested the removal or the reduction of Customs barriers, and the equitable distribution of foodstuffs and raw materials. He also suggested the abolition of discrimination against shipping, and the opening of coastwise trade to the world's commerce, and the stabilisation of exchanges.

Sir Max Muspratt, one of the British delegates, referred to Britain’s share in the development of the world, especially through her mercantile marine, which served the world. Sir Max also spoke of Britain’s foreign loans, which resulted in new resources in foodstuffs and raw materials, especially these of a tropical nature, being opened up to the world on the same terms as to Britain. This enabled a higher standard of living to be enjoyed In Europe. Britain fully recognised that other nations had done similar services to civilisation, but her overseas trade meant more to Britain than to other countries.

Referring to present conditions in Britain, he said there was greater production in spite of shorter hours of work and more pleasure among the workers. But there were still many unemployed.

Britain was ready to adapt herself if the depression were due to fundamental changes, but if they were due to artificial reasons then Britain must adopt a policy aiming at the reinstatement of the former conditions.

Britain’s increased exports to her Dominions were not obtained at the expense of the rest of the world, as her proportion of the Dominions’ total exports was reduced.

Britain sought a more prosperous world economically, and a more peaceful world.

The conference could count on British support to every suggestion which had these objects in view.— A. and N.Z.

NO FREEDOM

RUSSIANS AT GENEVA delegation resentful THREAT TO DEPART Ay Cable.— Press Association.—Copyright MOSCOW, Thursday. A message from the Tass Agency inf S the Soviet representatives at the nternational Economic Conference at eneva report that the conditions imposed by the Swiss police deprive their elementary freedom and * . Possibility of working. Indignation is expressed in Govern..ent circles, which consider that t , ese unprecedented chicaneries and / humiliating restrictions are a proof 1 the insincerity of the League’s nvitation to Russia, and that they inJ?” the creation of conditions nich prevent the Russian delegation °m joining in the work of the conference.

J** Soviet has therefore instructed - • Ossinsky. the leader of the delegau °n. to demand: (1) That the League shall agree to unable methods of protection and the abolition of the humiliating ;,. llce measures whicli restrict the (o\ ty of tJle delegation. assurance of equality of “hu'flons with the other delegations, bat Equal Participation in the de-

If these are not granted the mem'3 nf the delegation will immedidepart from Geneva. Soviet also proposes to rensmer the question of its participan , In conferences held under the usplces of the League of Nations, Pecially those held in Switzerland. ~~A. and N.Z.

BRITAIN AND SOVIET

Relations strained

V Cable. Press Association.—Copyright

LONDON, Thursday, of p„ reply 10 a mestion in the House Sjai unatnons, the Under-Secretary of erJ l =i° r Foreigu Affairs, Mr. G. Lock mad a e* PS °"' said the Soviet had r nt ,® ”° °” er ' as the President of the tad Commissars, Mr. Rykoff, Mated, in the direction of nego-

tiations to remove the present strained relations that existed between Britain and Russia.

Until the Soviet really showed that it was prepared to stop its antiBritish propaganda, it would be useless to try to enter into any negotiations. —A. and £LZ-Sun.