THE PARIS CONFERENCE.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 90, 14 April 1916, Page 7

THE PARIS CONFERENCE.

DISCUSSION IN THE LORDS. A TRADE WAR OPPOSED. LONDON, April 11. In the House of Lords, Lord Courtney asked what instructions were to be given to the British representatives at the Paris Conference. Nothing could more stimulate any Germans whose support to the war was wavering, than the Suggestion that the war on the battlefields would be followed by a war in the markets, involving the undermining and destruction of German power for the recovery of industry and commerce. Instead of seeking the re-establishment of European peace on a partnership basis and the recognition of equal rights, the conference was to attempt to pursue in another field after the war similar antagonism to the German people, their trade, commerce and prosperity. Lord Bryce said it was desirable that the greatest possible caution and prudence should be exercised by the Government. He did not misunderstand the desire for permanent hostility towards Germany. The Allies had received the greatest provocation, but it would not be wise to allow passion to dethrone reason. H e asked: “Is not all this discussion of after-the- war trade relations too previous? |We are trying before the war ends to settle questions which could only arise at the end of the war. It was impossible to foresee the commercial conditions then prevailing. If we attempted to formulate them now, we have no certainty that they will be workable conditions.” He urged that Britain should not be committed to anything in secret conference without a full knowledge and the fullest discussion of every propositon.

EARL CREWE EXPLAINS. LONDON, April 11. Viscount Bryce hoped that the Government would do nothing to in anyway affect the absolute freedom of the people of Britain to determine their own fiscal policy. Earl Crewe said that at the end of 1915 they were informed, by conversations between the Anglo-French Governments, that France suggested it* would be advantageous to arrive at a common ground cn economic questions by a conference of the Allies. Without sacrificing the freedom of the respective countries, the conference would discuss current matters arising during the progress of the war, including the question of a joint agreement upon the prohibition of enemy trading. It was also suggested that the conference discuss the prohibition of exports from Britain with a view to inflicting the leastmutual inconvenience on the Allies. The conference would also discuss questions arising after the war, including the reconstruction of the Allies’ trade and securing economic independence. Earl Crewe added that he feared the poison had permeated too deeply the German character for the Allies to look forward to an epoch when they would take down the shutters and recommence business on old lines as though there had only been a riot. Mr. Hughes would go to the conference as an Imperial representative. They would go without instflucKions except; So keep their eyes and minds open and assist in exploring the subjects brought before the conference. They would not commit the Government to any definite action. Pie entirely agreed that it would be unwise for Britain to frame her future commercial policy upon a frantic system cf revenge, careless whether it inflicted vast injury on ourselves and the Empire, but it was possible cases would arise where it would be necessary to sacrifice some commercial advantage in order tc avoid greater dangers.