WORK AT GENEVA

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 246, 16 September 1929, Page 7

WORK AT GENEVA

OPTIONAL CLAUSE HIATUS.

AGREEMENT EXPECTED.

TARIFF HOLIDAY PROPOSAL. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). (Australian Press Association). GENEVA, Sept. 15: The British delegation reports that it is satisfied with the progress it is making with its principal aims at the present League Assembly. Though there is no sign of attaining a united Empire declaration of the optional clause, the British are confident that there will at any rate be an agreement to sign by the whole Empire before the Assembly ends. Despite the hiatus caused by tile Australian political crisis, meetings are still being held. The Irish Foreign Minister, Mr MacGilligan, signed to-day on behalf of tho Free State. It is understood that Sir James Parr will state New Zealand’s position next week. The whole problem of immigration barriers, especially the United States immigration laws, may shortly come before the League. The German delegation introduced a resolution, demanding that the League Council decided whether the Loague could usefully take up the question and if so, in what form. It is reported that the plan for financial assistance in the event of aggression has been shelved for at least a year, owing to difficulties of drafting a convention that is acceptable generally. The best evidence of the progress of Rt. Hon. W. Graham’s two years’ tariff holiday proposal is a joint motion submitted by Britain and France asking the Governments to state their views on the subject before November 30. The Free State delegate, Mr O’Sullivan, bluntly criticised the proposal He said that asking countries to renounce tariff safeguards was asking some to commit economic harakin. The Free State only wished to use protection where necessary, but refused to bind its hands. Moreover, it this was a first step toward an economic United States of Europe the proposal required the fullest examination.

Mr Euler (Canada) stated that Canada as a young country was placed differently from Europe. It would be unreasonable to expect her to open her markets to those excluding her products. Possible tariff developments outside Europe, also the proximity ol the Imperial Conference, necessitated Canada reserving freedom of action.