'The reply given in the House of 'Commons to a question on the subject Jof the proposed Anglo-American 'Trade Agreement indicates that negotiations have not yet progressed Nery far, for the discussions are Jdeseribed' as being conducted for the Purpose of discovering whether basis exists for the negotiation of an. agreement, The immediate objective ig, therefore, to determine whether matters can be taken any further than they are at present. As has already 1bcen pointed out the subject is one of considerable difieulty, and the decision of the Parliamentary Committee fof the Empire Industries Association on the matter indicates exactly where the diMeuity is to be found. The Committee favoured such an ayreement in principle, but expressed opposition "to any' concessions by (Great Britain which would neutralize the Ottawa Agreements and which might react against home agricultural Interests. With the development of imperial preference the British Government has two policies to consider, tone concerning domestic and the other International trade, Naturally. there must be many directions in which the two policies are in opposition to Jeach other, and in some instances Feconeilition of the two would seem almost impossible. It is clear that, whatever bargaining that is to fake place, Britain is. considerably. restricted by the pledges which have already been given to the Colonies 7 Thus it is not easy it will be possible for make any special arrange Ee for the Importation of Ameri-"Lortt agricultural produce which would harm to colonial interests, though if it desires. to export more manufactured goods to the United States it is obvious that some con~ cessions will have to be made in this Fespect, Every care will undoubtedly be taken to sce that the benefits to the Dominions under the Ottawa pacts are in no way diminished, and itis probable that that very care will operate in. minimizing any. success Which itis hoped the present dis cussions will attain,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.