Several informal meetings were held by the commission during the crossing during which no great variance of views appeared. Mr. Mac-Murray, who is now on leave from his post as Ambassador to Turkey, denied that he, had heard anything about the rumour that in order to keep the benefits of free trade with the United States, which are threatened by the abolition of preferential relations, President Quezon might, reduce import tariffs on Japanese goods, Asked how he happened be appointed to his present pos Mr. MeMurray denied that it was because of his long experience in the Orient, He said that he happened to be on home leave at the time when the man originally chosen for the posi~ tion resigned and he was selected because he was on the spot, He has an excellent record as chief of the division. of Far Eastern Affairs and played an important part in the Washington Naval Conference.
Tt is expected, Mr, MacMurray Said, that the commission's investig: tions in the Islands will require about three months after which a report will be made to an in departmental committee composed of representatives from the United States Navy, State, War, and Commerce Departments, and Tariff Commission.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.