From the point of view of Great Britain and the British Empire aga whole one of the most interesting features of the agreement is that the United States for the first time of-dally and specifically recognizes the principle of Imperial Preference. The United States has never before been able to reconcile itself to the theory, that the Dominions should be treated as national sovereignties and at, the same time claim a special position 3s members of the Empire. She has always told the view that Imperial Preference rates should be applied to the United States in view of the most favoured nation treaty with Great Britain. Ae the United States. however, had only one general Customs rate applicable to all countries she could do nothing to enforce her point of view. Now that the series of reciprocal agreements have in effect made the United States a "two-column" tariff country she could have placed all countries of the British Empire (along with Germany) on the general high tariff list tave refuse] fo pass on to them the benefits of lower rates in the reciprocal agreemenis, until Great Britain and. the Dorainions granted the United States their preferential rates.
'This recognition was insisted upon by the Canadian negotiators whose task was made easier by the desir' of the United States to continue in their special treatment of Cuba which enjoys. preferential rates. Countries enjoylrag most favoured nation treatment feom the United States will not benet from present or future Te-ductions in" Cuban rates nor. wil:
America Eenefit from present" or future: eduelion in Imperial Preferential rates. "The advantages now accorded or which may Rereafter be accorded by Canada exclusively to other territories under the sovereign-
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.