CO885-(25-26) — Page 471

Page.

Encloses copies of reports, minutes, etc., respecting recommendations of Paris Conference, and submits observations on policy outlined at Conference.

151

Forwards reports from Resident Com- 164

missioners of New Hebrides, Solo- and Gilbert and Ellice mon, Island, and Nauru: states there should be no difficulty in placing restrictions on export of copra, phos- phate, and guano, necessary

retention their

in Empire: considers that any policy which may be adopted of restricting import of trade goods of enemy origin should be applied to the Western Pacific.

ensure

COLONIES-GENERAL.

CORRESPONDENCE

[September, 1918-June, 1918]

RELATIVE TO

COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL

POLICY AFTER THE WAR.

to the

40063

No. 1.

450

SIR,

THE SECRETARY OF STATE to GOVERNOR-GENERAL AND GOVERNORS.* (Circular.)

Downing Street, 25th September, 1916. You are aware that His Majesty's Government have under consideration the commercial and industrial policy to be adopted after the War, and the measures to be taken to avoid any recurrence of the dangers to which the Empire has been exposed by the growth of German trade and influence within it.

2. The measures to be taken during the period of reconstruction and after- wards have recently been discussed by the Allied Governments, and I invite your attention to the "Recommendations of the Economic Conference of the Allies," of which you have already received a copy. A further copyt is enclosed herewith for convenience of reference.

3. A Committee has been appointed to consider the commercial and indus- trial policy of the United Kingdom after the War, with special reference to the conclusions of the Conference. I enclose a copy of the terms of reference and a list of the members.

4. This Committee will consider the questions before them primarily from the point of view of the United Kingdom, and, as stated by the Prime Minister in the House of Commons on the 24th July last, its appointment is a step preliminary to the convening of a Conference representative of the United Kingdom, the Dominions, and India. At such Conference it will devolve on the Secretary of State for the Colonies to secure consideration of any special circumstances affecting the interests of any particular Colony or Protectorate. I should therefore be glad to receive from you a considered statement of the views of your Government on the recommendations of the Conference and on the questions submitted to the Com- mittee, so far as the circumstances of the Colony or Protectorate under your Government appear to you to call for special attention in connexion with them.

5. You will no doubt wish to consult representative persons and bodies before replying to this despatch, which you are at liberty to make public.

I have, &c.,

A. BONAR LAW.

Enclosure 2 in No 1.

COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL POLICY COMMITTEE.

THE Prime Minister has appointed a Committee "to consider the commer- cial and industrial policy to be adopted after the War, with special reference to the conclusions reached at the Economic Conference of the Allies, and to the following questions:-

-

(a) What industries are essential to the future safety of the nation; and

what steps should be taken to maintain or establish them.

*Sent to all Non-Responsible Government Colonies and Protectorates.

+ Recommendations of the Economic Conference. [Cd, 8271.]

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :-

wwimmim C.O.885/25

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC-

COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO

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