A Policy for World Trade
A report on World Trade " by business men for business men," just issued by the British National Committee of the International Chamber of Commerce, is a clear, precise, yet comprehensive survey of problems which, complex as they are, are recognised as being of fundamental human interest. It approaches an immense field of inquiry with certain assumptions about human nature and Govern- ments. It requires a return of common sense and common decency and good neighbourliness between men and nations, and its case rests on the hypothesis that Governments can justify confidence in peace and seek the greatest measure of common good. It urges that no better beginning could be made than an agreement for the mutual lowering of tariff barriers between the Governments of the British Commonwealth and the United States. It considers the transition stage from war to peace conditions, with controls being gradually relaxed, and requires that during this and the subsequent period the concept of adequate nutrition for all should be the mainspring of economic policy, which must rest on expanding world production and exchange. The desired ends, it is maintained; can only be attained by a system of private enterprise and tlhder conditions in which all will have. access to a world market without favour or discrimination. The evils to be overcome . arc those of trade
restrictions and unfair competition—high tariffs, quotas, exchange control, competitive currency, depreciation, &c. ; and the interesting suggestion is made that the principal Governments should adopt an Economic Code which should govern trading relations between nations. These and other essential points are discussed in the report in considerable detail and with rare clarity. It is in effect an explanation of what can be done in the international sphere when a number of nations have recourse to knowledge, reasonableness and good will. The war-time association of the United Nations affords a starting-point. It is of the essence of the matter that Govern- ments should be forming their plans and getting to work while the condition of the world is still fluid.
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