New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-09-18
London Chamber of
Commerce Proposes
Graded Tariffs.
WOULD ABROGATE
PACT WITH u. S.
Plan FavorS Present Allies
and Charges Enemies
Highest Duties.

Washington, Sept. i7.-Divlsion Of
the countries Of the world into econo-
mic strata separated b. tariff walls and
classified as allies Of the British En-
pire, friendly neutrals, unfriendly
neutrals and enemy countries is urged
by the London Chamber Of Commerce
in the most complete programme for
British postwar trade domination yet
to reach this country.
To clear the ground for this world
reconstruction the chamber concludes
in a special report that abrogation OF
all "most favored nation" treaties,
including that with the United
States, is inevitable.
Free trade, England's historic pol
icy, would be abandoned under the
chambers plan and a series Of graded
tariffs proposed in line with the pres
ent war groupings Of the nations. All
imports, for instance, would be di-
vded into the following classes:
Wholly manufactured goods, semi
manufactured goods and articles sole
ly used as raw materials in indus
tries, manufactured foodstufs and
raw foodstuff5.
High Duties for Outsiders.
All parts Of the British Empire and
its allies would pay the minimum
duties. Friendly neutrals which allow
the United Kingdom the most favored
treatment would pay twice as much.
Other neutrals, giving preferences to
other powers, and including neutrals
which might be swung into the Ieu-
tonic commercial system, would pay
still greater surtax. All enemy coun-
tries would pay the maximum dutles,
running up as high as 80 per cent
Roughly. it is estimated m the re-
mort that this change from free TRADE
TO protection would net yearly reVe-
nue. Of about S375,0OO,OOO.
Every precaution is urged IN the re-
mort to assuage neutral nations, 10 pre-,
vent them from making commercial
alliances with enemy countries alter
the war 10 the detriment Of the British
Empire and the Allies. The dlihcul-
ties are spoken OF as follows
ut must also be remembered thac
our allies have tariff arrangements
still in force with other foreign coul-
tries which il II assumed must De h0-
rogated before any preferential traao
arrangements can be made WIN Ilo
British Empire as Whoie. IN aoel-
tion. the United Kingdom has most Ia
vored nation clauses with certain iol
eign countries, including the CnlIey
states. These, IT IS assumed "oulu
have TO be terminated, win or Hi'hous
compensatory advantages.
Other Trade Domination Plans.
British trade domination also would
be furthered under the chambers piah
by A reorganization OF the consular
service. anti dumping laws, the forna-
tion of a ministry of commerce WIN q
scat in the Cabinet, and the founding
If a large central credit bank. Inc
allies would be asked 10 give BntlSh
shining preferential treatment after
the war and TO impose special taxes on
enemy shipping using their haoors'
In addition 70 the discriminatory
tariffs. subjects of countries now at
war with Great Britain would not be
allowed to live or trade IN England
except under license or enemy busl-
moss houses 10 do business except un-
der license issued against 4 deposit.
American trade experts are expected
20 show the keenest interest IN the
cbamber's accommodations The pro-
nosal to abrogate Americas most
favored nation" commercial treaty with
England and the plan for preferential
tariffs are regarded by officials here
as significant Of the trend Of Eng
lands economic thought and plans.
The chambers report has been called
70 Secretary Lansing's attention.