The Unsettled Dispute with France The worst of retaliatory tariffs
is that they arc apt to obscure the fact that two ,wrongs do not make a right, and to produce bad blood between friendly countries. The French 'Government undoubtedly treated us unfairly when it discriminated against us by restoring the quotas for American and Belgian imports whilst insisting on diminished quotas for British goods ; and it was Mr. Runciman's duty to stand up for British exporters. But the moment when France was passing through a political crisis and a new Goirernment was coming into being was not a fortunate one for tariff reprisals, though it is only fair to say that these reprisals were decided on before the crisis developed. But to persist in the decision in spite of the fact that the new French Government has made an appeal for conciliation, and has asked for conversations With a view to, agreement, is not a very happy way of illustrating-- the virtues of Protection. There is no dis- position in this country to minimize_ the -fact that the French in this matter have treated us shabbily. They must be brought to face our grievances. But nothing should be left undone to get this matter settled in a friendly way. • • * *
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