17 MARCH 1939, Page 21

[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR]

SIR,—What does Sir Daniel Hall mean when he says, " But since foreign countries are showing a growing disinclination to take our manufactures, still more to paying their debts, even in foodstuffs, the whole argument becomes unreal "? Is there any country in the world which is not anxious to export to us foodstuffs in large quantities, the sale of which would greatly assist the payment of their debts to us? The real fact is that by various protectionist devices we prevent foreign countries from sending foodstuffs here, and so ourselves hinder the payment of the debts due to us.—Yours, &c.,

Reform Club, Pali Mall, S.W.'. ALFRED BEESI.Y.