The Government and Shipping Mr. Runciman made it clear in
the course of the debate in the House of Commons on shipping that the Govern- ment intends at any cost to defend the Empire trade routes against unfair foreign competition. The whole problem as affecting all classes of ships is to be the subject of discussion with foreign governments, as well as with the Dominions and India, so as to ensure a measure of fair play to British shipping generally. That is the sensi- ble long range policy. Those negotiations may come to nothing or they may reveal a common basis of agreement ; no one can prophesy. The vast majority of all' vessels in all the seas of all types under all flags are losing money, though about 9,500,000 tons gross are laid up in idleness. The 'Americans, in common with the Scandinavian countries, Holland and Germany, would welcome an opportunity of ending the present world-wide crisis. The attitude of France, Italy and Japan is problematical. In any event, these discussions will take time and many tramp shipowners are in extremis. The Chamber of Ship- ping has repeatedly emphasized the urgency of their ease. It is in order to tide them over the period of negotiation that the defence fund has been provided.
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