24 FEBRUARY 1917, Page 2

A. reference to- our files. during Mr. Chamberlain's Tariff. Reform: ,

controversy will show that we always admitted: the ." State of., Siege " argument in theory, but held that it did not apply because our supremacy at sea-ensured us against ever being besieged. We went on, however, to point out that in the-immediate controversy', this argument need not be considered, because Mr. Chambetiaira did not base his demands for Protection and Preference on the; " State of Siege " argument, but on the argument that Protection/ and Preference would enrich the country. We were urged to keep/ out foreign motor-care because the-increase in the manufacture ofi motor-care here would bring us increased prosperity.