The second part of the measure, which empowers the Board
of Trade to impose quotas on the imports of foreign countries which have imposed discriminating quotas on British goods, did not meet with the same 'general approval. Sir Herbert Samuel thought that this part of the Bill, if necessary, should have been a separate measure. It adds a new power to the Board Of Trade which may be used at its discretion at any time in restraint of foreign trade ;" and it ought to. be debat- able in circumstances in which criticism could not be regarded as any condonation of Germany's action. Mr. Chamberlain made one concession when he limited the operation of the Bill to a period of two years. The unanimity with which the main clauses were accepted does not conceal from anyone the grave uneasiness which the whole proceeding must cause us. It is no light matter to embark on what might become, if Germany were inaccessible to reason, a trade war which would hit both our exports and German imports. But Mr. Chamberlain has held out the olive branch. Negotia- tions arc invited. -No effort must be spared to bring them to a successful issue.
