Speaking to the Association of Chambers of Commerce on Tuesday,
Mr. McKenna said that we must never again be depen- dent for any essential product on a nation which in peace had steadily planned war. Though trade might be free, it would still be right for the Government to assist traders in maintaining essential industries. The Government had a plan, which he could not yet describe, to help our foreign trade and ensure that the Germans should not enjoy their former control of many foreign markets. Government assistance, again, might bo necessary in order to develop " master trades," and to make our influence secure in neutral countries. Mr. McKenna stated the case as a Free Trader with great clearness and ability. His view is ours. The economic case for Free Trade is, in our judgment, absolutely unassailable, but wo have to remember also that security is the greatest of all our needs. If it is neces. sary to impinge on Free Trade to make ourselves secure, as we believe it is, then we must perforce put up with the necessity. A Free Trader who refuses to agree to this may flatter himse that he remains economically sound, but he certainly is note patriotically sound.
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