In a telegram from our High Commissioner in New Zealand last November, † we were informed that Mr. Walter Nash, New Zealand Minister of Finance, was concerned about New Zealand's Canadian dollar position and that he would like to arrange to visit Ottawa to discuss trade relations between this country and New Zealand. In a reply † to our High Commissioner it was said that we would be pleased to have discussions with Mr. Nash in Ottawa on trade arrangements and other related matters if his schedule at Havana would enable him to proceed here. This information was transmitted to Mr. Nash in a letter dated November 17th from our High Commissioner, † and in a reply of the same date Mr. Nash stated that, if time should be available, he would be anxious to make a short visit to Ottawa.†

In a telegram dated January 30th,† our High Commissioner in New Zealand informed us that when in Ottawa Mr. Nash would endeavour to arrange a short term credit for the purchase of certain commodities required by New Zealand and that he would also wish to discuss a proposed agreement between Canada and New Zealand for the avoidance of double taxation. The draft text of the proposed agreement prepared by the New Zealand authorities has been received here and is being considered by officials of the Department of Finance and the Department of National Revenue. We have also received a list of the commodities which New Zealand is interested in obtaining from Canada, and this information has been given to the Department of Trade and Commerce. Officials of these interested departments are preparing for discussions when Mr. Nash arrives in Ottawa.

The exact date when Mr. Nash will come to Canada is not yet known, but in a letter of February 5th to the Prime Minister[ Mr. Nash stated that proceedings in Havana would probably be concluded between the 20th and the 29th of this month and that he then planned to spend not more than three days in Ottawa. Mr. Nash pointed out that he was booked to leave San Francisco by plane on March 5th. In a subsequent message, we were informed that Mr. Arms, Land and Income Tax Officer, was leaving Auckland on Wednesday of this week and that after a short time in Washington he would proceed to Ottawa to assist in negotiations on the subject of double taxation.

The Prime Minister has sent a message to Mr. Nasht stating that he is looking forward to seeing him in Ottawa, and the Office of the New Zealand High Commissioner has been requested to let us know as soon as an exact travel schedule has been arranged.

The Departments of Finance, Trade and Commerce and National Revenue have been kept informed of developments and have no doubt advised their Ministers of this proposed visit.

[L.B. PEARSON]