Extract from minutes of a meeting of the Cabinet
(Cab. 7/376)

5. Great Britain: Trade Agreement.

Arising out of the impending termination of the Coal-Cattle Pact with Great Britain of 3rd February, 1935, the following Instructions to be issued by the Minister for External Affairs to the High Commissioner in connection with the negotiation of a new agreement, were approved:

1. As a minimum, existing arrangements should be continued for another year.
2. An effort should be made to secure increased quota facilities for, and a further reduction of duties on, Saorstát agricultural products exported to Great Britain: detailed proposals under these heads to be settled by the Minister for Agriculture.
3. An effort should be made to secure the abolition of the Ottawa duties.
4. Advantage should be taken of the opportunity afforded by the negotiations to make enquiries regarding British plans for food supplies.
5. If the occasion arises and the suggestion comes from the British side, the question of a general trade agreement and financial settlement will be examined by the Government here.