What is Liaison Worth.?
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UARANTEES, whether trade or political, • domestic or international, are usually capable of more than one interpretation and are often so hedged around by saving clauses that their value as instruments of protection is negligible. As soporifics, however, they may be extremely effective.
Only trial can prove whether the statement of the aims of liaison, drawn up by Railway, Road Haulage and Docks and Inland Waterways Executives and the Road Haulage Association, is to function as a stimulant or as a narcotic for the independenthaulier. In this issue, Janus describes it as "not so much a treaty of alliance as a nonaggression pact." That is probably the most apt summary of its character.
The statement gives permanent form to observations made at various times by Sir Cyril Hurcomb, chairman of the British Transport Commission, and officials of the Road Haulage Association. but adds little original information. The aims expressed are admirable, but whether they can be achieved depends entirely upon the interpretation to be placed on certain of the phrases. The saving clauses, "subject always to statutory provisions" and subject always to due standards of efficiency and to the Executives making proper use of their own resources," are capable of arbitrary manipulation to suit the purposes of the State transport undertaking,, and impose a severe tax on altruism. As Janus points out, "the joint statement gives no indication that the two sides will actually work together in the manner envisaged" in the Transport Act. It would be difficult for two parties to work in complete accord under a measure that gave such great privileges to one and such• nugatory rights 'eo the other.