TO STOP GERMAN WAR SUPPLIES

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 84, 2 January 1918, Page 7

TO STOP GERMAN WAR SUPPLIES

AMERICA'S EMBARGO ON THE NEUTIIALS. The following statement of tho United States Government was recently communicated by tho United States Embassy for publication;— "It appears desirable that the policy of the United States in regard to embargo in trade to neutral nations be given publicity in view of the distorted statements which dispatches from neutral countries contain.. Tho representatives hero of Holland and the Scandinavian countries received on July 24 identical Notes from the Exports Council in which was outlined tho policy which America had determined to pursue regarding the assistance to be given these northern neutral countries in supplying them with tho commodities which their national life and customary pursuits require. "In the abovo Notes a request was made for information from these countries concerning their consumption, production, and requirements of all commodities, especially as related to foodstuffs set out in the form of fats, carbo-hydrates, and protein. The vital interest of the United States in the assistance which these countries would render Germany and her Allies was also voiced. "The United States could hardly be expected to help these countries to. procure supplies if they continue to send aid to tho Central Powers. Some of the neutral countries have persisted in sending large quantities of vital supplies to Germany and her allies, in spito of tho above warning. Tho repeated requests for information as to what those countries need for tho sustenance of their owp. people have received little response. "The War Trade Bureau, recently established by Executive, order, proposes to denv export licences to any of those countries so lons ns the requested information is withheld, mid to continue the embargo policy which has been instituted so long as these countries continue to assist tho Central Empires directly or by such indirect methods ns the uso of oil for the operation of fishing craft, or lubricating oil in tho manufacturing establishments working for German interests, and the conversion nf fodder into dairy products. "These indirect methods are even more effective against the Allies than direct exportation of commodities to Germany, since, instead of raw materials from which the commodities ar° manufactured or converted, the finished piotlucts are delivered to the Germans. We cannot expect our farmers to raise Foodstuffs, or our people to denv themselves tho quantities they would wish to consume, in order that a surplus may bo sent to the northern neutrals. "This Government is prepared to help llioso neutrals, even at a sacrifice to ourselves, in allowing the export t/i them of commodities which we can ill afford to spnre._ Wo are in nn way inspired by a desire to interfere with their normal life, but in return for our services we must request some guarantee that the supplies furnished will uot be turned against us to prolong the ivar and to kill our sons. "The welfare of the northern neutrals is. therefore, in their own hands "