TRADE FREEDOM

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20065, 11 October 1939, Page 5

TRADE FREEDOM

CORDELL HULL’S VIEW BELLIGERENTS-NEUTRALS RULES OF WARFARE ADVICE «■ TO CONVENTION (Reed. Oct. 11, 9.40 a.m.) NEW YORK, Oct. 10. Stressing the necessity for expanding the trade of the United States despite the war in Europe, the Secretary of State, Mr. Cordell Hull, said in an address to the national foreign trade convention: “Neutrality leaves us entirely free to trade in all commodities with both sides within the limits legitimately introduced by the belligerents under the rules of war, or adopted by the United States fof the protection of its nationals goods and ships.” He said he firmly believed that the western hemisphere would escape the war and added that the Government control of foreign trade by the belligerents was already far more comprehensive and thorough than it was early in the Great War. ' The drastic restriction by the belligerents of imports not essential for hostilities and the concentration on imports for war was a serious problem for American exporters. Whether it would result in an increase or a decrease in the exports of the United States to Europe no one could tell. The United States would endeavour to maintain normal trade with neutrals and must be ready to redouble the efforts after the war when the restoration of international trade relations on a sound 'basis would be even more difficult. He added that he believed narrow, economic nationalism was one of the causes of war.