Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-08-05
FIGURES T0REFUTE
STAND OF BRITISH
Mass of Trade Data Gathered
for Use of the Pres
ident.

Elaborate statistics have been as
sembled by the State Department to
refute the British assumption that in
| creased expectations from the United
States to Holland and Scandinavian
countries indicate that some of these
goods are finding their way into Ger
many and Austria. The figures will be
included in a preliminary draft of the
reply to the three British notes made
public yesterday.
A study of trade conditions between
the United States and neutral European
countries has been made by the State
Department and Investigations of Scan
dinavian and Dutch trade by the De-
partment of Commerce. A report from
Consul General Skinner at London also
has been received on the foreign trade
of Great Britain for the six months
ended June 80. 1t shows that exports
to the Scandinavian countries ana Hol-
land have increased since the war be-
gan along the same lines as American
exports to those countries.
The State Department contends that
there can be no more assumption that
American goods going to these neutral
countries are bound for Germany than
that British goods exported there Will
reach Great Britain's enemies.
British Foreign Trade.
The London report showed that while
Great Brtain's exports decreased ma
terially in the first six months of 1915.
as compared to the same period OF
1914. imports increased Re-exports
during June. the first month during
which the British order in council was
fully effective. showed an increase OF
s2.904,s3s.
In cotton, one of the much disputed
articles in the trade. Great Britain,s
of 112 pounds each. OF the re-exports
of cotton Consul General Skinner said:
Holland and Sweden each took about
five times as much cotton in June, 1913,
as in June. 1914, and during the past
half year Sweden received 1888 CEN
tails and Holland 259,62S centals of cot
ton. as against 1852 centals and H.
7S5 centals. respectively, in the same
period of 1914
Large increases in all lines of cotton
goods and cotton yarns from Great
Britain to Sweden, Norway, Denmark
and the Netherlands during the first
six months of 1915 are shown. Despite
a general decrease in exports of manu-
featured copper, Great Britain sent
Norway 317 tons in 1915, as against AZ
TONS in 1914. Increased American cop
per exports to Scandinavian countries
nave been cited by Great Britain to
ucF COHlSilIOil
Ready for Presidents Use. ~
Inese British trade figures, with many
oIners collected by the State Depart
ment, have been arranged for use in re-
plying to Great Britain, if the Presi-
dent determines to argue the question,
despite the fat refusal of this country
to recognize Great Britain's right to
interfere with non-contraband COM
merce through neutral ports, even if it
is for final consumption by belliger-
ent.
from London that a part of the cargo
of the steamer Neches had been re-
leased. officials are determined to press
informal negotiations to obtain an
agreement that would release all the
vast quantity of American bound COM
modities now lying on Rotterdam
docks.
The British note in the Neches case
set forth that if it is alleged that Gin
particular cases and special circum-
stances, hardships may be inflicted on
citizens of neutral countries, his maj
esty's government are ready in such
cases to examine the facts in a spirit
of consideration for neutrals."
In line with this assurance. the for
eign trade advisers of the State De-
partment are forwarding to London
affidavits covering hundreds of indi-
vidual cases in which they allege that
hardships are being inflicted. The to-
tai involved will be millions of dollars,
and undoubtedly will precipitate ex-
tended diplomatic correspondence.
The State Department is hopeful of
results in many of these cases, and an
arrangement already has been made to
facilitate American commerce in oil.