The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-02
English Foreign Minister Replies to American Note Requesting Detailed In- formation on Exports
AMERICAN EXPORTS INCREASE WHILE THAT OF BRITAIN FALLS OFF
Suggests That Statements Degratory to English Policies Have Been h.
 spired by German Agents

Washington, October 1.-Great Brit aims answer to reports widely circu- lated in this country that she has been interfering with legitimate trade ol the United States with neutral Euro pean nations for the benefit Of her own exporters is given in note hana- ed to Ambassador Page at London py Sir Edward Grey, the foreign minister and made public here tonight by the state department Data and figures are quoted at length to prove that where British exports and re-eXports have increased the growth of similar trade from the United States has been many times as large, while In many cases there have been vast increases of American exports compared With decreases in those from the United Kingdom
 The note, which is in response to the British ambassadors report of reference at the state department to the unfavorable impression created here by reports of increases in Brit ish trade with northern European countries since the war began, sug- sests also that statements concerning Great Britains policy have been in spired by German agents.
 August 13 is the date of the docu- ment which was transmitted by mail instead of by cable It follows, With certain statistical tables omitted:
 "I have the honor to refer to the memorandum which you were good enough to communicate on the 3d of June, last, in which you informed me of the desire of the United States con sul general in London to be furnished with figures showing the amount of raw cocoa and preparations of cocoa exported from Great Britain to Hol- land, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Italy during the four months ending April 30, 1915, as compared with the same period in 1914 and 1913. Your eScellency will remember that l hao the honor to communicate to you tab. ular statement of these figures on tho 18th ulto.
 Regarding British Exports
 His majesty's ambassador at Wash inGton reported on July 22 that the acting councillor of the state de- partment had referred in conversation to the unfavorable impression created
 
 increase in British exports to north ern Europe neutral ports since the out break of war received from Consul General Skinner these reports having been given figures showing increases Tn the British exports of some com modfties to those countries. I am there fore communicating to Sir Cecil Spring Rice statistics showing what the ex. ports of the United Kingdom were ir comparison with those of the I1nitef States during the first five months oi the year in order that this impression may be removed soon as possible but as l hear that statements no doub inspired by German agents are beine circulated, in America to the effect tha his majesty's government are trying tc stop the legitimate trade of the Uni ted States with neutral countries il order to capture the trade for the Brit 1sh empire. and are therefore allowing goods to be exported from the United Kingdom which they have not allowed to be imported into the same countrie. from the United States, I think it wei to inform your excellency immediatel, of the true state of the case and witt this view to invite attention to tn. following data and figures
 Cotton Trade
 "'rhe increased re-export of cotton iron the United Kingdom to Norway, Sweden Denmark and the Netherlands during tn months of January to May 1915, as com