New-York tribune., 1917-06-30
Wilson Favors
Mild Embargo
For Neutrals
Hopes to Curtail Shipments
Without Angcring
Britain Favors
Harsh Restrictions
Would Force Nations to Drop
German Trade or Lose
u. S. Supplies
iTrom Tie Tr,bun. Bureau

ia considerable difference OF opinion as
70 the length 70 which the Admlnistra- /
tion should 60 in cutting of exports
10 neutrals contiguous TO Germany, 1t
is understood that the President does
not wish Immediately TO take steps so
harsh that they would rouse unneces-
sary resentment in the countries anect-
ed. Some officials of the Administra-
ton agree entirely with the British
government which aims az the entire
elimination Of trade between those
neutrals and Germany, or else would
cut of all necessary supplies from the
United States.
II j. recognized that an agreement
between Britain and America the ma
tions which control the raw materials
of the world d-would prevent trading
between Holland, Switzerland and
Scandinavia, the countries which would
DC most Immediately affected. and Ger
many. President Wilson. however, IS
known TO favor policy that would
avoid arousing hard feelings toward
America by the neutral countries.
To Avoid Drastic Steps
There is a disposition in the Admin
istration 20 make the most erective
use possible OF tie economic weapons
placed in its hands By Congress with
out incurring undue animosity IN the
neutral countries II is realized that
military necessity might later make
;,oncratiye more severe action than is
at present contemplated in the first
nroclamations to be issued b. the Pres
ident.
Grea. Britain and those American
officials who oppose half-measures and
I contend that the fullest use ought 70
ne made OF the powers placed in the
hands OF the President declare that the
economic pressure which may he
brought to bear upcn the neutrais
would constitute severe blow at the
military organization Of GermanY ano
ho equivalent 20 the most effective use
that might possibly he made of the
purelv military and naval forces Of the
United States in one year of warfare
n the restrictions urged should be
put in force. it was stated, Germany
would be cut Off from markets whence
she obtains materials that are neces-
sorv in the manufacture Of ammuni-
tion and foodstutFs that are essential
IN the maintenance OF her troops
in tho field. Germany is buying
nvrites and iron ore. sulphite ana
sulphitc pulp. wood pulp, high grade
iron and all kinds Of foodstuffs from
Scandinavia and Holland. and ls OBJ
tanning cotton from Switzerland which
the Swiss purchased in America and
which was shipped through Italy. From
the pyrites which Germany imports
from Norway, Germany makes suiphuric
acid which is necessary in the manu-
facture Of munitions. From Sweden she
obtains large quantities Of high grade
iron.
CouId Stop Other Necessities
These. together with large number
of other commoditie, Germany - pur-
chasing in the neutral countries. are
not imported into those countries from
tho United States and reeXported. but
are their own production, over when
the belligerents have no direct control
and in the commerce in which they
cannot directly interfere, but may stop.
he DENYING other commodities % the
neutral countries for which they are
dependent upon America and the Allies
such as grains. cattle feeds. coal, cot
ton and q great number OF ra" ma
terials.
The British and American govern
ment- have precise figures relating TO
tho commerce between Germany ana
tho neutral countries. and the extent
Of u brought up the question "nether
America and the Allies ought mo- so
to regulate their own trades as to put
a stop to the trading with Germa7 ~. as
a necessary military measure. I..1 no
reference 70 any other consideration
except the Justice of such a poD,y. This
would be based upon the fact that, az
all the commodities the neutrals buy
in America are needed either by TINS
country or by the Allies, America and
the Allies ere making a sacrifice in
allowing the neutrals TO obtain them
and that, therefore, unless the neu;rals
sacrifice their trade with Germany
ther ought not TO expect sacrifices 70
be made by the enemies OF Germany in
the neutrals favor