Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1917-12-05
(By c. 8. ALeERT.l
5pseial Bulletin corresuondsAe0.

WASHINGTON, D. c.. Nov. "a
Negotiations for the transfer OF pos
sibly 400 900 tons OF Japanese cargo
ships from the Pacific to the war zone
in the Atlantic and along trade routes
where they will relieve ships schedul-
ed TO go into war zone trade Is uear-
ing a head and officials here believe
it will be a matter of only few
weeks before the first Japanese YES
sells are brought through the Panama
canal.
In return for their ships the Japan
ese are to receive release OF steel
from the United States for structural
work. Approximately 100000 tons was
the original estimate Of steel asked
by the Japanese. and whether II Will
be possible to release 50 large guam
tity Is the principal point now under
consideration. The Japanese claim the
steel is wanted for war purposes and
for the construction of more ships.
Officials realize that Japan is an
ally and that her war and post bellum
needs must be taken into considera-
ton even in spite Of the fact that our
own ship construction program is cali
ing upon every available ounce OF
steel produced in the states.
1t is still a question how far trans
fer of tonnage from the Pacific to
the Atlantic will affect cargo-carry'
ing facilities between this country and
the Orient. Schedules are now beinI
worked out by the United States ship
ping board that will call a number OF
Pacific ships, especially those now
operating in the eoastwise trade, to
the Atlantic, but 2. r. Carey. director
| Of transportation Of the board In
charge of the work, is trying to effect
schedule that Win result in the least
possible shortage to west coast and
Philippine as well as Asiatic shippers.
The necessity for increasing cargo
tonnage between the United States
and Europe to carry supplies to our
| troops and allies has become so acute
| that Il will be necessary TO call every
spare ton of shipping into the bush
ness Of carrying war supplies. Pacific
liners, where obtainable, and smaller
| transpacific craft win be diverted IN
| to the war traffic. Smaller craft Will
be put in the coastwise trade to I'LL
the places OF vessels requisitioned
from either the Atlantic or Pacific
for war business.
| As far as possible, officials OF the
shipping board declare, they win al
low no shippers to suffer seriously BY
taking all the trade vessels OF their
regular routes, but 1t win be neces'
sary to limit shipping facilities to
Emeet the war demands. = - 80
| Arrangements are also being made
i to buy ships from the Northern
Europe neutrals. Scandinavia and
| Holland have a number OF ships In
United States waters being held be-
i cause OF the embargo on the exports
they are carrying. Many OF Theses
ships viii have to abandon their old
/ trade routes, because Of the embargo
and an effort TO sell them or charter
them in return for foodstuffs is now
under consideration. r.. -.
Most Of the tonnage got from japan
win be purchased, although arrange.
merits for chartering many OF the ia
panese ships to the United States and
EEuropean allies Is being considered.
/ IL ID HUI huONn Huub LyPos VI NCooSAo
Japan will be able to spare nor what
Eyessels will be selected for Atlantic
service, but. 1t is understood the Jap.
anese government viii assist in sur
yey to determine what ships are
available Of the average commercial
Isteamer type. II Is not believed Japan
Twill willingly release many Of her
llarger merchant vessels.