Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1917-07-18
Scandinavia And The u.
S. Embargo On Exports.

VII 80
on the American government; the
newspaper5reminded its readers that
the American measures are not TO be
regarded as the expression Of q
savage whim or the denial Of sacred
principles but are q simple conse-
quence Of the fact that the country
lis at war with Germany, lighting the
battle Of all the small European
countries.
These quotations will he sufficiega,,
for the purpose of illustrating sentf-
be asked: What are the facts Of the
matter? Are the northern countries
feeding Germany, as has been res
peatedly charged?
1t may as well be said right here
that Denmark, Norway and Sweden
commodities to Germany, especially
during the first year Of the war. Much
of the exported goods were homas
products, but considerable goods3ims
ported from the United States were
re.exp g to Germany in spite Of
three countries adopted stringent
measures against such trade.
one Of the first steps taken by the
northern cabinets and parliaments
was to stop export Of Commodities
which were scarce in the scandi-
nav1an countries, and also to estab-
iish a so-called maximum price for
goods consumed at home SO as to
prevent excessive speculation by joba.s
bers. But while jobbers thus wera
deprived Of illegitimate income
sources within the Scandinavian
countries they turned their attention
to foreign trade and shipping to an
extent which had never before been
thought of.
me result was that a lively trade
connection was established with the
United States and that goods shipped
from this country ostensibly for con-
SUMPTION In Denmark, Norway ands
sweden often were trans-shipped to
German steamers which carried the
articles direct into German ports.
A vast number of newly rich"
people suddenly appeared, spending
money lavishly, but many Of these
men have during the last few months
been sent to. prison for violating the
commercial laws and regulations OF
the countries.
Merchants eguilds are cooperating
with the courts of justice in prose-
cutting the business men who expose
their countries to hostility from other-
wise friendly nations, and by this
time several hundred men who had
CD q consequence OIL
the war are languishing in jails or
have been compelled to remit unusu-
ally heavy fines.
A typical list of such cases has Just
arrived from Copenhagen. In the be-
ginning of June n jobber, Bjoepn-
OAK by name. was fined 100000 kno-
ner approximately 100000; another,
~; Petersen. was fined $4,000 kroner;f
Alfred Christensen had to pay a fine,
or $4,000 kroner; Peter Rasmussen rel
m1tted $1,000 kroner, and about TWEEN
~ others were In one day forced by
the courts to pay similar fines for
~re-exporting imported goods to Ger
many.
All three governments are siren
uously prosecuting this class Of mer-
chants, and typical Of the sentiment
among respectable business men is the
fact that q certain jobber in Chris
tlanla, A. Larsen, who some time ago
paid a very large fine for violating
Norway's trade agreements with the
allled nations, was forced out Of all
the directorships he held In various
stock corporations. His colleagues
would not tolerate him and action wasd
brought for h purpose Of deprivinEg
am OF MS sea on h stock exchange.
IL Will thus be seen that the gov
! ernments are working actively in the
same direction as the United States.
They heartily cooperate with Amer
lea and every attempt at re-exporting
goods to the central powers is be-
punished as such o%ffenses have
never before been punished,
The co-operatiorIsfofS the Scandina-
Wan countries with the allied govern.
ments works in the following manner
~ Denmark, the government has
authorized the merchants, guild to
make arrangements with the British
government. When an exporter an
plies to the British legation in WASH
1ngton, cabled inquiries are immedi-
ately dispatched to the merchants
guild. and If this organization replies
that 1t sanctions the planned transac-
ton, the shipment is sent to Copen-
hagen IN care Of the merchants guild,
man who desires to export the goods.
Before this happens the merchant
must first deposit a large amount of
money which will be forfeited IL the
goods are re-shipped from Denmark.
All guarantees against re-export in
trade commission. and when q breach
or faith takes place, the merchant is
liable to a fine Of at least 10, 900 kro-
ner "a years Imprisonment.
Norway is very thorough In its ex-
animation. The customs officials
must ascertain the history Of each in
diytdual shipment which passes u Of
the country, and rigid regulations are
being enforced for the purpose Of dis
covering the true country or origin
and Of destination for goods which
are sent abroad.
Now 1t is q fact that tho American
export to Scandinavia has Increased
tremendously since the outbreak Of
the war, and on the surface of the
situation 1t may look as though only
this. $500 49,
But In this connection it must al
ways be pointed out that Scandinavia
was cut off from all trade relations
with continental countries soon after
the beginning of the world conflict
and had to rely almost exclusively
on American supplies.
The British war trade statistical de-
partment has recently made q report
which throws light on the CONNER.
cial life Of Scandinavia. 1t SAYS:
THE only true test as to whether.
or not the imports OF neutral coun-
tries are now excessive is to be found
! n a comparison OF their present and
pre-war imports from all sources.
Statistics Of this nature are IN the po-
session Of his maJesty's government,
land they show c~onclusively that the
large Increase In imports from the
United States car only be due to the
redistribution of the sources or supply,
which has been n of the conse-
4 oJ1eppas ne I've xvno = u -.