New-York tribune., 1917-06-13
Senate Approves Bill Civ
ing Wilson Control of
Export Trade
British Sea Guard
May Be Set Free
U. S. by New Move Will
Take Its Place in
Allies Blockade

Vsshincton. June 12.-Control Of eX-
mort, was given the government to-day
+, when the Senate finally approved the
Administration espionage bill with its
.mbargo clause. The measure, now
s,n, 70 the President for his signature,
rp,s into the hands Of the Executive
Z weapon by which it Is intended to
stop supplies entering Germany
through neutral countries.
Passage Of the bill removes to
ceat extent the necessity of the
British blockade, since the United
States. originator Of most Of the ex-
ports that reach the neutrals, will be
in position with the aid of British ma
ehinery established during the three
Years Of the war TO see that the coun-
tries are supplied with just enough
food and materials for their own needs.
The measure also gives another
powerful weapon to the President, in
that it permits him to trade for articles
controlled by the Allies, which hereto
fore have been permitted TO come to
America only in limited quantities. The
United States. win an enormous trade
balance in its favor, and largely inde-
pendent OF the rest of the world for
raw supplies. can force release-of the
Supplies it needs By exercising its new
power over exports.
To Use Neutral Ships
Fair control over shipping will re-
suit. As administered. the act will re-
ouire licenses for export cargoes. and
under this arrangement the govern
ment can force neutral ships from har-
bors. where they have sought safety
from submarine attack. into service to
transport cargoes wanted by their
home countries. American and Allied
shipping, too can be required TO carry
tsrgoes 20 the destinations the gov
ernment considers should be supplied
for a proper conduct of the war.
The act probably will be admins
tered by the Department of Commerce,
with an advisory board named from the
State, War. Navy and Commerce de-
rartments and the Food Administration.
The State Department will decide ques
tions that involve international policy
and the Food Administration will have
the final word regarding food exports.
Officials say the measure is as es-
antial 70 q food administration as are
food control bills. No matter how
heavy are foreign food purchases, the
sHr..r |, e
can accomplish as much IN this direc-
ton as If il controlled purchases out
night.
Proclamation Expected
. The Commerce Departments Bureau
si Foreign and Domestic Commerce
probably will handle licensing details.
PROCLAMATION 20 be issued by the
President within a few days will out
Ire an organization. Already the bu-
rsau has been working on a plan, and
tss notified exporters that licensing
system Will be put into effect within
the near future.
The bureau will have TO add 70 its
Personnel probably 300 men 70 handle
0po-ts.
IN applying the new law the gov
srnments purpose. aside from pre-
enemy. will be 20 conserve all Ameri-
tan resources First, 20 make America
Elective in the war; second, TO make
the Allies effective, and, third, 10 be-
friend neutrals friendly 20 the alliance.
The power % readjust shipping routes
sno sources OF supply IS expected 70
eject tremendous saving in tonnage
By reducing long hauls. For instance,
Spain might not be allowed TO get
American coal II she could just as well
gs; coal from England.
Allies Furnish Data
The enormous mass Of figures col
seted By the Allies in their rationing
{" Holland and Scandinavia are, Of
course, available % this government,
ana they will be supplemented by the
Independent Investigations Of Ameri-
can eonsuls on the spot. II is essen
uai not 70 allow imports into any coun-
Z w contiguous % Germany which can
N any way be reexported or used 10
'e.Ssse native supplies for Germany.
me neutral nations have expressed
nseh concern over Americas possible
pohey' and three Of them Norway,
o"eaen and Switzerland-have sent
special Commissions % this country 10
lssehi their needs and requirements.
.tey also have developed mass Of
sNistes as 20 their foreign trade,
.hien ihey hope will induce this coun-
70 be az generous as is consistent
~ her OWN needs in the furnishing
hmenea's final Incorporation into
ne is aimed economic 'ircngth with the
iistisiion passed to-day gives the al
..shef ne practical trade domination Of
80 whole world outside the German
tp,fes. The neutrais are practically
coal '"'P''"e ""'
QUO Belgians Starve
10 Death in German
lnternment Camp