New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-26
Ship Question the Biggest
Problem Discussed in Six
Weeks Conferences
Munitions Control
And Loans Settled
Friendly Cooperation Of
Nations Assured as
Balfour Leaves

tBy TIE Associated Prcssl
Washington, May 25.-The British
war mission left American soil and
crossed into Canada to-day, after six
weeks Of conferences which have
reached into every phase Of American
life and are expected vitality to affect
the future of this country, if not Of the
world.
Shipping Problem Biggest
The shipping problem was the most
serious of all. The British left no doubt
that the April rate Of destruction OF
tonnage by submarines approached the
point Of fatality. The American build
ing programme has been correspond
ingly expedited, and one Of England's
greatest shipping experts has been sum-
moned across the water to supply
greater details than the departed mis-
sion possessed.
The British have disclosed means Of
further curtailing the wastcful use Of
tonnage, which are largely included in
a bill nov before Congress. Luxuries
and non essentials probably will be
barred from export, to save cargo space
and keep all vessels possible out OF
the danger zone.
Many of the seized German ships
have been turned over to the French.
Italians and Russians upon the British
statement that England has enough
tonnage for herself. and is strained
only to meet the needs of hAr Alice
The Shipping Board. however. has de-
cded not to pool all American ship
ping with the other Allies in the inter-
national committee 10 London, owing
to the need of imports from outside
the war zone.
Cooperation on Wheat
A definite understanding has been
reached to cover both American and
Canadian wheat for sale to the Allied
wheat executive, but the details will
not be given out at once because Of the
effect it would have on the market.
Canada will cooperate fully with this
country, probably through the proposed
food administration bureau, and will
agree to the control of prices IL that
policy is adopted here in legislation
now before Congress. The wheat ex-
ecutive committee has supplied the ig-
ures Of its needs, expressed confidencs
that they can be met, 4 d shown how
the results will be allotted among the
various Allies.
Munitions Control Centralized
Munitions control and purchase will
be similarly centralized through the Al
lied buying committee, though without
price control. The Council Of National
Defence has charged itself with 80 in
creasing manufacture as to provide for
the American war army without cutting
of exports vitality needed abroad.
The United States is considering the
invitation extended By the British that
all the Allies send permanent repre-
sentatives to sit on the Allied commits
sions in London, including those on
wheat. munitions, shipping and general
supplies.
Loans to Great Britain
In finance the mission has secured
government loans to England at az per
cent, or at cost to this government and
at a saving Of ~ to 2 per cent TO the
British.
Agreement on Trade Matters
The most farreaching understand
ings arrived At wave been in trade
matters. In general the United States
will give the Allies preferential treat
ment in commerce. Details. however,
could not. be agreed on, as Congress
has no. ye. passed the legislation
necessary TO deal with embargo, trad.
ing with the enemv. control Of cargo
space and the ike.
A joint Allied buying commission is
expected to attend the conferences and
sit here regularly in conjunction with
separate bodies in London. They will
assure uniform prices for all the Al
lies, prevent extortion because Of COM
petition and distribute supplies seien.
tifcally and economically.
L. s. Will Help In Blockade
The United States will cooperate %
far ns possible in maintaining the
British blockade. America will par
ticipate through consuls in the ration
/ ing OF Holland and Scandinavia, but
probably will replace the present sys-
tenn OF British letters Of assurance"
by q system Of export licenses. A. far
as possible the enormous system built
up by the British will be maintained
, and means will be taken to prevent
| American products from reaching firms
dealing regularly with the enemy.
Military Results
The military results Of the mission
are involved with those Of the French
mission and the plans Of the American
General STAFF. II is very dihieult. there
fore, to say just what should be at.
tributed TO the visit OF the British.
Undoubtedly the French were largely
responsible for the decision TO send az
+, once TO France an expeditionary force
OF about $4,000 men, . division Of nine
regiments Of rsilroad engineers and six
base hospitaiA>
L. "a - IL