New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-07-02

British officials. showing that Germany
Is receiving from Scandinavia and Hol-
land fats sufficient 20 supply 100000
soldiers, practically the entire army OF
German electives.
Experts figure that these imports OF
foodstufs into Germany from Scan
dinavia and Holland are equal in Gallo
ries, TO the total rations of $500 900
soldiers, which represents practically
the numerical strength OF the German
army in service on the west front.
The following analysis of these fig
ures has been prepared by an expert
who has made a close study of the
blockade and its effects on the feeding
of Germany:
Readers Of the London daily papers
will recall that during the past autumn
and winter there were repeated charges
by one section of the British press that
the operations Of the blockade against
Germany were not sufficiently strict
Figures were given each month repre-
senting the amounts Of foodstufs being
exported into Germany from Holland
and Scandinavia. That the German
government maintained machinery for
the importation of foodstufs was
known, and one particular subdivision
Of the Department of the Interior
called the Central Buying Agency, was
intrusted with complete charge of the
purchase of foodstufs from neutral
nations.
Fats Exported to Germany.
"Inasmuch as importation of food
stuirs through Switzerland ceased when
Italy entered the war. Holland on the
west and Scandinavia on the north
were the only countries from which
these supplies could be received. The
figures of consular agents in Holland
and Scandinavia confirm the state
ments Of expectations from these lands
into Germany Of considerable amounts
Of foodstuffs e vital importance. In
particular il was pointed out that the
Germans were especially active IN I'M
portation of fats, the one type OF food
stuff of which they had been most
heavily deprived through the operation
of the blockade.
Germany has always been ayerse TO
purchasing for cash, since she desired
to protect the value of the exchange
rate. She has utilized industry TO Sc
cure supplies, and to some extent these
coercons have been of such nature as
to be recognized by the authorities IN
charge of the blockade. In particular,
coal has enabled Germany TO exact
from Scandinavia and Holland food in
return for this fuel, for which they
were almost absolutely dependent upon
Germany.
"But in addition to this there have
been developed organizations of pro-
ducers and merchants in Holland and
Scandinavia who circumvent the food
restrictions of their own countries, VIC
lating laws against exporting supplies.
All Of the nations named have regula-
lions limiting the trade in foodstuffs
with Germany. but on account of the
large profits 20 be derived from such
trade, certain classes of producers and
merchants have always been active in
such trade. through evasion OF the To-
cal restrictions of their own countries.
an order to illustrate the operations
Of expectation Of foodstuffs from Hol
land and Scandinavia into Germany
the following figures are presented.
These figures. it must be distinctly
stated. illustrate the minimum. These
amounts Of foodstuffs are known, from
reliable sources. to have been imported
by Germany from Holland and Scand-
nav.a during 1916. Just what amounts
were imported is matter of con-
lecture. Certainly some more was i'm
ported, possibly much more.