New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-24
Lloyd George Announces
Embargo on Huge Volume
of Imports
Sustenance Reserves
Lowest in History
Prices for Farm Products
Guaranteed for Years; All
Luxuries Eliminated

London, Feb. 23.-Great Britain
has determined upon drastic meas
ureS to increase her home food pro-
duction and to curtail all non-essen-
tial imports, as the best way to
back up her army and navy in their
struggle with the Teutons.
Official indication of the effect OF
the enemy's U-boat campaign was
given to-day, when Premier Lloyd
George declared in the House Of
Commons that the success Of the En-
tente cause rested on England's abil-
ity to solve the tonnage shortage.
which was now affecting not only the
ordinary needs of the nation, but
also the military exigencies.
To achieve the success Of the En-
tente, the Premier announced, spe-
ciic measures had been determined
upoG by the government.
Restrictive Measures
These include:
Guarantee to English farmers
of minimum prices for wheat and
potatoes for several years to come.
Fixing of minimum wage for
agricultural laborers.
Cutting down Of production OF
all breweries and distilleries to
about one-third Of normal produc-
ton.
Prohibition on importation Of
coffee, tea, cocoa, all raw fruits
except lemons and oranges, vege-
tables, hides, timber, leather, boots
and shoes, wines, mineral waters
and agricultural machinery.
Curtailment of paper imperts-
ton.
Prohibition on importation OF
all luxuries.
Everything must be sacrificed to
the conservation of shipping, the
Premier declared. A great increase
in shipbuilding was planned, he said
There was no sure way to victory, he
added, without hunting the subma-
rines from the deep.
Colonial Premiers Present
A crowded house at the special meet
ing listened to the Premier's speech,
the premiers of Canada and New Zea-
land being present in the diplomatic
gallery.
Premier Lloyd George announced
that the United Kingdom would en-
deavor to depend upon its own re-
sources for timber, which heretofore
LARGELY had been imported, the chief
obstacle to its production being an
insufficient force Of skilled workmen
for cutting and finishing it.
II was announced that in deciding
what commodities should be excluded
from the United Kingdom to econo-
mize in tonnage the government had
TO take into account the interests oi
it's Allies. The threatened restrictions
aroused immediate protests from
France, as the imports from that coun'
try of mineral waters, wines, brandy
silks, needle work and Of all kinds oi
garments and luxuries, such as bon
nets. feathers and flowers, represent
q considerable income TO the French
producers.
The power given TO the Board OF
Trade to issue special licenses, how
ever, may be freely exercised in be-
half Of the allies of Great Britain. az
sbips taking munitions and other sup
plies to France and Italy have ample
tonnage to bring return caryoes. There
are now heavy stocks Of French wines
in England.
In his peroration the Premier SAID;
"I know Of no body Of honorable mel
who would take for one hour the re-
sponsibility for the conduct Of this ter
rible war unless the nation was pre-
nared TO take it's share of the sacrifices
I say il would be a crime-it would be
a black crime-for any government to
ask the gallant men at the front 10 risk
their brave lives in the coming confic'
IL they knew the effort of the nation
was faint-hearted. was selfish and that
their sacrifices were thrown away.
Asks Nation to Accept
I've have 10 right to ask it. Fol
that reason | have come here. aftsi
long deliberation and thought and on
behalf Of the government. to submit
nroposals which I hope the Commons
will approve and the nation will carry
ont with unAinching and ungrudgins
hearts"
Mr.. Lloyd George said that for soma
time there has been shortage OF ton
mage required for the general needs OF
the nation, and even a slight shortage
in the tonnage for military purposea-
The nation should realize absolutely
what the conditions were.
"If We take drastic measures" hs
continued, I'VE can cope with the sub
marine menace. but il the nation is not
prepared 10 accept drastic measures ior
dealing with the menace, disaster IS be-