Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1917-08-29
CONTROL OF EXPORTS

The control of American export business has now
been formally taken over by the administrative board
which is to have charge of 1t, and the work may be ex-
rpected to go forward more rapidly than it has done since
restrictions were placed on export business.
The United States is the greatest source of supply for
most OF the things which are needed in Europe, and which
Europe does not produce in sufficiently large quantities.
Outside of the colonial possessions Of the British empire
1t is practically the only large source Of supply for the
great bulk accommodates needed. Upon the government
of the United States rests the responsibility for such reg
ulation Of export business as will tend most effectively to
promote the success Of the cause in which the United
States is enlisted in this war. Three duties press upon US.
First, we must supply ourselves and our allies with
commodities for, use in the field of warfare and for the
use of the domestic population. In this matter Of supply
no distinctions can be made between civil and military
populations or between what are often considered respect
lively military and non-military supplies. This is not a
war of armies, but Of peoples. The laborer in the field,
the machinist in his shop, and the banker in his office,
II the work of all these men is properly directed, are
just as necessary to the prosecution Of the war as is the
soldier with rifle and bayonet. And the bushel Of wheat
that is raised on the North Dakota prairies, and which is
to be consumed by the farmers own family or by his
is the cannon that is manufactured in an eastern factory,
and which is to be used to blast a way through German
trenches. Hence, we must see to it that both our own
population and the people of the nations allied with US
are supplied, so far as is possible. with everything that
they need.
Second, we must prevent supplies from this country
from reaching our enemies directly or indirectly. We
would not think of permitting guns or shells made in this
country to be sold to Germany to be used against us. 1t
would be equally absurd for us to strain ourselves to pro-
duce food or anything else with which to strengthen our
selves and our allies, and then to permit similar commodi-
ties to go to the Germans to strengthen them in their
fight against us. And the imperative policy along this
line includes not merely the prevention of goods actually
shipped from<this country reaching the Germans, but
equally the prevention of their shipment to any quarter
whence they will be used as the basis Of exchange with
Germany. That involves strict supervision of everything
shipped to neutral countries. That supervision is bound
to result in inconvenience to many of our friends. That
cannot be helped. 1t is bound to result in friction. That
must be smoothed out as best it may be. But we are en-
gagged In a life or death struggle, and We must perform
our work even though we wound the sensibilities OF our
friends.
Third, after having supplied ourselves and our allies
and after having taken all possible precautions against
supplying our enemies, we must supply the actual needs
Of neutrals as far as is possible. The war has brought
great hardships to the smaller European nations which
still remain neutral. and it is our duty to relieve those
sufferings as much as we can.
The duties Of the export administration will require
ability, courage and tact. 4J