The Bridgeport evening farmer. [volume] (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1866-1917, 1917-05-23
PLAN TO GEORGE.
NEUTALS WITH
FOOD EMBARGO
Countries Contiguous To
Germany Will Be Put on
Rations.

1edGlOllSs
Washington, May 23-The place re-
served in this world for neutrals is
becoming rapidly more parlous and
uncomfortable. The economic power
of the United States, hitherto their
great reliance, is now about to be |
turned against them. AS the Allies /
have restricted exports to all neu-
trails suspected of trading with Ger |
many, SO will the United States, in
order that supplies may not leak
through to the enemy. The Amert-
can government may go even further
and require neutrals to use their
ships in Allied service, on pain of be- |
ing cut off from this country's mar
kets.
The rationing of neutral countries
contiguous to Germany, it is known
was one Of the chief subject matters
considered at the recent conferences
with the War Missions. Though it
is practically assured that the United
States will participate in the allied
policy toward neutrals, officials do not
conceal the fact that this country
position is considerably embarrassed
by it's previous charge in note to
the British Foreign Office that the
| blockade of Germany was illegal
and fndefensible.''
| The State Department has guarded
| with the closest secrecy the conclu-
| sions reached with the British mission
regarding trade with Holland, Switz-
| erland, Norway, Sweden and Dem
| mark. 1t is known, however, that
| the policy to be pursued by this coun-
| try has been, Outlined. It is known
l a AZ "a 70 X
ports, asked by the Administration, is
intended for use as war measure
| not wholly connected with the eco
| nomic situation in the United States.
1t may be invoked against any coun-
| try which may carry on commerce
| with the Central Empires.
| There was an intimation for the
first time, that the embargo would
be used also to persuade neutral YES
| sells to transport commodities for the
Entente countries. Trade being ex-
change, it is argued, that its recipro-
| cal nature would be destroyed if, in
an extraordinary time like the pres
ent, some countries were permitted
to benefit from it without making any
return therefor.
Great Britain already has put the
4 principle into operation through her
Ships receiving benefits fror English
shipping and trading facilities must
make a return in service. So in
trading with the United States coun-
tries receiving the benefits from such
trade must make, in the opinion OF
well informed persons here, a rea-
sonab1e return for them. The Or
binary money consideration is not
sufficient, for the United States stands
in far less need Of the money derived
from purchases made in this country
by the neutral European countries
7 than the need of those countries fol-
, the products they buy here.
, Neutral ships calling at and receiv-
= Ing cargoes at American ports would
therefore, probably be required te
make one trip to an Allied port fol
every trip to home port, or possibl,
the ratio might be two to one in IA.
s vor of THE neutral country. The
!, character of the cargo to be trans
4 ported to such Allied ports would bs
g decided by the needs Of the countr.
I for which the cargo might b.
8 destined.
o The fact has not been overlooked
that the further development of tn,
~ rationing policy carries with it tn,
danger Of serious difficulties between
i the United States and the Entent,
nations on the one hand and the neu
trail countries on the other. Severa
neutra1s might be compelled by cir
cumstances to choose whether tt
comply with Americas requirements
face revolutions at home owing tt
economic distress or join. one of tn,
two sets of belligerents.
Revolutionary disturbances nigh
be feared in the Scandinavian coun
tries and in Spain should the econom
lie pressure caused by an American
embargo become uncomfortable. Swift
erland and ROLAND would suffer in
tensely If denied the privilege Of pur
| chasing in America.
There has been little doubt sine
the commencement Of the war tina
Holland and Switzerland would main
| tain their policies of neutralit.
| through the entire conflict, barring
| actual invasion. Economic hard
shipe probably would not coerce eth
| err country to enter the war. A
regards the Scandinavian countrie
Spain, however, the situation is yer.
different, and their attitudes furnish
enc of the most difficult problems t,
deal with in connection with the fur
ther development of the rationini
program by the United States in as
ISOLATION with England.
If driven to the necessity of making
a choice Of beligerents, opinion here
holds that the lineup would be:
For the Allies: Norway.
For the Central Empires: Sweden
Denmark and Spain.
Probably the determining factor il
the Instance of each country would b.
Sweden-Nationa1 sympathy will
Germany and fear of Russia. In tn,
present weakened state of Russis
Sweden might think the time oppor
tune for territorial acquisitions on tn,
opposite shores of the Baltic. compris
ing ancient possessions.
Denmark-Proximity to German.
with the fact that she void be lAit
in waste, as in the case Of Belgium
Serbia, Montenegro and Rumania, ane
the further fact that her economi'
interests are. closely connected will
the prosperity of Germany,
Spain-Dissatisfact with the wa