New-York tribune., 1917-07-11
Purchases Defeat Blockade
and Continue Enslave-
ment of Captives
Allies Hold Whip Hand
England and u. S. Can En-
force Policy by Withhold
ing Fuel and Wheat


Washington. July 10.-Neutrals con
tiguous to Germany should not be COM
PEELED. it was pointed out here to-day,
10 obtain the coal they require from
the Teutons. The coal Germany has
been supplying them, il is said, comes
from conquered French ard Belgian
territory, where Germany is now en-
ploying slave labor; so that such pur-
chases by the neutrals encourage fur
ther cnslavement Of the French and
Belgian population behind the German
lines.
This was brought out at a confer
ence between representatives of the
British government and the Depart
ment Of Commerce. The negotiations
contemplate the partial withdrawal OF
letters Of assurance by Britain and the
issuance Of a certificate. as yet without
specific designation. which will permit
commodities exported from, the United
States TO pass through the British
blockade.
The letter OF assurance, II was stated,
will not be needed in the case OF SHIP
ments of commodities named IN the
proclamation of President Wilson plac--
ing certain articles under the control
of the Exports Council, but such let
ters will continue to be issued IN the
case Of other exports from the United
States. The British navy, t was eN-
plained. was not expected by tins gov
ernment to abandon the blockade mere
lv because the United States had en-
tered the war. Fot that reason 1t was
deemed advisable to issue some KIND OF
document which will be proof 10 tne
British blockade authorities that the
passage of the goods is permissible
Can Prevent Commerce
The Allied governments are urging
an exchange policy 10 be put INTO el
feet which would serve the neutral
countries contiguous 70 Germany, Wnlle
AT the same time stopping their trade
with Germany. The Allied view IS that
commerce between the neutrals except
ING Switzerland, and Germany can d,
prevented entirely. The Dutch ana
Scandinavian countries largely base the
justification OF their trading with Ter
many on the necessity OF obtaining 3
coal.
The Allies hold that this argument
is fallacious. and point to their treat
ment Of Norway as a demonstration OF
their Justice in carrying out the meas
ures they wish to apply and 10 nave
the United States apply 10 Holland
Sweden and Denmark. England :
transporting coal TO Norway III BfItish
bottoms. permitting the Norwegian
,hips 10 escape more dangerous trades
and routes. Norway IN lke manner
obtains salt from England. which IS
used in enormous quantities by the
fish industries.
The Allied aim was declared 20 be 10
make the neutrals seli-sustainlng as
nearly as possible, so as to prevent the
exportation nv them OF fOotstufs 20
Germany. and 10 make them cconom %
.calIv indepcndent Of Germany through
system of exchange whereby the Al
lies and America would receive the
flow Of Dutch and scandinavian prod
ucts which now has its outlet into Ger
many.
Three wears of war has proved that
neutral trading with Germany cannot
he prevented without cooperation of
the United states. which during that
period has been the mainstay Of this
German commerce. The two
principal commodities. coal and wheat,
needed for the sustenance Of peoples
and the maintenance Of their indus
tries are controlled by England and
America.
There was said 10 be no necessary
commodity which the neutral coun-
tries arc now obtaining from Germany
which cannot be supplied by the Allies
and America.
Would Release Ships
One Of the items that would be
classed as exchange in the system pro-
posed for stopping neutral trade with