The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1917-09-11
SWEDEN MUST CLEAR
SKIRTS AS NEUTRAL,
IS ED|CT OF THE U. 5.
NO FOOD LOOPHOLES
TO CENTRAL POWERS
Expose of Swedish and Ger,
man Duplicity Continues
Reigning Sensation.

WASHlNGTON. Sept. 1n.-Whilc the
american government awaited develops
mcnts today following Secretary Lam
sings disclosures regarding the trans
mission of official German dispatches by
the Swedish charge al Bucnos Aires.
Washington officials and foreign diplo-
matistS turned their attention TO
study of their possible significance.
Two facts stood out clearly in the
minds of most observers. Sweden will
bc compelled 10 make detipitc her posi-
ton as Il neutral and the exposure may
hc taken as indicating more exactly the
intention Of the Allies to see that Ger
many shall cease receiving aid from all
the northern European neutral coun-
tries.
Absolute Embargo
Publication of the facts. although
disclosing nothing the governments eX
ports administrative board has not
known for some time. reveals to the pub
lie that this government is fully coEni-
zant of aid Sweden has been rendering
the Central powers. and tends to GEM
cnt opinion in support Of Ahe absolute
Embargo put into effect against Sweden.
along with the other ncutrals. six weeks
ago. Ii has already lEcn declared de-
tinitely that no foodstufrs or other sup
plies will be permitted to so to the ncu
trails for at least six weeks. to give this
government an opportunity to establish
precisely their trade relations with Ger
many.
Sweden's Claim
Sweden as we'll as the other neutrals
has contcnded II has the right to export
to Germany any commodities produced
at home. even though the goods arc
replaced by commodities imported from
the United States. Some American Of
fcials say the war would be ended with
In six months if Swedish iron exports
to Germany were stopped. The Swedes.
it is declared. have drained their coun-
try of foodstufts by taking from the
food producing industries vast numbers
of men and placing them in the iron
mines and the munitions factories
which have sprung up since the war be-
gan.
AZ To Argentina
Another phase of the situation that is
given careful attention here is the pos
sible effect If Argentina breaks rela-
tionS with Germany or declares war.
Argentina this winter will have large
quantities of wheat for export. and as
neutral she might send much Of 1t TO
the European neutrals under the opera
ton of the British blockade. AS belli-
Gcrent or with diplomatic relations
broken. however. the Argentina govern
ment probably would take control of its
exports and carefully sunervise all ship
mcnts to the neutral 10 prevent any
foodsturs from reaching Germany.
Argentina is the only one Of the big
food exporting nations now at peace
with Germany. The Argentine wheat
lit rT,lI T,f
20n.00O.OO0 bushels, much Of which. it is
said, -aiready has been purchased By the
!" can neutral governments.
10 British government. in deal
ing with trade between neutrals. has
asked that no rood be re-exportcd. The
United States. now bclliSerent. III
granting export licenses for food ship
ments to neutrals. will demand that II
not be used 10 take the place Of other
fcodstufs that might be exported and
some officials want to so so far rs to-
refuse food to workers whose product
is sold to Germany.
No representations.
1t was learned today that Secretary
Lansing sent the copies Of the inter-
cepted messages 70 the American rep
rescntativcs at Stockholm. London and
Paris. but merely for their information.
Not even the minister at Stockholm was
given any instructions to call ii TO the
attention of the foreign office fhe as
sumption being that the legation here
To which was delivered a copy. would
lose no time in forwarding it to its gov
rrnment
Mr. Lansing maintained his dcterml
nation not to add comment to the dis
closures. Officials believe that the Ar
,,,iI
If il has not already done so. the with
drawal OF the German diplomat who ad
vised the sinking of Argentine ships
with all on board. and who character
lied the foreign minister Of Argentina
as an Ass" Equal confidence was dis
played that Sweden would offer An eX-
PLANTATION to Argentina. perhaps with
out even waiting for the South Amcri-
can country to demand it. 1t will create
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