New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-06-29
Limitation of Exports to
Germany's Neighbors
Expected Soon
May Shut Off Pig
Iron and Sulphur
Government Aims to Help
Allies Starve TeutoniC
Powers
lrrnm The T-lhnne Eureanl

Washington, June %. Sharp limita-
ton of exports 20 the neutral countries
contiguous TO Germany probably will
be ordered by proclamation Of Presi-
dent Wilson in the near future, It was
said on high authority to-day. The
expectation is that the broad outlines
Of the measure will be rs follows:
Limitation Of exports 20 Holland,
Scandinavia and Switzerland 90 the
absolute necessaries supplemental
TO their home production for their
maintenance, so far rs foodstufs
are concerned.
Denial 10 them OF pig iron, sui
phur and other commodities In which
they have been trading with Ger
many.
Restriction Of trading privileges Of
neutral countries with the Allies un-
less such neutral countries purchase
all the supplies they need from the
Allies. instead of urging the neces-
sity of having 10 exchange foodstuts
with Germany for coal and other sup
plies.
Purchase by Sweden Of pig iron IN
America was declared by an authority
to-day to have been intended for re-
export to Germany; and the Scandi-
navian countries. it was alleged. buy
sulphur in the United States and sell
sulphite and sulphite pulp to Germany.
Charged with Manipulation
The neutral countries were charged
with gross misrepresentation of their
reeds and of fragrant manipulation Of
figures in attempts to Justify their
commerce with Germany and at the
same time to assure themselves OF the
continuance Of trade with the United
States. An example cited was the re-
cent statement by a member of the
Dutch government that if America cut
of fodder used for feeding Dutch cat-
tie Holland would dispose Of its cattle
Eastward" meaning TO Germany.
An Allied diplomat declared to-day
that the Dutch Minister'S assertion
that Holland possessed 10 per cent
more cattle now than at the beginning
of the war proved that she was
obtaining more fodder than the
country needed. and that she thus has
been able, despite the large quantity Of
cattle killed for food and already sold
to Germany to increase vastly her live
stock By obtaining from the United
States moro fodder than she actually
needed.
The Entente governments have con-
sidered thoroughly every phase OF the
rationing question. it was asserted
including the possibilities OF danger to
England's importations. -om Holland
and Denmark especially, a-d tho effects
on neutral policies affecting Germany
and the Allies. There would be great
dissatisfaction in the neutral countries,
which earn tremendous profits from
the necessities Of the belligerents, and
which view the probabilities in the
light Of their own interests alone.
Effect on Neutrsls
The conclusion has been reached that
inasmuch IS the neutrals' trade with
the Allied nations and with the United
States. besides being indispensable, is
of inestimably more value 10 them than
that with Germany, they would not
4 long hesitate between one Of two
courses: Either 20 be shut of entirely
! from the privilege Of trading with the
/ United States and the Allies or 20 give
/ up their commerce with the Central
/ Empires.
Earlier in the war the fear was en-
tertaned in the neutral countries that
/ Germany would retaliate against them
! in a military way if they unduly re-
strcted their trade with her. Never
/ theless, the restrictions were neces-
sary because Of the British blockade
which limited the imports into neutral
Europe. and Germany drove the best
bargain possible TO obtain from Holland
Switzerland and Scandinavia not only
supplies Of their own production
but commodities imported from
America which were secretly re-eX-
ported TO Germany.
Now IL IL the belief Of the Entente
governments that Germany could not,
even IT NiIf NtSilfus u4Ftik NJ lutfo lbi
the invasion OF Holland and Denmark.
and even should some unexpected
catastrophe occur to make possible
such campaigns, the danger in reality
would be to Germany and not to the
countries threatened nor to the Allies.
as either Holland or Denmark would
resist the invasion and doubtless
furnish to the Allies pass TO Ger
many's flank and rear for land opera
tions and naval bases for Allied fleets.
No compulsion. it was stated. is con-
templated against any neutral nation.
but all will be given the choice of
trading with the Central Powers or
the Allies and America. If the meas
ures favored By the Entente govern
ments are adopted by the United
States. II is not expected there will
be any immediate compliance with tho
wishes OF the Allies by the neutral
governments, but after experiencing
the Inconvenience of being restricted
10 the absolute necessaries required
10 supplement home production. with
the attendant suspension of all foreign
commerce and the dangers Of insur-
rections. II is thought the neutral gov
ernments will yield 10 the instinct