The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-11-23
U. s. WORKING HARD
FOR FOREIGN TRADE
Administration Aids Deny
Reports of Repression in
Any Branch.
Spe4d, DespatcA 10 TIE suS.


WASHINGTON, Nov. 22.-Every effort
is to be made by the Administration and
every Government agency in Washing
ton to further and promote the normal
and healthy growth Of American foreign
trade. The Shipping Board. the Depart
nent Of Commerce, the Treasury De-
partment, the War Trade Board and
the Railroad Administration and other
agencies OF Government have been bend
ing their energies In this direction since
the moment it became apparent that
hostilitles were about TO end.
There Is to be no suppression or
repression of this trade and no OBJ
stacle is to be placed in the way of its
expansion. Reports that such course
was to be pursued emanating from a
trade information service have no basis
in fact and were widely denied by Off
Gals in Washington tonight, following
their discussion at the meeting Of the
Council of Foreign Relations in New
York to-day. Importers and exporters
who attended the council meeting were
greatly agltated over the report.
Denied by Redhcld.
Secretary OF Commerce Redfield. who
is charged with the promotion OF our
foreign comm zee, stated tonight the
report was exaggerated and an extreme.
partial and uncandld statement. He said
that natural limitations would be put
upon our foreign trade for the present
by the necessity OF furnishing raw ma
terials and food that had to be brought
from a distance to the stricken countries.
This he pointed out will take a consider
able amount of ship tonnage at time
| l. N,l
that this natural limitation was the only
limitation upon the growth of foreign
commerce.
1t was pointed out here the report
probably sprang from the fact that il
was clear that this nation had no inten-
ton of diverting all its ships imme-
dately TO foreign trade and permitting
the countries stricken by the war TO tic
the best they could toward getting food
| and raw materials.
This nation can not make truly ag
gressive campaign for foreign trade be
cause of the shipping situation. the
| necessity OF caring for and bringint
| American troops home and of feeding
starving people. 1t Is expected, how
ever. that carrying of foods and ma
| terials for reconstruction to Europe vii
result in a considerable and lasting for
| eign trade, as the countries served vii
be urged TO exchange products.
| Consequently aid to- European coun
tries is expected TO broaden rather thai
restrict American foreign trade.
Seek to End War Ban.
The War Industries Board Is movin!
as rapidly as possible to remove a.
war restrictions from foreign trade. Thu
export conservation list has been ma
teEially reduced, and permitting the eX
portatlon of any articles heretofore pro
hibited including cotton and many othe
AMERICAN products. regarded as essentia
munitions.
The only articles and commoditie
that will stay on the list. are those fl
which there Is a worldwide shortage
and In which the home supply must b
strictly conserved for the America
people.
The bars against Imports are like
wise being removed as rapidly as pos
sible. Trade restrictions are everywher
being let down and additional import
are being permitted every day.
The American section of the Join
High Commission ~ planning to tax
advantage OF the favorable opportunit
to extend trade and commence with a
OF the Americas. The Oriental market
for American products are being In
vestIgated by the Department OF Com
merce. A report on this market fo
motor cars will be made public Il
morrow.
No Unfair Advantage.
The Administration IS avoiding whei
ever possible the semblance of takin
advantage Of the nations crippled by n
war and is avoiding anything that look
ike the seizure upon an allies mis-
fortune, but nevertheless every effort
extend American foreign trade is be!n
foetered.
1t has been announced officially b
, Chairman Hurley OF the Shipping Boar
that American ships will be diverte
to peaceful commercial pursuits as raj
idly as possible. The Shipping Boar
and High Commission are engaged upo
Joint plans ID establish regular sh
routes with all the Americas. The'
; plans will necessarily bring competitio
with other countries seeking this trad
Definite and active plans to indu'
American manufacturers to seek foreie
/, markets are being put forward by q
/ Department of Commerce.