Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1918-09-06
SOUTH AMERICAN
COMMERCE MATTER
OF MUCH CONCERN
English Statesman Would
Make Arrangement To
| Stifle Competition
BY Robert ]. Bender,

oAAlON 4ACoc lu1
Washington, Sept. 6.-SuggestiOn
for a "taeit understanding" between
the commercial interests of the United
States and Great Britain in South
America to ''prevent German CONNER
eial domination" and a rivalry which
might prove detrimental to the allied
powers was offered today in an inter
view by Sir Maurice De Bunsen with
the United Press.
Sir Maurice has just completed a
long trip through South American
countries as head of a British CONNER
eial mission and formerly was ann
bassador to Vienna.
His discussion of the trade subject
is regarded as timely because of the
similarity of interests of America and
British business men in South America.
ain travelling through practically
every South American country said
Sir Maurice, al found the people
growing more strongly in favor of the
cause Of the allies. We naturally ex-
pected strong sympathy in Brazil be-
cause that country is actively engaged
ON our side, but we were agreeably
surprised to find warm feeling toward
us no less in Brazil, but in Argentina,
Uruguay and many other South Amer
lean countries.
"While the governments of the var
ious republics in South America are
still maintaining strict neutrality and
are timid about going to war, public
opinion there is becoming SO favor
able to the allied cause that | hope to
see them take up the fight against
Germany.
"Germany's trade organization in
South America has been almost entirely
knocked out. German banks are still
open in certain South American coun-
tries but they are doing no business.
"Forced to cut off exports at the
opening of the war, Germany has been
unable to send into South America the
vast quantities of small manufactured
goods which formed the bulk of her
trade. She is undoubtedly preparing
to resume her operations there after
the war.
"But it is entirely possible for the
allies-particularly Great Britain and
America-to work tremendously in
South America and prevent German
commercial domination. | expect to
see a tacit working understanding be-
tween the British and American in
terests there which will prevent any
rivalry detrimental to either nation.
While a formal agreement to this end
may not be made, | believe that the
tie will be just as strong even though
it is not written and acknowledged
in the usual manner.
"During my visit to South America
| found complete harmony between
representatives of both American and
British trade interests and l believe
we are well agreed that there is room
in that large and still undeveloped
continent for all of us. British capital
has been chiefly put into railroad CON
struction. Americans have gone in
heavily for mining. In the scores Of
other activities | expect to see great
progress after the war. With a con
%.inuanee Of good feeling between Brit
ain and America, there is no reason
why Germany cannot be decisively
beaten in any fight for trade supremacy
she may attempt in South America.
"CIose study of the needs of the
various countries is essential if we
are to carry out this program. We
have been inclined to lump all South
America together and think of alb the
republics as being just alike. ! find,
however, that obey are very different
indeed and that each has its own pen
sonality. / have learned a great deal
about their varied needs in the time
! have been visiting them and | be-
lieve this knowledge will help us mater
tally in doing our share in South Amer
ica's development"
Sir Maurice already has had one
important conference with Secretary
of State Lansing since he returned
from South America and will advise
with other officials while here.
His arrival here gave rise to some
diplomatic gossip that he might re,
main as British ambassador if home
demands kept Lord Reading in Eng
land.