The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-09-07
To HEAD OFF HUNS
Understanding Planned Be-
tween U. s. and Britain.
For Purpose of Taking South
American Trade.
ENOUGH FOR BOTH NATIONS
No Need To Fight Over Trade
of That Continent.
By Working Together Germans
Can Be Kept Out.

Washington, Sept 7.-Suggestion
for "tacit understanding" between
the commercial interests of the United
States and Great Britain in South
America to prevent German CONNER
cial domination and a rivalry which
might prove detrimental to the allied
powers, was offered today in an inter-
view by Sir Maurice de Bunsen.
Sir Maurice has just completed
long "trip thru South American coun-
tries as head of British commercial
mission, and formerly was ambassador
AZ Vienna.
His discussion of the trade subject
is regarded as timely because of SINH
larity of inxere sts of American and
British business in South America.
South America Pro-Ally.
Elm travelling thru practically every
South American country" said Sir
Maurice, 81 found the people growing
more strongly in favor of the cause
of the allies. We naturally have
strong sympathy in Brazil because
that country is actively engaged on
our side, but we were agreeabiy sur
prised to find warm feeling toward us
not only in Brazil but in Argentina,
Uruguay and many other South Amer
lean countries.
"WhiIe the governments of the va
rfous republics in South America are
still maintaining strict neysrality and
aye timid about going to war, public
opinion there is becoming so favorable
to the allied cause that hope to see
them take up the fight against Ger
many
Germany Knocked Out.
'Germany's trade organization in
South America has been almost en-
tirely knocked out. German banks
are still open in certain South Ameri-
can countries, but they are doing no
business.
opening of the war, Germany has been
unable to send into South America the
vast quantities of small manufac-
tured goods which formed the bulk of
her trade. She is undoubtedly pre-
pfring to resume her operations there
after the war.
U. S. and Britain Must Cooperate.
But it is entirely possible for the
allieS-partieularly Great Britain and
America-to work tremendously in
South America to prevent German
commercial domination. 1 expect to
sec tacit working understanding
between British and American inter-
ests there which will prevent any ri
valry detrimental to either nation
ard one which will permit both coun-
tries to develop their interests in har-
mony. While a formal agreement to
this end may not be made, 1 believe
that the tie will be just as strong even
tho it is not written and acknowledged
in the usual manner.
During my visit to South America
/ found complete harmony between
representatives both of American and
British trade and believe they 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 construction. Ameri-
cans have gone in heavily for min
ing. In the scores of other activities
! expect to see great progress after
the war.
CLOSE study of the needs of the va
rlous countries is essential if we are
TO carry out this program. We have
been inclined to lump all South Amer
lea together and think of all republics
as being just alike. I find however.
that they are very different indeed. -
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 g