Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-12-09
Italy. Commercial Aim.


That italy is wide awake to the
possibilities Of foreign trade develop
ment following the signing Of the
peace treaty is shown in the address
Of the Italian Ambassador, Count
Macchi de Cellere, at a luncheon Of
the American Manufacturer Export
association in the city OF washington
recently. He said:
IF the part played by the industrial
resources and instrumentalities OF
trade in the tremendous conflict
which is soon to come to an end can
not be overestinhated. we all certain
ly will agree that in the period of re-
construction that-is opening be-
fore US. they will be dominating.
The role reserved to trade in the
era that will begin with the conclu-
sion OF peace will probably even sur
pass the expectations Of the most
optimistic-as 1t IL doubtful whether
we car now realize the full import
brought about by the war, on the
! economic activities of nations in the
e future.
I'm this light I feel that diplomats.
who In the past used to concern them
selves chiefly with world power, from
now on will have to busy themselves
with world commerce. I must say
that I look at the change with great
favor. We all know what world
power has meant; a constant source
Of rivalry, with the eve present dan
ger Of serious conflicts. 1t cannot be
So in the case Of world trade II prop
erly understood. In fact. what is the
problem Of world trade il not m OF
understanding.
ut is a question Of getting rid OF
the old notion that trade to be profit
! able must be onesided. and Of agree
ing on what should have been evident
long ago, that commerce consisting Of
exchange Of goods and services can-
not be built on a sane and permanent
foundation, unless it is to the mutual
advantage Of all concerned.
Then there will be cause for inter-
national cooperation, for harmony
and friendship among nations. which
regular development Of commerce. On
this point I would not like to be mis-
understood; by all this I do not ex-
clude that the element Of competition
among nations as among individuals
or organizations. No, gentlemen. I
do not think competition in the era
that is to follow will disappear. It
Is not possible and I would add, that
it is not advisable.
ITO my mind a free and fair CON-
petition Is essential to a sane struc-
ture either domestic or international
trade. Competition when it follows
its natural course is most useful in so
much as it compels that progress. that
evolution in methods Of production
and distribution. which is the very
life of a sound economic edifce. Thus
II properly understood competition
should not be a cause for friction as
In the long run it operates to the Ad.
vantage Of all interested countries.
my conception of international
trade will easily explain to you why
I am strongly interested in your &C.
tivities. why3I am very anxious to
see a large part Of such activities d.
rected towards the Italian market.
Gentlemen. J know you want me
to tell you what possibilities, in q gem
fer now that the resumption Of peace
full activities Is in sight.
ITO be frank I must say that, in
my intercourse with many business
moi in this country. which I am glad
to say has Away been a source OF
pleasure and profit to ne, / vas not
a little astonished to find out how lit
tie Is known in American commercial
circles OF the progress made by italy
in all branches OF her economic life
In the last thirty years. It seems to
me that not much has been heard
here Of the marvellous improvement
In agricultural methods and Of tho
splendid development and achieve
ments obtained in the industrial held
in italy. II trade can be considered o
good exponent Of the progress Of the
economic activities of . country, let
me give q few figures.
"Our foreign trade. which in the
year 1890 reached but the value Of
four hundred and forty.three million
dollars, In 1915 had increased to one
billion four hundred and forty mill
lion dollars. 1t was such progress in
all branches Of her economic activi-
ties that made It possible for Italy to
perform her enormous var effort to
face practically, single handed the