New-York tribune., 1918-10-31
Exporters Pie dg e
Rehabilitation of
France and Belgium
Association Takes Stand
for Complete Victory
and Restoration

A complete restoration of devastated
France and Belgium after the war was
pledged in resolutions adopted by the
convention Of the American Manufact-
urers' Export Association, which
opened yesterday at the Waldorf-As-
toria.
The association, representing nearly
1000 trade concerns with financial
backing of approximately fifty billion
dollars, passed the following resolu-
ton:
'In recognition Of the heroism dis
played and the sacrifices endured by
France and Belgium, in protecting civ
ilization from foe which attacked
their industries while it ravished their
fields. be it resolved that the exporting
manufacturers of America, who, IN
common with their fellow countrymen,
are dedicated to the unconditional de-
feat Of German arms, do hereby pledge
themselves to lend every possible as
sistance to the rehabilitation of France
and Belgium after victory has been
achieved.'
The association voted measures to
secure financial reforms which will
further the broadest expansion OF
American export trade. A programme
adopted by resolution includes:
l. Cooperation with such agencies
as will quickly make available proper
and adequate credit information on
foreign buyers.
2. Development of the use of dollar
acceptances of American banking in
stitutions given for purchases of Amer
lean goods upon the authorization Of
foreign buyers or their local banks.
8. Broadening the market for the
American dollar, bank and trade ac-
ceptances through encouragement Of
the Federal Reserve Board and
through propaganda.
4. Assisting in every way possible
the study Of foreign languages and
financial customs on the part Of a
banking and exporters organization.
The education of hundreds of Amer
lean soldiers now in France to fit
them to assume responsibilities as the
nations commercial representatives
abroad was planned as a part Of the
general scheme of trade development
In part the resolution read:
"Be it resolved that the Secretary
of War be respectfully and earnestly
requested to utilize at the earliest
possible moment the Offices of his COM
mission on War Camp Activities, the
Y. M. c. A. and other available agen-
cies connected with our military cstab-
lishment at home and abroad in assist
ing the imperative national need Of
education for foreign trade service"
1t was learned that an attempt will
be made to interest Congress in the
commercial education of soldiers, and
it was predicted that legislation to es-
tablish classes in France for intensive
after thewar training will be enacted.
The energy and resources Of the
United States will give the nation a
tremendously important place in the
family of nations, speakers pointed
out, and manufacturers and exporters
were warned against taking unfair ad-
vantage of the commercial power which
will accrue with the coming of peace.
prepare for Afterthe- War" is the
keynote of the convention. it was
stated in a general survey Of business
issued by the executive committee.
Shipping, foreign credits and the
relations between employers and en-
ployes offer problems which must be
faced Immediately, it was said
IA merchant marine we will have,
but what will we do with it?" the
committee asked in it's report. care
we making a study of world shipping
conditions which will teach us how to
use these ships effectively?
"The demands of the future REQUIRE
that national resources be kept in the
most highly available condition. At
present we continue the employment
of commercial credit practices, which
in their operation tend to render a
large portion of our resources un-
available for the business purposes
they are supposed to serve. The ac
ceptance mSthod, of obvious merit in
this connection, has commanded seri=
GUS consideration from American
business and finance only during the
last year.
eve must see that the advantages
conferred upon us by the war do not
pass from our hands. A new era of CO.
operation between wage oarners
managers, stockholders or owners of
business concerns is vital to the fu-
ture of each industry"