New-York tribune., 1918-12-03
Call Govt Plan
To Aid Russia With
Goods Proper Step
But Representative Bankers
and Foreign Trade Lead
ers Declare Scope of War
Trade Board Programme
Is Undcsized

The formation under the auspices Of
the War Trade Board of a government
owned corporation with a capital of
$6,000,00 to supplement and aid pri-
vate enterprise in Russia was yesterday
characterized by international traders
and financiers az a step in the right
direction and as a welcome relief after
the four months of inaction since the
dministration announced on August 4
that it purposed to take steps to assist
in the economic rehabilitation of the
great Slavic country.
Criticism was focused on the rcla-
tive smalness of the capital Of the
new corporation and on the fact that
the announced plans did not seem to be
nearly as broad and as farreaching
as the condition of Russia requires
In quarters which act as clearing
house for opinion on Russian affairs
it was said that, though we'll inten-
toned, the Russian programme of the
War Trade Board was totally made
quate.
Russian traders are Of the belief that
chiefly as /; revolving credit and that
the War Trade Board probably will
regulate prices Of goods that are sent
to Russia. In connection with the
question of price important trade in
terests agreed that q ruthless and un-
restrained profiteer would easily be
able TO make l 900 to 1,5O0 per cent
profit on his goods by capitalizing the
distress of the Russian masses.
A disposition to treat Russia in an
altruistic spirit until she gets on her
feet and the normal economic processes
are resumed was expressed in repre-
sentative quarters. An officer of the
American Russian Chamber of Com
merce, of which many of the leading
American business enterprises inter
csted in Russia are members, said yes
terday that it is the policy of the
chamber to treat the question of Rus
sia as a great world problem from the
standpoint of service and that it did
not regard immediate profit as the i'm
rortant factor. Restoring Russia to its
former vigor. he said. was necessary to
rope.
Among the constructive suggestions
fer improving the Russian programme
announced last week by the War Trade
/
Devise definite mechanism for
financing Russian trade in connection
with the present status of Russian
currency. appropriating as much as
100000, 900 Of government funds for
this purpose.
Dispatch a government commission
OF blg-calibre men to supervise the
development OF new trade relation
ship with Russia Men who know
the country should be selected
Support some kind Of a government
there and work to some extent
through it. if feasible.
Establish disciplinary control of
the sections where American goods
are to be distributed.
Make the matter of putting Russia
on her feet economically an issue at
the peace conference, and, if posi-
BILE, work out some system of inter-
national aid, so that rivalries of ma
tions will not interfere with the
necessary task of saving Russia from
threatened decay.
Frank A. Vanderlip, president of tn
National City Bank, in expressing hi
view that the move of the War Trad
Board was step in the right direc
ton, said that his bank had suficien
confidence in the future Of Russia re
Gently to establish new office a
Vladivostok. He agreed that $4,000, 90
was very small amount for the ne,
government corporation, but though
perhaps it was enough to start on.
Although the War Trade Board an
nounced that three ships had alread
started from the Pacific Coast fo
Vladivostok with raw materials. n
statement was made as to the amoun
OF tonnage that would be made ayaila
Bile for Russian trade. Business me
interested IN Russia recalled that som
months ago the Shipping Board DE-
clared that 100000 tons of shins +ba
were sailing on the Pacific could
released TO carry commodities to s.
IBERIA.