New-York tribune., 1919-08-03
British Import Ban
To Be Continued, Is
Report in London
Review of Restrictions on
u. S. Trade Promised for
Sept. ! To Be Postponed
Until Parliament Acts

LONDON, Aug. 2.-The American
Chamber of Commerce Review" for
July says British import restrictions
are likely to be continued after Sep
tember /, when the government prom
ised they would be reviewed. The gov
ernment's trade policy Is expected to
be announced before Parliament meets
on August is. Premier Lloyd George
says the policy cannot be made legis-
lative until Parliament reconvenes late
in October, and he considers the pres
ent import restrictions should be con-
tinued until then.
Sir Auckland Geddes, acting presi-
dent of the Board Of Trade, on the
other hand, says he is not prepared to
state what import policy will be in
effect after September /, but if re-
strlctions are still in existence the
permissible rate of importation will
be at least as high as at present.
The American chamber anticipates
that restrictions affecting many lines
of American goods will be modified.
1t has secured concessions for importa-
ton of 5000 additional motor vehicles
from America. There are no restric-
tlons on light commercial trucks up to
one and half tons carrying capacity,
but motor cycles, tractors and acces-
sories still are restricted. The cham
Der has also just secured a concession
of an additional 25 per cent of the
1913 imports of shoes from America
until the end of October, according to
THE Review"
Value of Pound Factor
The drop in sterling exchange, it is
asserted, is causing British importers
to hold back American orders and,
whenever possible, to buy in countries
where the value of the pound is higher
than in the United States. The export
trade to Europe must suffer unless
financial assistance in the form of
American purchases of foreign goods
and securities enables European coun-
tries to increase their export produc-
tion to pick up their exchange
Meanwhile the government. in con-
suitatlon with banking and trade in
terests, is preparing to reestablisn
British export trade by providing ster-
position to pay at present by exports
for essential imports, says 1.-The
Review"
The official shipping report shows
there are 100000 tons of shipping
under construction, practically every
yard being packed with orders with
favorable labor conditions This ton
mage should take the water within
twelve months, but this prospect is
unlikely. Virtually all the new con-
struction is cargo tonnage and the ab-
sence of passenger tonnage is re-
gretted in view of the efforts of the
United States in this direction and the
plans of the United States Shipping
Board for 1,0O0-foot liners
Government Aids Dye Plant
The government has subscribed for
100000 shares of the 100000 and ap-
pointed two directors of the British
dyestuffs corporation formed by ar
rangement with the Board of Trade to
promote the manufacture of synthetic
dypestuffs and colors.
Except under license, the government
has already prohibited importation of
all necessary coal tar derivatives for
ten years. The chamber understands
that where imports are permitted the
preference will be given to the United
States.
The compulsory scheme of standard
clothing will be revived, 'The Review"
goes on, to check high prices following
the removal of the wool control. Food
control will be continued throughout
the winter, the government to super
wise the purchasing, distributing and
prices. More plentiful supplies than
last winter are expected, but prices will
be just as high.