The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-04-03
MANY NATIONS
ANXIOUS TO GET
GERMAN TRADE
Neutrals Competing With
Allies in Offers to Sup
|, ply Food.
GOLD PAYMENT ASKED
Sweden and Denmark Have
100000 Tons of Yankee
Flour for Sale.
BIG PRICES DEMANDED
Handling Of Goods by British
Li0hteraoe Firm Nav Hold
BIG PRICES DEMANDED
Handling of Goods by British
Lighterage Firm May Hold
Up U. s. Deliveries.
BY KARL II. Won wIEGAND.
Star Correspondent Of THE Sex.


Star Correspondent o, THE suS
copvtrAf. 1912: oil rights rese-ped.
THE HAGUE, April with the
channels of trade with Germany
within certain limitations reopened,
business relations between the Allies
and Germany are beginning slowly to
knit again like broken bones that
have been set. The whole process Of
reconnecting Germany with interna-
tional commerce. even in a limited
sense, and splicing her weakened eco
nomic and financial systems with
those of the rest Of the world, which
of necessity must be slow. already Is
infusing new life and new hope, the
effects Of which in the next few
months will be interesting to watch.
The air is full of unofficial talks,
discussions, inquiries. propositions,
deals, preparations to do business
that extend beyond the lines Of mere
food and provisions. One finds plenty
Of evidence both here and In ROtter-
dam, in which, however, the Ameri-
cans still are playing a rather pas-
sive role. that all countries. especially
the neutrals, may trade freely with
Germany.
Many OHers Sf Food.
Germany is getting many offers Of
food and provisions from places
where it was little suspected that
such quantities were on hand Den
mark and Sweden have offered 300.-
900. tons Of American -four, which
formed part OF their reserve pur-
chased in the highest market. and are
anxious to unload It on the Germans
at that price. plus freight, storage
and all costs. Some prefer to buy
a new supply at lower prices and the
deal has not been closed yet owing to
the difficulty which the Germans are
encountering in arranging payment
which necessitates the deposit Of 49,
900. 900 marks (nearly $4,000
O00) in gold. which cannot be ex'
ported from Germany without the
sanction Of the Allies.
Holland is offering 5000 carloads
Of potatoes and some military stores
while England offers 10000 cars OF
potatoes OF ten tons each, at a price
Of .22 marks +. o. b. England, and
some military stores that are no,
needed now.
AS the feeding of Germany is not
philanthropy but straight business and
politics, Germany paying the original
purchase price with accrued costs and
charges, the food will be dear. but the
Germans are not in a position to
haggle and are very glad to get the
food. They are particularly happy
over the purchase OF 26o,0o0 cases OF
condensed milk from the military
stores OF France and England which
to cover the cost will be sold at 2.2C
marks (at normal exchange about sc
cents) for a one pound can. II Is
figured that each can is good for two
and half quarts OF milk.
Ready TO Handle Goods.
The German commission has ar.
ranged to take over and handle
seventy Ave carloads daily OF ten tons
each, but various obstacles have beer
encountered and in five days only five
cars and one lighter were unloaded al
Rotterdam. All the goods are con.
signed to a British Arm. Furnish & Co.
whose facilities are extremely limited
but this concern insists that the good.
must pass through their hands.
The Germans have appealed tc
Walter l.. Brown. who is Herbert
Hoover's representative in Rotterdam
against such a monopoly OF lighteragt
and handling Unless the British firn
can be compelled to unload and move
with moro speed the regular American
shipments. 1t IL understood, cannot
begin until May