Evening star., 1919-03-23
"HELP YOURSELF" MR.. EXPORTER

goods are scarce in Sicily is because
there are few il any wholesale houses
and the retailers buy mostly from the
continent. The American consulate.
the necessity of travelling men coming
from the United States.
Another cause of complaint is that
there are no ships plying directly
between American ports and Palermo,
with consequent increased cost for
unloading and reloading at Genoa
or Naples, sometimes equal to the
Naples. 1T is believed by Consul
Shank that when it is definitely
known that a vessel is to sail even
every two months for Palermo there
VIII be sufficient cargo to fill 1t. and
as result new market viii be
opened up. There is never much trou-
ble in securing return cargoes for
America.
AS regards credits, four years of
war have SO tried the Sicilian husi-
ness world that the firms remaining
are so reliable that there is little
and American lines could find a ready
market
The necessity of mapping out at the
earliest possible date definite pro-
gram looking to the
Markets in establishment on a per-
&C.,, manent basis of the
oee' commercial relations be-
tween the United States and Greece,
which have greatly developed as q
result Of the war, is urged by Con-
sui General Alexander w. Weddel1 at
Athens.
Among the means to the desired
end are the creation of intimate re-
lations between one or more Grecian
banks and banks in the United States,
which would largely, solve the, ques-
tion of adequate credit terms; in
creased shipping facilities. not only
for trade between Greece and Amerl-
can ports, but also between the latter
and various mercantile and shipping
centers of the archipelago and the
Levantine coast; and especially the
presence in that territory of COM
mission agents, who would be dis
posed to spend some time in the
country studying the possibilities of
the market. The various foreign
trade rivals of the United States are
taking over this market.
AS regards the need for banking
facilities between the two countries,
the situation would best be met by
the establishment at Athens of an
American financial institution. with
branches in important Balkan and
Levantine centers. Failing this. how
ever. there is thought to be ample
capital and experience available there.
One institution considers entering the
American field. Hand in hand with
the desired banking accommodations
should be adequate shipping.
The third means to the upbuildihg
and maintenance of trade between the
o. United" States
Our Goods Popular and Greece is
- the appointment
mission agents representing, If neces-
sary, various non-competing lines, as
was the case with German and Aus
trian houses. Although knowledge
of modern Creek or at least French,
is highly desirable, such is not es-
sential. as considerable English is now
spoken in the business circles of
Greece and competent translators and
interpreters are available. American
made goods are now popular in
Greece and the Balkans. II properly
followed up this popularity can be
turned to legitimate profit in many
Zines. The actaalitfes and potentiali-
ties Of the field are attracting the at
tention Of reliable firms.
Gratifying results Of consular trade
work have been reported from India
by Consul Lucfen Memminger.t Ameri-
can catalogues and samples shown by
dian firm recently resulted in the
placing of orders in the United States
for $50 barrels Of tacks valued at
$4,000, iron screws worth $3.50 and
padlocks valued at $3.50. The goods
went from America direct to Madras.
The same firm is negotiating for the
purchase Of sandpaper and emery
paper from the American firm whose
advertising matter and catalogue was
shown at the consulate. An order for
eighteen dozen clinical thermometers
was placed with a New York state
as a result Of inspection
Of samples at the consulate.
With reference to return cargoes of
Indian origin, business has resulted
III SCtCA Oh ihSSdASSS AAOAiA SHO 0Aola
button among Indian merchants of
copies of trade requirements sent
to the consulate by American con-
Germs. For example, the production of
avaram in the Philippines for tanning
material was introduced through In
dian seed obtained in this way. The
attempt to produce cinchona on a
scale in the Philippines
was also started in this way.
Economic conditions in China are
in many respects unique. The Ameri-
t-5 = can manufacturer or
Difficulties investor is confronted
!. with difficulties. Be-
IN Cnlna. cause many inquiries
have reached the United States bu-
reau of foreign and domestic COM
merce Commercial Attache Julean
Arnold is preparing, commercial
handbook of China which will soon be
issued, Space prevents doing the, sub
iect justice here, but the federal .bu-
reau has valuable information avail
able on such topics as: Chinese prod
ucts exported to the United States.
market opportunities for American
goods, China as an investment field,
ocean shipping routes and service.
the. status of foreign. residents and