The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1920-07-19
Hamburg American Line Welcomes a
Renewal of Trade; Germany Attaches
Political Significance to Agreemen MT

Hamburg, July lS.-As further par
ticulars come to light regarding the
agreement between the Hamburg-Am-
erican Steamship Company and the
American Ship and Commerce Cor.
poration by which the former Ger
man trade routes are to be opened
to American shipping, the belief Is
deepening in shipping and financial
circles here that it constitutes one
Of the most momentous events for
Germany since the war. Through it
the Germans see the means of regain-
ing touch with the outside world and
an opportunity for Hamburg to re-
establish semblance, at least, Of its
former position as a great port.
The Germans also attach much poll
tical significance to the agreement.
This was emphasized today by Will
helm Cuno, general manager of the
Hamburg American line, who, in an
interview with the Associated Press,
declared:
Re-establishment Of Relations
II recall your especial attention to
the fact that the agreement must not
only be considered from a business
viewpoint, but must be regarded as q
trial at re-establishing good relations
between the two countries. The way
we have taken will be the only pos
sible one TO resume relations between
Germany and foreign countries in the
near future. The war left a deep gulf
between the beligerent countries and
disordered the entire economic order.
The normal state Of things only can
be restored if representatives Of eco-
nomic interests endeavor to bring
mutual interests in a new and more
binding connection than was possible
in pre-war times.
Herr Cuno stated the Spa conference
supplied the best proof that co-opera-
tion Of nations cannot be effected
through a victorious government die
tating decrees to a greater govern
ment"
"The experience of our negotiations
with the United States confirms this"
continued Herr Cuno. From the
first day we took up discussions with
the full knowledge that this first
renewal of friendship on an important
and vital point would have to be sin
cere and binding"
Herr Cuno said he was satisfied
the agreement would prove q success,
believing it would be the re-opening
Of peaceful relations between the two
countries.
Lease Ships From Great Britain
Where the German line will secure
ships enough to enable it TO operate
30 per cent of the vessels on the
routes to reopen under the agree
ment is q subject of keen speculation
here. According to best information
it has been able to lease a consider
able number in neutral countries and
from Great Britain.
That a huge shipping program is
contemplated not only by the Ham,
hurg-American Company but by other
German lines is evidenced by prepara-
lions now in progress. 1t is learned
a meeting will be held this week
between the principal ship building
concerns and steel manufacturers TO
discuss the amount of material avail
able in Germany for new construc-
Nlbls AZ ID pNlAINNAA NiieNt A. hiit tOii-
ference discloses that sufficient mater
ial cannot be had, arrangements will
be made to import American steel.
which at the present rate Of exchange
can be laid down cheaper than the
German product.
Largest European Shipbuilding Plant
Meanwhile on the lower end Of
Hamburg, there is n shipbullding
plant, nearing completion, which is
destined to be the largest in Europe.
The Hamburg-American line Is one
Of the principal stockholders in this
concern, which will begin operation
within IS days, and facilities for quick
ly doubling its capacity.
Building rather than chartering ves-
sells, is expected to be the Hamburg
American lines aim, owing to the
necessity Of securing uniformity in the
type of ships employed in the joint
service
Predicts Return to Former Scale
Contrary to belief prevalent in Ger
many, that German Shipbuilding is
futile task. as the bulk Of new ton
mage will have to be turned over TO
the allies, it is asserted here that the
tonnage must deliver within the next
two years. remains unsettled that the
amount is still indefinitely placed at
"up to 200, 900 tons" Before the war,
German shipyards turned out about
500 900 tons of shipping annually. If
they should succeed in obtaining cred
its and materials to enable them to
resume on their former scale, it is be-
lieved only few years will elapse
before Germany again will possess an
imposing merchant marine. Trade
of the shipbuilding COM
panies are TO remain in tact and they
have 10000 employed sailors to draw
upon to man new vessels.