The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-04-17
ID OPEN TRADE
 IN RUSSIA SOON

Washington, April 17-EaKly ac- ton by the State Depart menf towards the removal of restrictions on trade between the United States and Russia now seems likely. In some quarters the prediction was made today that trade would be resumed between the two countries probably within thirty days, or at least preparations will have been made by that tune to per init American business to enter into the Russian markets if it so desires.
 Various Government officials who have conferred with the State De- partnent relative to the general Rus sian trade problem have been given to understand that the Government soon may be expected to break it's silence regarding the resumption Of trade relations between the United States and Russia and announce some plans whereby American business in tereSts may resume trade intercourse with the blockaded markets
 The idea is shared by officials in close touch with State Departr1 ent affairs that an announcement on the subject is imminent, and is likely to be made at any time, following weeks of serious consideration of all phases of the problem The impression is ha q by officials that the State Department taking it's cue from the activities of foreign interests in Russian trade af- fairs, have resolved the form of ac- ton to be taken by this Government to permit a similar amount of activity on the part of American interests
 It will be the proposal of the State Department, according to the general belief of officials, that trade relations between the United States and Russia, that the forthcoming State Department plan shall be con dHCtAd by means of the issuance of informal export and import licenses to American exporters and importers absolutely devoid of all Government responsibility Generally, the Govern ment merely will approve the ship ping of goods to and from Russia il business interests consent tO assume the entire risk connected with mak- ing s1ch shipments, and Will expect no Government protection of any Asur1-
 SQc8a rn1sst be the immediate posi- ton of this Government on the mat. ter-0f Russian trade, officials IndIcat- ed Any other action more furu1a in it's character would involve tn. question of whether or not the Unifet Stztes as a member of the assoc1ate1 nations had nelaxed in the firm posi-
 
 the Soviet GoEerHnrent
 Ultimately, h0EeEsr. when the DO l7faeaa complexion of Russia shows faE0rabae change and a. more stabl Government is seated this Govern rnsnt may be expected to insist upos the guarantee of shipments 1noyi11- from the United States to Russia, of fcEaEs indicated
 Some officials attributed the deIa- in the taking of action 7y the Unite States to the agreement between tn allied countries for ts.e settlement o the Russian problem by joint aetior Although some notice had been ex peeted to be received from Pari. none as yet has been transmitted, it understood So unless the State De pertinent receives some word withi a short time as to joint action by tn allied Governments to permit the re sumption of trading with Russia tn Government will notify America business men to go ahead with the plans
 Department of Commerce officia. today expected the opinion that in porteTs and exporters will be muc disappointed with the fruits of the immediate efforts in the Russia markets. Practically all of the r, ports received thus far, eminatir from Bolsiaeyilzi and other sources as to the quantities of raw materia and products available for export al believed to be more or less exa' gerated- The lack of adequate tran portation facilities, also is expected
 prove a bar to the rapid restoratic of normal trade relations.
 Another potent obstacle expectt to be encountered in the dispos of American goods in Russia is u question of payment. All advices r cefved here indicate that Russia gold supplies have been dissipate and officials are at a loss to unde stand in what way Russian purcha CTS will pay for American exports.
 The view is taken, however, tn these are only a few of the probler that will be encountered by Americ; business ill restoring trade wi