New-York tribune., 1920-02-03
Russian Trade
Demanded by
Business Body
New Organization Threatens
Court Action Unless Lam
sing Grants Permission
g for Clearance of Ships
Session Is Stormy One
------
I..IIuinvited'' Guests Create
Howls of Protest by
Opposing Its Program

A meeting of the American CONNER
= e;al Association. called yesterday at
: tho Hotel Knickerbocker to discuss .he
suron.oton Of trade with Russia, de-
Sveoped into stormy session. For
half an hour the question was warmly
I aebated by those manufacturers who
Flavor dealing with Russia and those
sxho are opposed to it.
The American Commercial As.ocia-
ktion was organized January "a for the
purpose of enabling manufacturers to
6nd market for their goods in Russia.
II had been expected that those in at
tendance at yesterdays meeting had
come on invitation of the association
and we're in favor of its objects, as
outlined in its program
Program Opposed
But it developed that there were
some persons present who had not
been invited. When the program was
read it was strenuously opposed, the
debate waxing hot on both sides. The
opposition was led by W. B. Brewster,
81 representing the Combustion Control
Company, of New York, and a man who
described himself as A. B. Rosenbloch,
former captain of the A. E. F., repre-
senting "himself."
Mr.. Brewster denounced the Russian
government as corrupt and savage"
He took his seat after cries of protest
came from all parts of the ballroom.
When the debate subsidized a vote
was taken and the program was
adopted, several of those present re-
susing to vote and one or two voting
against its adoption. The meeting
then settled down to business. Emerson
Jennings, representing the Lehgh
Machine Company, presided.
At the afternoon session resolu-
ton was adopted providing for the
appointment of a committee of six to
ask Secretary of State Lansing to
grant permission Immediately for the
clearance of ships and cargoes to nil
ports of Russia. If this permission is
refused the association will seek a
court order to compel the State De-
partment to permit American firms to
open trade with Russia.
The program was prepared by
Eugene Schoen, representing the In
ternational Oxygen Company, Of New
ark 1t read in part: "The Ameri-
can Commercial Association to Pro-
mote Trade with Russia has been or
ganized by American business men for
the purpose of reestablishing friendly
and direct trade relations with Russia,
a country with which we are not and
never have been at war, and against
which we have not participated in any
blockade. Russia is the greatest pros
pective customer in the world to-day,
and it offers a unique opportunity for
American commercial enterprise and
American technical skill"
Rosenbloch's Attack
Following the reading of the pro-
gram, one manufacturer rose and voted
that it be adopted. Before further ac-
ton could be taken Mr.. Rosenbloch,
the chair, launched into an attack on
the proposed program.
"I'm here not representing anybody
but myself" he cried. 81 am former
captain of the A. E. F. and served in
the front lines. l think you will make
a great mistake if such program is
adopted. l think before action is taken
you had better indicate just who is
here and just what is represented"
He made further efforts to speak and
was greeted with roars of "Sit down!
Sit down. Mr.. Rosenbloch, speaking
under protest, declared that in his
opinion the association should specify
in its program that Soviet Russia was
not to be recognized as government.
Various manufacturers insisted that
Rosenbloch had no right to address
the meeting One factory representa-
tive argued in defense of Rosenbloch,
saying that all persons present should
have voice, and that the association
should not employ steam-roller tactics.
Chairman Jennings protested against
the meeting taking on any political
atmosphere" and insisted that only
100 per cent Americans" were in
cluded IN the membership Of the asso-
citation. Mr.. Brewster and Mr.. Rosen-
bloch left the ballroom before the
meeting adjourned.
Inc question was asked just how an
american concern would proceed to
transact business with Russia, pro-
uded 1t could not afford to send a rep
resentative to Europe
II understand" replied Mr.. Emerxon.
that the Russian government has
agents right here in New York to do
business with American firms"
Ludwig G. A. K. Martens, representa-
i've Of the Russian Soviet Republic in
me united States, announced yesterday
tne conditions upon which his govern
ment would accept the Allied offer of
resumption of trade relations. These
conditions were contained in cable
gram Martens received from Maxim
1Lltvlnof. Assistant Commissary for
Foreign Affairs in the Bolshevist gov
eminent
According to Martens, Litvinoff an
uounces that only those Russian firms
mat have not aided Kolchak and Denni-
S'ne will be permitted to act as bust
ness mes. agents between Russia and the
Allies. There is to be no resumption
of trade until the blockade is lifted
lshreservedly, and until the states
bordering on Russia, Poland especially,
Stop lighting the Soviet government.
War Cost U. of p. 2O7 Killed
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 3O.-Casualties
suffered by alumni and undergraduates
h. "