Evening star., 1921-10-02
new WOR[D,RESU[T
OF ARMS PARLEY
Auto Representative Predicts
Better Times Than People
Have Ever Known.

Better times than the world has
ever known will come from the con-
ference on Limitation of ornaments,
In the opinion of Peter Steenstrup.
member of the foreign trade commit
tee of the National Automobile Cham
Der of Commerce and vice president.
General Motor Export Company, who
has just returned from Europe.
The bargaining tariff feature of the
credits based on careful information
are immediate needs for improving
conditions in the foreign market.
1t will be some months. Mr.. Steen-
strup reports, before any marked in
crease may DE noted in the sales of
American cars abroad due to condi-
tions which can be remedied only by
; the general rehabilitation of the en-
tire economic fabric.
Finds Germany Hard Mt Work.
! Germany is coming back strong"
according to this foreign trade
authority. The country is in the
hands of capable finapciers and every
where one sees people at work.
England has adjusted her labor
troubles and there seems to be high
hope for settlement Of the Irish con-
dition.
Russia is modifying her form of
government. with gradual improve
ment in her economic condition.
The high duties in France and Spain
are obstacles to American trade there,
which can probably be remedied when
the bargaining tariff becomes effective.
: Open Publicity Essential.
The question of disarmament" said
Mr.. Steenstrup. "is fundamental to the
entire economic condition. We should
have open publicity at the coming
conference. The rank and file of the
people in all countries will never
| lures on armament If the facts are
brought fully to light.
THE release of the burden Of taxes
,, for battleships and other war material
will mean billions Of dollars available
for the purchase of raw materials and
ticularly Europe, needs badly at the
present time. Relief of the war
burden will pour into civil life a new
stimulant. bringing iato being a new
world condition better than we have
realized before.
Says Europe Needs Cars.
Europe is realizing the economic
advantages of motor transportation,
and when the burden of war taxes is
| this direction. In Germany. for in
stance, one sees practically no auto
| mobiles today. There are not even
enough taxis at the railroad stations.
, In three-hour ride in certain Ger
| man city having $4,000 people 1 did
not see single automobile
| THE cost of gasoline at so cents per
i gallon is one of the factors hurting
! the trade in England. While there /
counted on the road to Plymouth 100
motor cars passing in an hour. and
in the same period lis motor cycles
and 125 bicycles.
! Lack of parking facilities in the
cities Is also an obstacle. The horse
power tax in England, which is IL
/ per horsepower. is another him
! drance. Nevertheless. the advantage of
American cars will become increas-
high taxes will pass away if economic
strain of war costs is relieved.
| Advantages Of Bargaining Tariff.
Spain and France have had yirtu-
ally prohibitive tariffs against the
American cars. with the added factor
of the difference in exchange working
against the product from the United
States. The bargaining feature. ii
enacted as proposed. in the Fordney
| tariff bill will permit the President
to give lower American tariff rates
to products from other countries in
cases where they lower their tariff
wall on certain of our products, and
. should prove of great assistance in
these and other countries which have
high protective walls.
The process of European recovery
, is going to be gradual. though sure.
and there is an immediate need for
better banking information and bet
ter financing for the present day
trade. If we are to sell abroad now.
we must he in a DOSjtiOp To give long.
term credits. In order to do this it
is essential that American banks be
in a position to furnish accurate in
formation on the financial status of
concerns abroad"