The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1924-08-30
(Continued from PAGE q

our SHIPS IL is necessary to continue
the development of oil for the appli-
cation of fuel oil to our motive power.
1t would be useless for us to try
to compete with our foreign compe-
titors by returning to coal" At the
same time, the geological survey, on
May 20, 1920, published statistical
memoranda in which it said:
"These countries GALL other) con-
sumo at present 100000 barrels
year; at this rate they have reserves
for ESQ years. The U. S. consumes
400 million barrels year; they have
only enough for eighteen years."
Hypothetical statistics of this sort
are of course an abomination to the
prudent,-but they served the pur-
pose of the moment, which was to
arouse national emotions. The British
Navy, argued the imperialists of the
U. S., is sure of it's supplies for oil
for a century or more, while the posi-
ton of the u. S. is such that it can
avoid war only at the price of indus
trial servitude.
Accordingly, at the word of com.
mand from the U. S. government,
draw more and more on the oil in
foreign countries" the Standard sent
out prospectors all over the world.
But everywhere they ran up against
an unforeseen obstacle. An American
prospector had the misfortune to ap-
pear on the shores of the Dead Sea
in October, 1919. Without hesitation
the British general who was governor
of Palestine arrested him. The same
thing happened in Messopotamia and
in many other places.
Everywhere in the world, except
possibly Canada, American capitalists
for two years found the "closed door"
Generally they were either completely
excluded from oil bearing concessions
in territory, the colonies, or even the
sphere of influence of Great Britain,
Japan and the Netherlands; or else
they were authorized to establish
themselves only under such conditions
that they would lose the effective con
troll of their undertakings.
In face of this situation, the Senate,
on March 10, 1920, passed a resolu-
ton calling upon the President to fur
nish information as to the discrim-
inatory treatment of American oil in
terests in other countries.
In reply information was given
showing that certain discriminating
and some exclusive practices did exist
in certain of these countries, to the
disadvantage of American interests
and efforts.
In the midst of this agitation, news
reached the U. S. that France and
England concluded the San-Remo
Agreement. By it the French govern.
ment voluntarily or no associated
itself with Great Britain in order to
drive out America from the Asiatic
centers of petroleum production and
delivered over to her the resources
which might be discoveed in the zones
of influence reserved for France. The
French government was so embar
rassed about this agreement that for
three months it dared not publish it.
This news stirred up the 1ealousies
Of the American imperialists. A sharp
diplomatic controversy arose. The
secretaries of state, from Colby to
Hughes, dispatched one note after an
other to the government of Great Brit
ain in which they asserted the princi
pie of the open door" and equal bust
ness opportunities for the dollar
Standard Oil, and the like.
In the years which have ensued, the
San Reno Agreement has not been
put into effect. In the end America
won her point. During the negotia-
lions which were conducted in Lon.
don at the end of July, 1922, the Am
erican government has been given as
surances that American oil interests |
l.. a.