Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-12-25
Issues Between u. S. and Latin America

charge for paper work. In some Of the Latin
American countries the consular fee Is based
on percentage of value of imports some of the
fees being high as $500. In effect the con-
suar fees estimated such basis, are rev.
enue- raising tariffs. The countries which have
adopted such tariffs need the revenue. But 1t
is contended by those who favor the system
used by the United States and Latin
American countries that If the revenue is
needed it should be raised by imposing duties,
and not by making the consular fee serve as
a duty. Some Of the consular forms used in
the Latin American countries large
that they won't fit in a typewriter. Others re-
quire that imports be figured in weight. and a
cargo Of lumber, for instance, Is not measured
by weight. Some Of the forms are SO highly
bound up in red tape. and the forms of one
country differ so radically from the forms OF
another country that the exporter Is threat
ened with nervous prostraton when he comes
to fill them out.
In some Latin American countries the GUS
toms officers allowed half the fines they
impose for infraction of the customs regula-
tions. This is highly inducive to finding in
fractions for which the exporter may be fined.
1t is also fertile ground for graft. 1t is well
known that in some countries the customs
officers regularly make of their offices to
extract their "rake-off from imports.
Such systems and practices, in addition to
others. go to retard trade and stand in the way
triumph in spite Of them. A delicate task
confronts proponents Of changed procedure, for
the change must be shown to be as beneficial
to the country which puts it into effect it
is to the countries with which it trades. 1t is
always dangerous business to ask another
country to change laws of it's making.
In addition to matters Of purely economic
nature, the conference will have before Ii -
various projects tending toward uniformity in
civil law, commercial law. procedure law and
L.o,4 .l,..
highly technical and enough of them to pro-
vide experts with food for thought for the next
generation or Railway communication,
radio and teegraphic communication, regua-
ton of automobile traffic. development of in
land waterways, rather the development Of
connections between the inland waterways OF
South America; development of steamship com.
munication between the Americas and building
good roads-all such subjects have been given
a place on the agenda. while means for de-
velopng intellectual cooperation between the
Americas through establishment Of scholar
ships and fellowships exchange of students
and professors, endowment OF chairs in univer.
stiles for the study OF Latin American problems
will be reviewed and discussed
* X X *
1t will require the Sixth International Con-
ference OF American States a month"; at least,
to dispose OF these questions. And their dis
position. in many cases. will mean. simply. the
adoption OF resolution set OF resolutions
setting forth principles which are principles
and nothing more. In other cases conventions
and agreements will be approved by the con-
ference and referred to the countries repre-
scented for ratification. Some of them will be
ratified by OF the republics, others will
never see the light OF day again for many
years 10 come And 1t is probable that when
the conference comes to a close IL will he ex.
tremely difficult to single out any specific ac-
complishment which may he expected TO IN
nuence In any great measure the future rea-
tons between the Americas
Yet this country attaches enough impor-
lance TO the Havana meeting to send its Presi-
dent and its Secretary of State for the opening
ceremonies and an able delegation. headed by
one Of its foremost citizens and, containing
skilled diplomats and technicians. TO represent
it during the proceedings. The explanation
does not lie in the fear that any grave politi.
cal questions will arise To endanger the inter.
ests Of the United States. that there is to
DO strong determined attempt to tear
away barriers which affect the foreign trade
OF the United States. The explanation lies in
the fact that the close relationship of the
Americas has ceased TO he "A fond dream. but
exists today in manner that vitality affects the
well being OF this country, Anything that
concerns IL is Of first importance. Anything
planted TO improve IL today may bear its fruit
tomorrow.