Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-10-04
BY DIR. LEO s. ROWE.


Director General Pan-American Union.
With many important and difacult
trade problems confronting the business
men of the United States and the 20
other American republics. 1t is believed
that no better, no more opportune time
could have been selected than the pres
ent for the converting of the Fourth
Pan-American Commercial Conference,
which will open its sessions here tomor-
row Monday morning and continue its
work until october IL. Not only will
this great international gathering give
opportunity for fun and free discussion
Of various commercial questions which
have an important bearing on the de-
velopment of inter-American trade, but
it is expected that definite action will
be taken, in the form Of a number of
resolutions and recommendations, which
will lead to an upbuilding and promo
ton Of commercial relations among the
republics of America. Nor must we
overlook the value Of the contacts which
will be established between the business
and financial leaders who will assemble
here to attend the conference.
Official delegates have been. appointed
by the governments of all the American
republics and in addition there will be
large number. totslling more than 500,
representing chambers of commerce,
bankers organizations, road builders
ard engineering bodies. port authorities,
trade groups engaged in commerce be-
tween North and South America, col
leges and universities and other inter-
ested organizations. Previous pan
American commercial conferences have
been held In 1911, 1919 and 1927, but
it is believed that the one about to as
semble will be the most important
which has yet been held
Every Vital Phase Covered.
The topics on the program cover
every vital phase of inter-American
commercial activities, and the confer
ence has been SO organized as to give
the fullest possible opportunity for dis
cussion and action on the questions on
the agenda looking to practical and
definite accomplishments. In addition
to the plenary sessions, where there
will be broad general consideration of
such subjects as production and distri-
button problems of the Americas. inter-
American commercial relations and
financial and economic problems of the
American republics, there will be group
meetings, at which more detailed discus
sion may be given to the various topics
on the program. In order to facilitate
the work of the conference and make it
more effective, it will be divided into two
groups, the first of which will take up
problems Of trade barriers, trade pro-
motion and transportation and COM
munication, while the second group will
consider questions relating to consular
procedure and customs regulations
finance and national and international
juridical questions.
Further detailed consideration OF
problems relating to the individual coun-
trees will be provided for through the
round-table conferences. Here the rep
reSentatives of each Latin American
country will be given the opportunity tC
discuss with delegates from the United
! states the import and export problems
and other matters in which each one is
| particularly concerned. These round
table conferences will consist of &c
groups, one for each of the Latin Amer
lean nations No definite program will
be provided for these meetings, the pur-
pose being to permit the delegates to
@scuss frankly and fully the CONNER
| cial and economic questions which are
kof major interest to their respective
countries.
Face Varied Problems.
Business leaders throughout the
Americas today have problems of vari-
Gus kinds which they are seeking tc
solve. It is believed the interchange OF
views, the consultation and round table
discussions, with resulting recommen-
dations of practical character to their
governments and chambers Of CON-
merce, will furnish the basis on which
| improved and strengthened trade rela-
lions among the American republics may
be built up, and that the coming confer
er1ce will open the way for many new
commercial contacts and developments
| The widespread response to the invita-