Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-10-04
Continued From First Page

Continued From First Page)
sovereign countries is represented by
international finance and international
commerce. Hence the Importance. at
this time, CT a conference aimed to
increase commercial interchange among
the nations Of the Western Hemisphere
and to discuss a number of pressing
economic and financial problems Of sig
nificance to each one and all Of them.
Other Special Circumstances.
Outside Of these general considera-
tons, there are other special circum-
stances which make this a most appro-
pirate time to discuss economic and
commercial questions throughout the
continent.
In the course Of the last Is months,
new governments have been established
IN nearly all the important South
American countries. New governments
brought about by revolutionary changes,
which were, in a considerable degree,
precipitated by economic factors. These
governments. facing tho task of COM
plete reorganization of their financial
systems. in the midst Of the world S
gravest economic depression. are adept
ing radical measures and methods new
to Latin American conditions. The re-
adjustment of these methods. and q
concrete policy of coordination among
them appears to be a pressing need at
this particular moment
The falling OF Of foreign trade, ex-
perienced by almost every one OF the
countries in the Western Hemisphere, Is
another circumstance which adds to
the significance Of this Pan-American
conference. Single-crop nations, most OF
them, dependent exclusively upon the
exports OF one or two specific commod1-
ties, decreasing sales and lowering prices
have affected terribly the whole eco
nomic structure of some OF them.
Related to this situation is the prob
lem Of tariffs. which for some time has
been the matter Of heated controversy
both here and in the Latin-American
countries. High protective tariffs are
blamed for much Of the present critical
conditions of interamerican trade. And
yet, the majority Of the Latin repub-
hes have been steadily falling In line
with the United States, In the last few
years, and erecting high tariff walls
for the protection Of their home indus
tries and for revenue purposes
Problems Are Crucial
The problem Of overproduction, low
prices, deficient distribution and the
producers agreements-like in the cases
OF sugar, coffee, tin-and for diversified
ton OF production in countries which
so far have been dependent upon only
one commodity, are only so many other
reasons to admit that this is q crucial
period for interamerican commerce.
And, finally, the recent appearance OF
Two distinct trends in Latin America
one for economic unions, for closer CO.
operation, for free trade agreements and
another one for economic nationalism,
for Self-SuStenance and domestic con-
sumption OF local productS-rnakes even
more important any decision concern
ing interamerican trade which may be
adopted at this time.
Some Of the topics Ct discussion men,
toned in the official agenda Of the
conference give an idea Of the signifl-
canoe which this may have in the
beneft Of pan-American commerce IT
is safer to say may have because dele
gates to international congresses not al
ways fulfil the hopes Of public opinion
Barrier Elimination Important.
Paramount among the subjects which
VIII occupy the attention Of the confer
ence Is the elimination of trade bar
r1ers. According to q communique from
the Pan-American Union, It Is felt that
any advance that may be made In the
solution Of problems arising from the
presence Of excessive trade barriers will
represent "a real step forward in the
promotion of interamerican trade and
relieve 1t Of artificial hindrances."
The same communicate describes as
trade barriers" hindrances to commerce
resulting frSm high customs tariffs
import and export prohibitions and re-
strictionS and an excessive degr.c Of
governmental protection" Although II
is realized that the question Of Gus
toms tariffs falls within the jurisdiction