Evening star., 1945-12-02
Shortage of Sugar Caused
ByWorld Supply Conditions
Agriculture Experts See Possibility of Increasing
Ration by March and Lifting of Control
Near End of 1916
By joseph III. Baird

the Caribbean and Hawaiian yields may
vary as much as 100000 tons either way.
World Situation Is Dark.
The world situation as whole, how
ever, is not as bright as that in Ameri-
cas- own back yard.
First must be considered the fact that
the estimated 1000, ,O0O-ton gain in world
sugar production during the imminent
season will exactly counterbalance the
deficit for this year. Thus there will be
no long-range gain in stocks over 1914.
Secondly, two normally important
sources of sugar exports must be erased
from the current picture. In normal
times the Philippine Islands export
100000 tons annually (almost entirely
to the United States. Java usually ex-
ports 100000 tons to various other ma
tions, of which this country takes little
or nothing.
Due to the fact that the Philippines
were battlefield last season, they will
have nothing to export. Indeed, they
will do well to supply their own needs.
incidentally, for the first time in his
tory the United States is exporting small
amounts of sugar to the islands-just
enough to supply hospitals.
Java Out of Supply Picture.
Fighting is still going on in Java, and
although it is known that the island had
some surplus sugar at the time the Jap
anese surrendered, there is no way Of
guessing what part of this will remain
when peace is restored. At any rate,
experts eliminate Java from the world
supply picture.
Although agriculture in Western Eu-
rope is being restored gradually, it is not
likely to be sugar. importing area for
at least another year.
In addition to the United States, Ha-
waiian and Caribbean areas mentioned,
other major Sugar-producing lands are
British dominions, such as Trinidad and
the Bahamas. There is minor produc-
tion in other places. So, as far as the
experts can see today, the total crop
to be harvested during the winter and
spring will be around 100000 tons
for the countries represented in the
Combined Foods Board. CThese esti-
mates do not include Russia, Eastern
Europe, Africa or South America)
In accordance with wartime practice,
the Agriculture Department, on behalf
of the American Government, will buy
up the Cuban and Puerto Rican crops,
while the British will purchase those
in Trinidad and other Empire areas.
(The Hawaiian crop is sold entirely
through private commercial channelso
Purchasing Agreements.
The purchasing agreements with Cuba
and Puerto Rico haven't been concluded
yet, but probably will be within the
next go days.
After the available supply is deter
mined, the Combined Foods Board will
meet and allot it among the nations
represented on it. The yardstick Is
prewar consumption in ratio to supply.
Before the war the average American
ate annually 100 pounds of sugar, a
higher consumption than in other coun-
tries. Thus Americas present ratio is
higher.
When that is done and 1916 domestic
stocks are determined, the Agriculture
Department will notify the Office of
Price Administration quarterly of the
amount of sugar each ration stamp is
worth.
Prospects for fuller sugar bowl have
definitely improved. But the days Of
unlimited buying by the American
housewife still are far awav