Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1955-08-07
BY GABRIEL vOGLIOTTI

10 ther amazemenC, wash
ington officials have discov-
cred that the Western trade
embargo against the Soviet
Union. China and the satellites
Is hurting much more than
they hoped. AS a result, there
has been a surprise augmen-
tation to the United States
bargaining power in the cold
war. officials think the Com
munists may even be will
ing to pay to lift the boy
colt. And In Congress pres
ent mood, the price will have
to be high.
In Geneva's aftermath,
American officials are taking
micrometer readings of the
issues discussed by the Big
Four. They have been espe-
cially impressed with Russia's
eagerness to lift the economic
boycott that is now partici-
pated in by some so nations.
Earlier 1t had been fashion
able here to point TO the no.
torious laxity in enforcement,
and to consider the embargo
against Russia and the Euro
pean satellites as ineffective.
But the attitude of the
Kremlin leaders at Geneva
has prompted 9 little rethink-
ing. When Mr.. Bulganin made
his summation Of issues that
divide East and West, he made
i've separate demands for re-
storation Of commerce. In Oc-
tober, or possibly earlier. teams
of American experts will dis
cusS with the Russians what
terms will be required to end
the embargo, now enforced by
Is major nations and IS 9TH
ers.
Some PIT categories of stra-
tegic armament. tools and
equipment are being withheld
from Russia and the satellites.
Ship and rail movements to
the Soviet world have also
been curtailed. Port patrols
and financial controls have
been in operation for several
years.
In Asia, the blockade of
China has been particularly
painful. not only for the Chi
nese, but for Soviet Russia, too.
which has to help its ally make
UP the deficit.
At the ino-American talks
In Geneva last week. the Com
munist Chinese are under
stood to have raised the ques-
ton of when the embargo
could be lifted.
The Background
Beginning with the time in
1919 when Commerce Depart
ment agents discovered that
the British had sold so Jet en-
gines to Russia. congressional
groups have tried to pass a
law which would stop United
States aid to any country SELL
ing anything of military value
to the Communist world. In
the next three years, four such
bills. introduced in House and
Senate, were whipped by White
House intervention.
On the fifth try Congress
passed the Battle Act, in force
today. This law directs the
President to stop aid to any
nation that persists in selling
guns. munitions or strategic
goods to nations in the Com
muniSt orbit.
Since military or economic
aid was going to some SO ma
tons. the law produced a sort
Of international enforcement
bureau. Fifteen major nations
eventually entered into treaty
agreement and formed a secret
committee which thereafter
defined strategic materials
and agreed to halt sales there
Of to the Soviet world.
A group Of nations of almost
the same composition agreed
to comply with a more rigid
blockade Of China. Some IS
lesser nations observe the en-
bargo-blockade to a degree.
The WroneIine
But the history Of the act
Is a history Of wrangling
England. France, Germany
and most nations have re-
sented 1t because Of the i'm
piled United States duress.
Boycott Russia" Washington
said. "or lose millions in United
States military and economic
aid"
Allies resented 1t too because
1t stopped sale Of commodities
they thought legitimate.
The story of the bitter and
long interallied WrAnnln Ia Rtill