TRADE GOES ON

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23431, 22 August 1939, Page 8

TRADE GOES ON

While all the world is in the grip of war alarms, with Germany the central point of tension, trade goes on, and trade with Germany is no exception. Unusual activity in London markets for copper and rubber is attributed to heavy German buying. This may have its significance in relation to the international crisis, since copper and rubber are such vital raw materials as to be virtually munitions of war. Simultaneously it is reported that the barter agreement between Germany and the Union of South Africa has been renewed for a further year. It has existed in its present form since 1934, with the maximum value of goods involved rising substantially, though the figure in the latest renewal, £6,355,000, is the same as that in last year's agreement. Wool is one of the chief commodities affected by the terms. The quota of the present total allocated to wool purchases is £3,700,000, approximately the same figure as in the two preceding years. The other products covered are largely farm output, fruit, hides, skins and butter being included. But there is mention also of manganese and vanadium, both essential ingredients in special steels. So the list comes back again to actual or potential war materials. South Africa joins the ranks of those countries providing supplies which may be turned to sinister uses. Trade has gone on for years now, although at times during the same period angry words have been exchanged over the former German colony of South West Africa, now administered by the Union Government. It is a paradox of the times that peoples which may bo on opposite sides should war come continue to exchange goods, and often goods which will be required for the waging of that war.