THE BLOCKADE.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 473, 16 August 1915, Page 7

THE BLOCKADE.

IMPORT TRUST WITH SWITZERLAND. NEGOTIATIONS REACH A DEADLOCK. (Eeceived August 16, 8.30 a.m.) LONDON, August 15. Eeuter's Zurich correspondent states that the Import Trust negotiations at Berne have reached a deadlock. A Government trust has been found to be practically impossible, because the State, owing to its operatkig the Federal railways, is the largest consumer of German coal, and is almost forced to yield to Ger-. many's demand for the exchange of commodities for coal. On the other' hand, Swiss industrial and commercial firms are using electricity from neutral'water-power, and they are virtually independent of German coal. They are ready to accept a trust on the lines suggested by the Allies, which are private and unofficial, similar to the Dutch trust. The creation of a private trust would be difficult, and would possibly be construed as an affront to the Federal Government after diplomatic efforts to reach an understanding with the State.