AMERICA AND NEUTRALS.

Taihape Daily Times, 18 February 1918, Page 3

AMERICA AND NEUTRALS.

The policy of the "United States in regard to the embargo on trade io neutral nations was recently the subject of an official explanation, which represents that the United States could hardly be expected to help neutrals to procure supplies if they continue to send aid to the Central Powers. Some of the neutral countries have persisted in sending large quantities of vital supplies to Germany and iier allies, in spite of the warning. The repeated requests for information as to what these countries need for the sustenance of their own people have received little response. The War Trade Bureau, recently established by executive order, proposes to deny export licenses to any of these countries so long as the requested information is withheld, and to continue the embargo policy which has been instituted so long as these countries continue to assist the Central Empires, directly, or by such indirect methods as the use of oil for the operation of fishing craft, or lubricating oil in the manufacturing establishments working for German interests, and the Conversion of fodder into dairy products. The statement concludes:—"The Government is prepared to help neutrals, even at a sacrifice to ourselves, in allowing the export to them of commodities which we can ill afford to spare. "We are in no way inspired by a desire to interfere with their norma! life, but in return for our services we must request some guarantee that the supplies furnished will not be turned against us to prolong the war and to kill our sons. The welfare of the Northern neutrals is, therefore, in their own hands."