Paris, March 26.
The balance of trade has now turned in France's favour.—This was only to be expected, in view of the January export and import figures, and the general tendency of the trade situation.
Statistics just issued by the Customs Administration show (millions omitted)
Imports—Jan. and Feb. 1921, Frs. 3,596, Jan. and Feb. 1920, 5,646. Exports—Jan. and Feb, 1921, Frs. 3,282, Jan and Feb. 1920, 2,758.
Imports of foodstuffs decreased Frs. 754,000,000, of raw materials Frs. 741,000,000, and of manufactured articles Frs. 555,000,000, as compared with the first two months of 1920, while exports of foodstuffs increased Frs. 31,000,000, of raw materials Frs. 200,000,000, of manufactured articles Frs. 638,000,000, and of parcels (post) Frs. 45,000,000. Exports of manufactured articles in February alone amounted to Frs. 101,000,000.
EconoMy aND THE BupGeT.
The Senate yesterday continued the debate on the Budget. The Minister of Finance, M. Doumer, advocated a policy of economy, which was necessary, he said, to help to restore the exchange value of the franc and thereby reduce the cost of living. The Minister reminded Senators that, although the burden" of reparations must ultimately be borne by Germany, for the time being France was paying
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.