The question of the extent to which a number of the smaller neutral countries may indirectly be rendering assistance to Germany de serves consideration, says "P.E." in the "Financial News" of September 13. In some instances, countries Overseas are supplying her freely with essential fuel and raw materials, without receiving any cash payment, Or even any immediate payment by way of German exports. In theory, they will obtain payment in the long run by importing from Germany goods to an amount corresponding with their sales.
In practice, however, owing to the! slowing dowa of German exports and the increase of German imports of essential commodities, all that the "neutrals" may be receiving, for the moment, would seem to be frozen reichsmark balances. Consequently, ior all practical purposes, Germany is being supplied on a credit basis with. commodities essential to her conduct of the war.
For these, payment in the form of German goods may, or may not, be forthcoming in six months' time.
Meanwhile, ability to obtain them is of valuable assistance to Germany. What immediate steps can be taken to obviate the difficulty is not quite clear. But, from this country's viewpoint, the results should be carefully considered,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.