Total tonnage of all countries operating between this country and the Far East was 503.000 tons in August, 1939, and 592,000 tons in October. 1940, This represents an increase of 17% per cent. in this period.
In the trade between the United States and Australia, New Zealand and Oceania, vessels flying the flag of American companies register no increase in this period, despite the fact that the total tonnage of all nations engaged in this service increased from 61,000 to 64,000, or five per cent. United States participation remained static at 10,000 tons.
For these reasons, observers doubt whether United States shipping would be in a position to take over any considerable - portion of the British Pacific trade routes. In is believed that practically all available tonnage in this country is now in service, either in the expanding trade routes to Latin America and other areas or under the flags of Britain, Canada and other parts of the British Empire.
Mr. Albert E. Sanderson, shipping expert of the Department of Commerce, in "Commerce Reports," said that, in June, 1939, 65 per cent, of the total world merchant tonnage, exclusive of Great Lakes vessels, was owned by countries that are now belligerent or subject to belligerent control,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.