NINE-TENTHS OF IMPORTS STOPPED

Adverse criticism has been made with reference to our Ministry of Blockade in connection with the supplies of foodstuffs by neutral countries to Germany. There has been a revival of the attacks on the department in consequence of a statement by The World, New York, that in the year 1916 Scandinavia and Holland sent into Germany the following quantities, in metric tons, of foodstuffs: Butter, 82,600; Cheese, 70,500; Meat, 115,800; Eggs, 46,400; Pork products, 68,800; Sugar 12,000; Condensed milk, 70,000; Fish, 407,000; Potato meal, 179,500; vegetables, 215,000. These figures are formidable, and to them must be added considerable quantities of other foods that are collected in small portions and taken into Germany in bulk. Agents have purchased cocoa in packets at retail shops, and, by a regular system of extensive buying, have accumulated valuable supplies. In the meantime, the critics point out, the exports to our shores from Holland have diminished. It is urged that the remedy is to stop the raw material from going into neutral countries that supply Germany, to stop fodder from going to Holland on the assumption that it will feed cattle that will ultimately go to Germany. It must be borne in mind that goods may go straight into Germany from Holland and Denmark without sea risks, and that Germany will outbid us in price for every article. The Dutchman with goods for sale has the choice between an easy and good market and a difficult market at a lower price. The Dutchman is subject to the laws of human nature. But, say the critics, if the supply of fodder is conditional upon goods in return, that will compel the bringing of food to this country instead of to Germany. In a sentence, they call for what is termed “a real blockade.” This is not the simple course that may appear, as the following statement made by a high authority to a representative of The Daily Telegraph yesterday may show: