The statement of President Roosevelt that a barter agreement with Germany would constitute a violation of the United States’ anti-dumping laws provoked consternation today in government circles here.
Leading German officials said that Mr. Roosevelt’s interpretation will have the effect of forcing the Reich to seek expansion of its imports from countries other than the United States.
American business men in Germany who are engaged in the export of Reich goods to the United States asserted they expect to experience difficulty in the future in continuing their activity, pointing out that the anti-dumping laws may be raised to squelch any deal which would bring German commodities into the United States.
Many Americans expressed the opinion that the boycott movement against Nazi products will receive a new impetus as a result of President Roosevelt’s stand.
Dr. Hjalmar Schacht, financial dictator, was criticized for his policy of trading with foreign countries on a barter basis exclusively. It was maintained that this policy caused the American opposition, which now will cost the Reich $30,000,000 and may lead to a further decrease in German exports to the United States.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.