lk of Economic Alliance sounds well and is serving its
purpose, the fact must not be overlooked that, though war ends, business
keeps right on. Self-interest will dictate the policy that pays the
best." This is a typical comment.

Now we get to the meat of the matter: By the terms of the pact half a
dozen important nations--to say nothing of the smaller fry--are bound to
a hard-and-fast trade agreement. Business, in brief, is projected in
terms of nations.

Go behind this new battle front and you will find that it conflicts with
an uncompromising commercial rule. Why? Simply because, so far as
business is concerned, nations may propose, but human beings dispose.
Individuals, not countries, do business! Being human, these individuals
are apt to follow the line of least resistance. Hence, the best-laid
plans for imposing international industrial teamwork are likely to
founder on those weaknesses of human nature that begin and end in the
pocketbook.

After the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71, and while the Peace of
Versailles was being negotiated, commercial travellers of each nation,
laden with samples, filled the border villages, ready to dash across the
frontier and open accounts. Of course no one dreams that such history
will repeat itself after the present war; but there are many persons in
England and France to-day who contend that the business needs of peace
will be stronger than the costly hang-over of wartime passions.

Trade, after all, is a Colossus that rests with one foot upon Necessity
and the other foot upon Convenience.

Will the Allies be such valued commercial helpmates to each other?
Perhaps not. When this war is over the fighting countries will be
impoverished by years of drain and waste. As a result, they will be
poorer customers for each other, but very sharp competitors.
International trade is merely an exchange of goods for goods. You cannot
sell without buying, and vice versa. No groups of nations can live by
taking in each other's washing. They are bound to get outside linen.
When peace comes we shall have the lending and purchasing power of the
world. Can anybody afford to shut us out?

Again: Can the Allies present a united front or carry on a uniform line
of conduct? Will not their interests overlap and cause an inevitable
conflict, even when intentions are of the very best?

France, for example, competes with England in chemicals, surgical
instruments, high-speed tools, scores of things