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Show RELIEF OF NORWAY. We are more than pleased to learn that this country has entered into an economic agreement with Norway, U which our allies have given their assent. as-sent. Norway has been a great sufferer suf-ferer by reason of tbe war without being able to help herself. German submarines have sunk hundreds of her merchant vessels and her commerce has been all but destroyed in consequence. conse-quence. Of course, the Norwegians have kept up their trade relations with Germany since they could not see their way dear to enter the war. They had a perfect right to do this. But unfortunately un-fortunately for them they are dependent depend-ent upon the United States for foodstuffs food-stuffs and an embargo was enforced against them for the purpose of making mak-ing sure that none of the products of this country would be used by the Germaus while we were fighting them. The matter of signing an agreement has been hanging fire for some time, the government of Norway being un-: un-: willing to meet the demands of the authorities au-thorities at Washington. Finally Dr. Nansen, for whom tbe people of the United States entertain the most profound pro-found respect and admiration, was appointed ap-pointed commissioner to this country and it is probably owing to his earnest efforts that an agreement has been reached. The conditions accepted by Norway are as follows: That it would permit no American Ameri-can products to go to the central powers. That it would not export to the central powers any of its own products prod-ucts replaced by imports' from America. That it. would limit its exporta-tions exporta-tions of fish and fish products to the central powers to (S,pi tons annually. That in exporting to neutrals it would require guarantees that they would not allow to reach the central cen-tral powers any products which Norway agreed not to export direct di-rect lo those countri-1?. That where machinery, coal, oil, kerosene or other auxiliaries im-fxiitod im-fxiitod from the United States were' used in producing commodities in Norway, the product should not be shipped to the central powers. That, it would institute a rationing ration-ing svsteni for its population. Nnrwnv agreed also to limit its nccet-sary rx port at ion s to the central cen-tral powers. Wo think the Norwegians can be trusted to live up to their agreement. Although they will doubtless, continue to do business with the Germans' in a limited way, they aro Yro-Amerioan at heart, for they know that our cause is their cause and that their liberty would vanish should Germany become master of Europe. They also know that they are secure from aggression upon our part and Hint when tho Huns are finally routed and representatives of the nations of the world assemble to make future wars impossible, the rights of just such countries as Nor-wav Nor-wav will ho fully protected by the United States and her allies. Knowing Know-ing this, the Norwegians should rest content, now that we aro to supply them with foodstuffs. |