A Journey Through France in War Time | Page 3

France.
This idea was taken up by the American Manufacturers' Export Association, which, incorporated in 1911, numbers among its membership more than five hundred organizations of great importance in the American industrial world. This organization is co-operative in character, with the general idea of developing and maintaining commercial relations between the United States and foreign countries.
The importance of the proposed mission becomes more apparent through a detailed analysis of its program, which comprises a study of the most practical means of utilizing the resources and experience of America for the reconstruction which France desires to make of its communities and of its industries, during and after the war.
The Association has succeeded in organizing a commission made up of men well qualified to render the service desired.
The American Industrial Commission in France will strive to establish an active co-operation with its French associates, with a view of developing the commercial and industrial relation already existing between the two nations and to make them more cordial and more satisfactory on both sides.
The Association hopes to succeed through the work of the Commission in contributing in some measure to this happy result, and at the same time strengthen the friendship and sympathy which has existed between these two nations for more than a century.
A circular issued by The American Manufacturers' Export Association is of interest in this connection and was sent to members under consideration and to manufacturers, soliciting subscriptions for the expenses of the Commission. This circular is herein reproduced.
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AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION TO FRANCE
August-September, 1916
OBJECTS
Primarily, to make a thorough and technical investigation of present conditions in France looking to the reconstruction and re-organization of her communities and industries which will take place during and after the war to an extent unparalleled in history, and further, to determine the best and most complete manner in which the United States may contribute from her resources to accomplish these results; to arrange for largely increased purchases of French products and fully reciprocal commercial relations.
In the cause of a thorough neutrality, it should be distinctly understood that this undertaking is based upon cordial proposals which came to us unsolicited, and that we stand ready to do likewise in all other directions under similar conditions.
METHODS
Commissioners of known technical experience--members of the American Manufacturers' Export Association and others--will be chosen to investigate the present industrial situation in France in order to aid by American brains, energies and facilities the rehabilitation of a structure seriously damaged, and in many instances destroyed, by the ravages of war.
Extraordinary and unprecedented facilities have been granted by the French Government to aid the Commission in its endeavors, affording every assurance of a successful outcome.
An official account of the Commission's visit, with a summary of conclusions regarding each phase of its investigation, will later be reported and published for general distribution under the authority of the American Manufacturers' Export Association.
REPRESENTATION
It is intended to include all the industries of the United States concerned in French trade under the following classifications:
I. Prime Movers:
(Steam, Gas and Oil Engines; Pumping Engines, Steam and Hydraulic, Turbines, Condensers, Generators and all other adjuncts.)
Heavy Machinery: (Rolling Mills, Iron and Steel Products, etc.)
II. Machine-Tools, Wire, Transmission and Textile Machinery.
III. Milling Machinery:
(Flour and Saw Mills; Cement, Milling, Smelting, Agricultural and Road Machinery.)
IV. Electrical Apparatus.
V. Transportation:
(Locomotives, Cars, Naval Vessels, etc.)
VI. Importers:
(Textile, including Laces; Dry-Goods of all kinds; Porcelains, Groceries and Wines; Toys.)
VII. Synthetic Products based on chemical processes; Chemicals, Explosives, etc.
VIII. Bankers.
IX. Factory Architects, Engineers and Contractors.
PERSONNEL
Commissioners of broad experience in their respective lines will be chosen--men of national reputation who will lend dignity and standing to the enterprise and guarantee a result both conclusive and effective.
ITINERARY
With the co-operation of the French authorities an itinerary has been tentatively prepared covering the principal industrial cities and sections of France and consuming, together with ocean passages approximately 60 days. A definite program is being arranged with the cordial aid of French chambers of commerce and the great economical associations in the localities to be visited, and this work is now proceeding with the authority and full approval of the French Government. Railway and other transportation throughout France will be provided for the American Commission by the Government. The proposed visit has aroused intense interest on every side, and extensive plans have been made for the reception and instructive entertainment of the American delegation.
MANAGEMENT
One of the commissioners will be appointed to take general charge of the Commission on behalf of the American Export Association and it will be the duty of this representative to collaborate with the French authorities, appointed for this purpose, in the consummation of plans; to assume executive charge of the work of the Commission; and to organize the details necessary to the preparation of the official report to be issued for the full benefit of American industry.
To insure absolute regularity and efficiency