COOPERATION. IN AMERICAN EXPORT TRADE.

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTION.

SECTION 1. REASON FOR THE INVESTIGATION.

The importance of our foreign commerce and the need of understanding
 the conditions American exporters must meet in competing
for the trade of the world was recognized by Congress when it gave
the Federal Trade Commission wide power to investigate and to
report its recommendations regarding those conditions. The act
creating the Commission provides that one of its powers shall be—
(h) To investigate, from time to time, trade conditions in and with foreign
countries where associations, combinations, or practices of manufacturers, merchants,
 or traders or other conditions, may affect the foreign trade of the United
States, and to report to Congress thereon, with such recommendations as it
deems advisable. (U. 8. Stats, vol. 38, Pt. I, ch. 811, sec. 6h.)
In view of the convulsive effect of the present war on the commerce
 of the world and of the difficulty of foreseeing the economic
and business conditions that will result after the treaties of peace,
the Commission has deemed it its duty to complete, with all possible
dispatch, an investigation of the obstacles which have heretofore
confronted American manufacturers and producers in world markets,
and recommend such legislation by Congress as will best enable them
to at least hold their ground in the fierce commercial struggle that
seems imminent after the war is over.
The economic map of the world is being remade. The business
men of the world are seeking to forecast conditions and to readjust
affairs to the greatest advantage. The next few years contain possibilities
 of as far-reaching and enduring consequence to American
industry, commerce, and finance as perhaps any years in the history
of the country.
Being clothed by Congress with the authority to ascertain and
report from time to time as to competitive conditions in foreign
countries of the world which affect adversely the interests of American
 industry, the Commission felt that the present was a suitable
time for the exercise of that power. Under this responsibility and
with this purpose the Commission undertook the investigation.
11