70 REPORT OF AMERICAN MERCHANT MARINE COMMISSION.

The total amount loaned by the Government, as outlined above, is over $400,000,
and this has all been given in recent years. It is a notable fact that all countries
that have a realizing sense of the importance of a merchant marine to do its transporting
 consider the maritime situation most carefully and consistently, and when
sovernment aid will accomplish anything they are not slow to cooperate and assist
in the placing of lines of trade on a firm and enduring basis. They appreciate fully
and vividly the necessity of such maritime strength.