Ham and Cheese

Today as the House votes on the continuance of the Reciprocal Trade Pacts, time-worn ruts in the path of economic thought threaten to direct the course of American foreign policy. Right wheels of protectionism and isolationism indicate "no renewal." Left wing ruts are only lightly traced into American economic soil although sanctioned by both idealism and naked self interest. Unbelievable as it may seem at the present moment the ghost of an outmoded concept walks politically in our midst.

The issue is clearly drawn along partisan lines, Old Grand Party Unity opposing and the administration supporting. Although there are varying degrees of opposition within the Republican ranks, statements of prominent leaders give grounds for the fear that the issue is being fought in terms of party aggrandizement rather than of national welfare. Minnesotan Floor Leader Knutson characterizes the trade pacts as "a succession of dismal failures." Going off on a different tack, he implies that the fundamental question is one involving the power ratio of Congress in relation to foreign policy. Vestiges of isolationist complacency are refurbished by H. Fish's statement that "the reciprocal trade agreements have no more to do with peace than cheese has to do with chalk." The political heirs of 1920 still exist; "Cheese" Fish is living evidence.

Important as may be the material benefits of the Hull treaties, their diplomatic importance is far greater at this stage of the game. The vote tomorrow will sound the keynote of future policy. At this crossroads, O.G.P. Unity appears to have nothing constructive to offer.