The Milwaukee Leader

FOREIGN STEEL COMBINE PLAN STRIKES SNAG

PARIS-The attempt to establish a huge European steel combine which might compete with the great steel companies of the United States was definitely postponed for at least a month today when negotiations were broken off at the conference of delegates of the four nations.

The break came over a tentative proposal stipulating the amount of steel product each nation could have and the Belgian delegates declared that their share, set at 11 per cent, was not sufficient.

Belgium Is Adamant.

France and Germany finally agree in principle, but Belgium was adamant, so the conference was concluded with plans laid to meet again Sept. 17. According to the proposed plan the following division of production was made: Germany 43 per cent, France 37 per cent, Belgium 11 per cent and the remaining 9 per cent to be divided between Poland and Czechoslovakia, which is expected to join the combine.

Seek Cut in Share.

The Belgians say Belgian industries are in great difficulties since the war and that since the country is now restoring her steel output it is necessary that Belgium have a larger slice of production.

France produces less than the 37 per cent asked for but her delegates say the margin is necessary for her building program. The Belgians are trying to get the Germans to reduce her share of 43 per cent, but Germany calls that the lowest possible figure at which her demands may be satisfied.