A MINE OF WEALTH: EPILOGUE [To the Editor of the
SPECTATOR.] Sin,—Some "distinctions that are plain and few" emerge from the very full and candid correspondence that was evoked by the two Spectator articles on the Dead Sea potash, as a mine of wealth for the world's farmers. Personally, since the articles were written, I have further studied some of the concrete plans for developing this wealth ; and it may be taken as established that the scheme is far past the labora- tory stage and scale ; and that cheap potash in immense quantity may be produced almost at once. Farms ell over the world would benefit ; Palestine and Transjordania would become wealthy nations and British prestige would be much enhanced if the wealth were exploited at once, as it may be exploited. The only barrier to this desirable consummation is the British Government.
That is one plain distinction. Now for the second. The matter has been fully and even more candidly discussed in the German Press ; and German comments make it abundantly clear that cheap potash from the Dead Sea would be regarded as in the nature of a disaster by some of those interested in the German Cartel and of a crux by those engaged in the organization of world-wide trusts. It is more than probable that the long delay in granting a concession and what appear to be sudden changes of policy are due to such intrinsic causes.
There are, undoubtedly, a number of small difficulties. Among the chief, a French syndicate is already in possession of a concession ; but it is limited in time and in scope. More than this, even that syndicate would probably be willing to co-operate with the other groups who have already agreed to pool their knowledge and endeavours. All this side of
the business redomidS ha the Credit' ofthe' clieniiits and engineers who have studied and worked at the problem in Palestine. They are supported in their amity by the financiers ; and capital in abundance has been placed at their disposal, and has been at their disposal for the three years that have elapsed since the first application was inade for the concession and a quick answer promised..
The one fact that has never been divulged and is- perhaps the crux of the situation is this : What are the terms and conditions formulated by the authorities at. Jerusalem in return for the conceded franchise ? They have not been
submitted to any of the groups who desire to develop the potash to its full extent. Nor have . they ever been outlined to Parliament in spite of insistent demands at Westminster. Why not ? That is what the farmers of the world want to know.—I am, Sir, &c., W. BEACH THOMAS.
[Although we have closed our columns to further coms. pondence on this subject, we are glad to publish Sir William's summing-up.—En. Spectator.]
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