"As regards the group in which we are most interested, the various sorts of grain, no figures for quantities have been given from February onwards.
"The mere juxtaposition of two comparable values naturally gives no complete idea of the facts. It should be borne in mind that the commencement of the unrestricted U-boat campaign came at a time when the economical position of England was not normal, but greatly weakened already by two and a half years of war. A correct judgment will, then, only be possible when we take into consideration the entire development of the imports during the course of the war.
"I will here give only the most important figures.
"In the case of iron ore, England has up to now maintained its position better than in other respects.
"Imports amounted in 1913 to 7.4 million tons.
"In 1916 to 6.9 million tons.
"January, 1913, 689,000 tons; February, 1913, 658,000 tons.
"January, 1916, 526,000 tons; February, 1916, 404,000 tons.
"January, 1917, 512,000 tons; February, 1917, 508,000 tons.
"Here again comparison with the peace year 1913 shows for the months of January and February a not inconsiderable decrease, though the imports, especially in February, 1917, were in excess of those for the same month in 1916.