The International Chamber of Commerce

Abstract

is always in position to co6perate with the consular service, with representatives of the Department of Commerce, with foreign chambers and with American organizations both in the United States and abroad. In a majority of cases the initiative in establishing the chamber has been taken by the resident American consular officer, and the consul is actively interested in the chamber's work. Arrangements are frequently made with the local foreign organizations for an exchange of publications and service that proves helpful to both. American chambers of commerce abroad have sometimes complained, and not without reason, that their work is not accorded the support it should receive from home business men. At the same time they have realized that they lacked a direct point of contact with these home business interests. As a result some American chambers have established, and others are arranging to establish, in the United States representatives and committees to promote their interests, and particularly to increase their membership. Their plans also contemplate providing service through the medium of such representatives and through connections with commercial organizations in this country. A majority of the American chambers are organization members of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States, which is actively taking up the problems they encounter and endeavoring to improve and extend their service.