Abstract
The disintegration of the economies in East Europe is taking place at a time when competition between the leading industrialized nations is increasing. Stronger links between German and Japanese capital, eg recent contacts between Daimler Benz (Deutsche Bank) and Mitsubishi, will have important effects not only on relations between Europe, Japan and the US, but also on international mining and commodity markets.
Frederic F Clairmonte gives a short background to this development.