Foreign Exchange

"Foreign Exchange" by Robert L. Owen is a comprehensive treatise on international finance and currency management written in the early 20th century, specifically in the context of post-World War I economic dynamics. The book focuses on the importance of maintaining the value of the American dollar in foreign markets, addressing the challenges posed by war conditions that resulted in depreciation against other currencies. Owen, a United States Senator from Oklahoma and the chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking and Currency, leverages his expertise to analyze the mechanisms of foreign exchange and the balance of trade. In "Foreign Exchange," Owen outlines the factors contributing to the American dollar's depreciation abroad, particularly in countries like Spain and Italy, and discusses the detrimental effects on American commerce and international relationships. The book delves into the intricacies of foreign bills of exchange, the concept of balance of trade, and the impact of government policies on currency valuation. Owen offers potential remedies to stabilize the dollar, such as the establishment of a Federal Reserve Foreign Bank to manage international exchange effectively and safeguard the value of American currency on the global stage. Through his analysis, Owen calls for coordinated governmental action to rectify the economic imbalances arising from war conditions and maintain the prestige of the dollar as a stable measure of value in international contracts.