Page:Edvard Beneš – Bohemia's case for independence.pdf/105

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INDEPENDENT BOHEMIA
91

As regards iron, 60 per cent. of the total production comes from the Czech countries. The centre of the iron industry is situated in the Czech countries (Pilsen (the Skoda Factory), Vitkovice, Rokycany, Beroun, Kladno.)

Almost all the sugar factories of the monarchy are in Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia. Bohemia alone produces 10 1/2 million hectolitres of beer annually, which is more than 50 per cent. of the total production of Austria. The beer exported from Austria is manufactured exclusively in Bohemia (Pilsen beer). and its export amounts to 15 million kronen per annum. As to malt, which is produced exclusively by Bohemia, almost 55 million kronen worth is exported annually.

The textile industries flourish mostly in Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia. The export of textile goods from Bohemia amounts to 130 million kronen. The same applies to leather, chemicals, paper, electrotechnic, and wood industries.

The foreign trade also shows the extreme importance of the Czech countries.

Almost two-thirds of the Austrian exports, which in row amounted to 2192 million kronen, come from the Czech countries. Over 220 million kronen worth of products, especially of sugar, was exported to England alone. Beer, malt, and hops were exported to France, textiles and machines to Italy, and sundry manufactured products to