Some two years ago, the Editors of the Business History Review adopted a policy of preparing one special issue per year devoted to a significant topic or area in business history. The first such issue, covering fashion, appeared last year and met an enthusiastic reception. The present issue represents our second major effort to highlight problems and approaches to important areas of business history. In this instance the subject is government-business relations.

Professor Aitken reveals a distinctive pattern of government-business relationships against the background of Canada's defensive economic development and its government's active role in the maintenance of national economic unity.

The present policies and problems of government-business relations in India are examined by Professor Varshney against the background of his nation's historical experience.

The important role of American business interests and technical assistants in Kemalist Turkey's drive for economic modernization forms the basis for an excellent illustration of the interaction of governments and businessmen in developing countries.

Through a careful analysis of public policy and opinion, Professor Marburg considers the nature, allowable range, and economic effects of those business associations designated “cartels” in German usage. Marked contrasts with American theory and practice in similar fields emerge.

The nature and application of Europe's first supranational antitrust law are the subjects of Professor Schmitt's analysis. The problems and policies regarding mergers and combinations experienced during the first six years of ECSC are of particular importance in the study of the evolution of international government-business relationships.

In the manner of the Creole tradesmen of Louisiana, whose lagniappe to their patrons is legendary, the Editors offer a similar bonus to readers of the Review. Instead of trifling presents added to a purchase, however, our lagniappe will be documents illustrative of the evolution of business enterprise. It is hoped thus to provide a wider availability of the raw materials of business history to teachers and researchers.