Originally published in 1963 but with lasting historical interest, this book was based on extensive research including many personal interviews with foreign trade officials and economists in communist East Berlin. It surveys the extent of economic integration between the European communist nations during the middle of the 20th century and pays particular attention to the problems of economic planning and decision making. The changing pattern of economic exploitation is revealed by the scrutiny of the foreign trade prices of these nations and the author also examines the economic motives behind the geographical pattern of trade.