U.S. SHORT OF MANPOWER

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24193, 28 February 1944, Page 5

U.S. SHORT OF MANPOWER

ARMY REPLACEMENTS UNDER STRENGTH ROOSEVELT CALLS FOR REVIEW (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 8 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Feb. 26. “Selective service has not delivered the expected quantity of men. with the result that the Army will not reach the strength planned for January, until April,” said Mr Roosevelt, in a message to the War Manpower Commission. ‘‘The shortage reached 200,000 at December 31.” Mr Roosevelt has ordered a review of all occupational deferments with a view to making available the personnel required to carry on the war. He has pointed out that crucial campaigns this year will determine both the length of the war and its price in men and goods. “We are well equipped with food and munitions,” said the President, “but their production has drawn too heavily on manpower. It is time to strike a new balance, because the present allocations of personnel to the armed forces cannot be further reduced, and there is a very real danger in the failure to supply trained replacements at the time and in the numbers required.”