U.S.A. AFFAIRS

Greymouth Evening Star, 2 April 1943, Page 5

U.S.A. AFFAIRS

SHIPBUILDING PROGRESS

WASHINGTON, March 31

For the first time in history the United States merchant fleet is expected to exceed Britain’s before the end of the year, when American shipbuilding will overtake Britain s. A report by the combined Shipping Adjustment Board, disclosing this, does not give total tonnages, but says that America's new construction will be 18,890.000 tons in 1943. • The board’s survey says that shipping space is still the most precious war commodity. The co-ordinated operation of the Allied merchant fleets has made possible war-time achievements which would have been impossible under separate action. New shipping construction now exceeds tonnage sunk, although the submarine menace continues to be very serious. The United Nations are slowly but surely building up advantage on the seas.'

CURRENCY PROBLEMS

RUGBY. April 1

Mr. Morgenthau, United States Secretary of the Treasury, said, today, that his Department will present its views on post-war currency problems to the Senate Committee next Monday. The Treasury has been working for a year on plans for post-war currency stabilisation, which have been submitted to the United Nations’ Finance Ministers.

RATIONING IN CANADA

OTTAWA, April 1

Meat rationing in Canada will begin early next month, said the Finance Minister (Mr. Ilsley). The ration will be two pounds weekly. Meatless days will be observed in restaurants and hotels.