U.S.A. AFFAIRS

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 January 1944, Page 6

U.S.A. AFFAIRS

PRODUCTION PROBLEMS [

(Recd. 11.20 a.m.) I WASHINGTON, January 21. A warning that re-conversion to peace-time production will take as long as conversion to pre-war production, was issued by the Undersecretary of War, Mr. Patterson, addressing the Mayors’ Conference at. Chicago. ‘ I Mr. Patterson said that if by some« magic w'e could create pre-war conditions, they would result in fifty percent. reduction of the national income, extensive unemployment and reduction of production capacity. He added. “Either we will evolve something better or be afflicted with something far worse. There is no turning . back.” I Mr. Patterson pointed out that the ' War Department does not consider, the end of the war even in sight. I Nevertheless, the return to peacetime production is being actively planned. He concluded that the reconversion problem will be somewhat lightened by the virtual certainty the war will not end simultaneously in all theatres. At least a year or more will elapse between Germany’s collapse and Japan’s surrender. REHABILITATION RELIEF. WASHINGTON, January 20. Amid cries of “America must guard her own interests,” a move was launched in the House of Representatives to-day by the Isolationists’ bloc to curtail the proposed American contribution of 1,350,000,000 dollars to the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration Fund for aiding peoples in war-devastated lands. Miss Jessie Sumner (Illinois) ano Mr. B. W. Gearhart (California), both Republicans, challenged the constitutionality of the contribution. Miss Sumner contended that UNRRA would help to make Mr. Stalin dictator of Europe. Mr. Hamilton Fish (Republican, New York), who said he admired Mr. Churchill and Mr. Stalin, because they put their own nations’ interests first, intimated that several amendments would be submitted, including a reduction to 675,000,000 dollars, restriction against the'use of any funds for educational purposes, provision to assure relief for the people of India, a guarantee that. 90 per cent, of the American contribution, would be used for supplies purchased in the United States, .and a stipulation that UNRRA would be used for relief exclusively, with no funds for rehabilitation. JAP.-lAMERICANS. WASHINGTON, January 21. The War Department announced that American citizens of Japanese ancestry will soon be subject to military duty. The United Press says it is understood the excellent combat record of Japanese-American volunteers influenced the decision. The 100th Battalion, the former Hawaiian National Guard unit, now in Italy with the sth Army, has won a number of commendations and suffered 96 killed, 221 wounded, and 17 missing.