WAR POWERS

Greymouth Evening Star, 4 February 1947, Page 5

WAR POWERS

EXTENSION FOR YEAR EMERGENCY USE IN TIME OF CRISIS REQUEST BY MR. TRUMAN (Rec. 10.5 a.m.) WASHINGTON, Feb. 3. The extension of parts of the War Powers' Act to- retain control over scarce foods, allocations of certain materials and the export of cars, trucks and tractors was requested by President Truman in a message to Congress. He requested that the Act be extended for a year from March 31 when it is due to expire. The President,' emphasising. the need for continuance of controls over scarce foods, said the world import requirements for grain in 1947 would total 38,000,000- tons, but only 24,000,000 tons . would be available, from the exporting countries. It would also be necessary to continue export and import controls over rice, sugar, meat, fats, and oils to carry out international understandings. Mr. Truman recommended extension of blanket powers controlling the allocations of materials in time of national emergency to be declared by the President. He said no such emergency was anticipated, but The power should be available for the remainder of the reconversion period to deal with “major unforseen contingencies.” ’ ■ The Associated Press says that under the act such an emergency could be a coal strike. Mr. Truman asked for retention of the powers which permit the Maritime Commission to run shipping lines and to permit the operation of ships with less crew and equipment than in peacetime.