MUNITIONS FOR BRITAIN.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 90, 15 March 1941, Page 7

MUNITIONS FOR BRITAIN.

SPEEDING UP PLANNED.

WASHINGTON, March 13. The Defence Production Administrator (Mr Knudsen) has reported that the British and American Governments have expanded 784 defence plants in the United States at an estimated cost of 2,138,000,000 dollars. . . ,_ , Mr Knudsen added that Britain had financed 61 plants at a cost of 171,000,000 dollars. He said that since June 1, 1940 the army and navy had awarded contracts totalling 12,500,000,000, resulting in re-employment of 1,500,000 men. He predicted a huge speeding-up of production within three months. Maritime Commission officials state that they plan to enlist the services of 285 foreign ships, owned by Americans, to carry strategic materials for the United 'States. Officials said the commission sought the voluntary cooperation of American owners; failing that they were prepared to exert moral pressure." If the latter course became necessary, the commission would invoke a law which authorises the Government to requisition ships owned by American citizens during a national emergency. . The chairman of the House Naval Committee (Mr C. A.- Vinson) asked for quick congressional approval of legislation to eliminate stoppages of work. He said that during 1940 and up to the middle of February strikes resulted in the loss of 7,817,000 ni'inhours, labour suffiicent to make 325 bombers. Mr Vinson added: "The American people have a right to expect the co-operation of all elements in carrying on the defence programme."