LEASE OR LEND

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXII, Issue 98, 25 March 1942, Page 4

LEASE OR LEND

COUNTRY’S NEEDS

GOVERNMENT PLAN

WELLINGTON, Alar. 25. An announcement that the Government was taking steps to see it arrangements could be made ill __ tlie United States to deal with New Zealand’s needs as a country, rather than with the needs of individual firms in the; Dominion, was made by the Minister of Supply (Mr Sullivan), discussing the lease-or-lend scheme in an address to the Wellington Chamber of Commerce last night. Such a step is only the commonsense approach to a difficult problem.’’ he said. “After all, the populatbn of New Zealand docs not measure up to that of a large city in the older lands, and surely we can among ouiselvos reach an amicable agreement wiereby we can facilitate the flow of supplies. Such a course would make th: task much easier; would eliminate much clerical work; would facilitate shipping in bulk rather than create difficulties for everyone by trying to arrange a number of small shipments. Air Sullivan said that a number ol small orders had been sent in lor forwarding. “When you think of America striving every nerve to produce 60.000 planes this year, 45,000 tanks, 20 000 anti-aircraft guns, and millions ot tons of shipping; when you think of the 1943 programme, which envisages the production of 125,000 aeroplanes, 75,000 tanks, 35,000 anti-aircrait guns, and 10,000,0000 tons af shipping, you will realise how iatuous it seems to utilise the machinery ol supply to solid: goods valued at £2 New Zealand currency, and sums not much greater.’ be said. “I don't question the necessity ol the goods, but surely wc can bulk together many of these small orders with goods ol a similar nature. 1 can assure vou that some such stop will be necessary if the supply lines are u> be kept moving.” There were those who thought Icase-or-1 end was an open sesame to all they wanted. Such was not the case. Priority ol essentiality was something over which no ono in New Zealand had any control.

"We’ do indicate the priority of shipping we desire,” said Air Sullivan. “Our importers and manufacturers furnish their needs to the Ministry ol Supply, and, jet me make this )eiy clear, it is necessary to stale definitely the use to which any material ordered will be put. Its relation to our war effort must be stated. The responsibility is thrift on my pfficcrs to verity the truth ol the statements made, and to indicate the degree of urgency. These representations ate forwarded to Washington, where the Lease or Lend Administrator and the Office ot Production Management are approached by our supply liaison officers. The American organisation lias the filial say. and tiie American set-up decides the rate of priority in the release of supplies. Wc at tins end act as the clearing house- “ Our representations have always been sympathetically received, and 1 am sure we will Have the full support of the United States in the provision ol vitally essential supplies just as we will have full support in the defence ol our shores tltuuld toe need arise.”