Tough Grim Year Ahead For America

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 60, 12 March 1943, Page 5

Tough Grim Year Ahead For America

Correcting Weakness In War Effort (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) Received Thursday, 8.50 p.m. WASHINGTON, Mar. 10. A warning to Americans to brace themselves ior a tougu grim year is contained in the second annual report of the Truman Senate Vvar investigation Committee. The committee attributed tne snortcomings of the war effort to three Dasic weaxnessea whicu are now being corrected: Firstly, inadequate comprehensive planning within the Government Departments at the beginning of the various programmes ana delay in determining the basic policies necessary to fulnl the programmes effectively. Secondly, conflicting authority over and responsibility for various phases of the war programme resulting in delays and “passing the buck.” Thirdly, the Government’s hesitancy to adopt unpopular policies long after the facts clearly indicated the necessity for them. The committee said farmers produced magnificently under handicaps in 1942, but greater production was required in 1943 to avoid disastrous inflationary spirals. The prices of all commodities both labour and farm must be controlled. The committee urged harder work, longer hours and greater sacrifices and predicted that America can and will accomplish the tremendous task set for 1943. The committee believed one of the primary needs is centralisation of authority in a few officials who should meet frequently, eliminate all jurisdiction conflicts, advise the President on important policy questions and relieve him completely of purely administrative work. After receiving assurances from the military departments every consideration is being given to shipping and production problems. The committee believed the responsibility for the size of the Armed Forces should be placed squarely on the Army and all doubts decided in favour of the Anny when matters of high strategy were involved.