Need Superhuman Jobs In Next Few Months

Northern Advocate, 1 October 1943, Page 3

Need Superhuman Jobs In Next Few Months

(8.0. W.) RUGBY, September 30. “Considering British handicaps, what she has accomplished in mass production has been miraculous,” the United States War Production Chief (Mr. Donald Nelson) stated when reviewing his visit to Britain. He stressed the fact that he had been greatly impressed by British production which, he said, was good even by the highest standards. The United States had supplied munitions, equivalent to adding one-third to British production. Canadian production had made a remarkable achievement, particularly in shipbuilding, and Canadian launchings at present were equal in tonnage to British! Mr. Nelson said that i\ve no longer had a shortage of materials, or manpower. What was needed now was to buckle to the job and get on with production. An essential factor at the moment was time. “We cannot have too much, too soon,” he said, and added that the next few months would be critical. His main impression after touring Britain and listening to comments of American forces (was of the shortness of time and the immensity of the effort necessary. Ready for the Kill “We need superhuman jobs from workers and management in the next few months. We have our materials and facilities all in shape. Now we must act like a real fighting champion who redoubles his efforts for the kill iwhen he sees his opponent groggy. The great lesson we have learned from the recent battle of experience is. that the more materials we have the more lives we can save. There is safety in numbers in battle, whether air or military. The more who go out the more will come back.”

Mr. Nelson emphasised that the present problem was to convert recent battle experience into production of munitions demanded by the changing necessities of military operations. Particularly immense quantities of certain types of aircraft, landing craft and transport of all varieties were now urgently and immediately required. Mr. Nelson added that the United States had profited greatly by British experience and help in its own munition production. Regarding the main materials, Mr. Nelson declared that rubber was no longer a problem in itself and adequate supplies of synthetic were now in sight. The tin position was new in good shape, likewise wool, the latter due partly to British co-operation and largely to removal of large stocks from Australia to the United States for the central pool.