TOTAL WAR NEEDS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 10 August 1942, Page 2

TOTAL WAR NEEDS

PRODUCTION STILL INSUFFICIENT DISCLOSURES IN U.S. Washington, Aug. 7. The office of War Information, reviewing the United States’ first eight months of war, declares that American war production is still in sufficient for victory, and gives a warning that “we could lose the war unless everyone does his ut most. “It is certain that we are not going to win without heavy losses in men.” it says. The 0.W.1. reveals that the American production in June was slightly behind schedule in fighting planes, tanks, most types of artillery. and naval vessels, particularly small antisubmarine craft. Though American production is amazing compared with the standards of a few years past, it is not enough to win the war. ‘To win a total war we must fight it totally.” the 0.W.1. emphasises, and says, "We are not yet fighting that hard.” Highlights of the review are:—l. “If the Axis inflicts crippling blows on our Allies in 1942. the war will be decided in some future year that is not now foreseen, and victory will bo far more costly.’ 2. “Our Allies have carried most of the load, and we have not given them as much help as we led them to expect.” 3. “Even if shipbuilding continues rising and the sinkings decrease, it will be late in 1943 before we again have as much merchant shipping as we had on 7th December, 1941.”

“HIT WHERE IT COUNTS” 4 “The initial disasters of Pearl Harbour and the Philippine airfields cost us plenty. ’ 5. “The victories of the Coral Sea anc Midway Island, while brilliant, wen defensive victories. 6. “American military forces are disposed where the military commanders have believed they would get maximum results. When we cannot be strong and hit hard everywhere, we must hit hard where it counts, even at the price of leaving other areas inactive. Popular pressure for action on a specific front does not a u>oful purpose.”—P.A