GRIM YEAR AHEAD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25172, 12 March 1943, Page 3

GRIM YEAR AHEAD

WARNING TO AMERICANS LONGER HOURS URGED WASHINGTON. (Rec. 10.30 p.m.) Mar. 10. A warning to Americans to brace themselves xor a tough, grim year is contained in the second annual report of the Senate War Investigation Committee. The committee attributed the shortcomings in the war effort to three basic weaknesses, which were now being corrected: 1. Inadequate comprehensive planning within Government departments at the beginning of the various programmes and delay in determining the basic policies necessary to fulfil the programmes effectively. 2. Conflicting authority over and responsibility for various phases of the., war programme, resulting in delays and “ passing the buck.” 3. The Government’s hesitancy to adopt unpopular policies long after facts clearly indicated the need for them.

The committee said farmers produced magnificently under handicaps in 1942. 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 that one of the primary needs is the centralisation of authority in a few officials, who should meet frequently, and eliminate all jurisdiction conflicts. They should advise the President on important policy questions and.relieve him completely of purely administrative work. After receiving assurances from the military departments that every consideration was being given to shipping and production problems, the committee believed that the responsibility for the size of the armed forces should be placed squarely on the army, and all doubts should be decided in favour of the army when matters of high strategy are involved.