PLENTY OF SHIPS

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22659, 12 July 1945, Page 5

PLENTY OF SHIPS

BRITISH POSITION REFRIGERATING SPACE OUTLOOK FOR EXPORTS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received July 12, 12.15 p.m.) LONDON, July 11 The shipping position had improved to such an extent since the end of the European war that there was more cargo-carrying space available to pick up food, oil and other commodities than there were supplies available, declared the Minister of War Transport, Lord Leathers, at o press conference. “The difficulty,” he said, “is not shortage of shipping but shortage of commodities. “There are now plenty of ships and refrigerating space to take any food New Zealand and Australia can spare for the United Kingdom and Europe." Lord Leathers warned, however, that the shortage of passenger accom- • modation was acute and likely to remain so, particularly in the next six months during the redeployment of troops to the Pacific. Repatriated prisoners of war had been given highest priority, which was the same as redeploying troops. Regarding the , provision of shipping for exports. Lord Leathers maid no Empire country need be discouraged from placing orders in this country for fear that the goods could not be carried. “We are able to carry all cargo immediately if the manufacturers are able to fulfil the orders. There may, however, be temporary difficulties in providing shipping for large quantities of constructional materials or vehicles consigned to Australia or other territories which are still bases for military operations.” Explaining the reasons for the improvement in the position, Lord Leathers revealed that the immediate effect of the abolition of the convoy system in the Atlantic represented a gain in dry cargo tonnage of approximately 1,500.000 deadweight tons and represented a 50 per cent increase in carrying capacity. The end of the European war, in addition, made available 50 tankers previously Immobilised in Sweden. Lord Leathers, however, pointed out how the main switchover of forces from Europe to the Pacific had increased the voyage time and reduced the carrying capacity. He said it was estimated that three times as many ship* would be required to move men and materials to India aa were able to carry the same numbers and quantities from the United States to the United Kingdom. Shipowners were now permitted to build the types of ships best suited to their own trade. The fleets of the United Nations would continue to be pooled until six months after the end of the Japanese war. Lord Leathers said he was confident that the British. Merchant Navy after the war would regain its pre-war positions in world trade. PRESIDENT’S JOURNEY IN CRUISER AUGUSTA WASHINGTON, July 11 President Truman is travelling to Europe in the cruiser Augusta. The Augusta was the scene of the meeting between President Roosevelt and Mr Churchill in August, 1941, when the Atlantic Charter was drawn up. The President and his party will fly from the port of debarkation in the luxury aircraft in which Mr Truman recently flew to San Francisco and back to Washington. Approximately 40 American generals will be on call while President Truman confers with Marshal Stalin and Mr Churchill. Congressional leaders hope to arm President Truman with three powerful legislative bargaining weapons for the coming Big Three conference, states a Washington correspondent. All deal with international relations, and one—the Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act, which authorises the President to negotiate trade programmes with other nations—has already been handed to him. The others are the Bretton Woods legislation, implementing international financial agreements, and the World Charter. The former needs ratification by both branches of Congress, whereas the Charter is strictly a Senate proposition, and its ratification is a foregone conclusion. President Truman conferred with Mr Byrnes and Admiral Leahy for several hours in the Admiral’s cabin, where Mr Churchill and President Roosevelt held most of their conferences, says an American Press correspondent aboard the Augusta. President Truman will not have prior consultation with Mr Churchill, apparently with a view to assuring the Russians that he does not intend making any independent agreements, even of a tentative nature. Several British warships will escort the American ships when they reach the British Isles, remaining with them until President Truman arrives at the northern European port from which he will fly to the conference rendezvous.