Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1921-12-12
Preparedness Plans Being
Worked Out by IT, S. Department
OF War, Secretary Weeks Says

academy approximately only one
third of the requirements for the
peace time organization OF the army.
Mr.. Weeks expresses tine belief that
the question of the aavisability OF.
doubling the capacity of this institu->
ton in the near future should be
given consideration"
This STEP ne adds, would pre-
pare us for cffeetive solution OF a
problem that now appears newt
able"
Asserting tina there is mo longer
a doubt that graduates OF the Re
serve Officers Training Corps machin-
cry will constitute the main source of
supply FOR reserve officer material
needed to fill out tx skeleton riga
izat.on. Mr.. Weeks says the appro-
priations now available for the sum-
mer training camps for such officers
limit the work to q. total OF ll,0S5.
II earnestly hope" he adds, that
the authorization. for the following
years will be increased to enable us
TO handle at least a majority Of those
who apply for this training"
Paralleling the plans for mobillza-
ton OF the army in the event OF war.
Mr.. Weeks shows, runs n similar work
in connection with industries which Is
meeting hearty cooperation among
business interests. Also there is go
ing forward a study OF all mechanical
and other developments in order that
there shall be no tagging in the tech
nique OF war behind the technique of
Epeaceful industry Pilot types OF new
equipment, from the infantry hand,
grenade to the heaviest gun Of the ar
tillery,' the report Gays are being
produced and as they are fully tested
and approved, will gradually supplant
existing standard types both with the
troops. and in the scheme OF quantity
production In war hat underlies b
departments efforts.
Similar studies as, the poison gas
and chemical warfare matters gen.
orally arc in progress. Mr.. Weeks
says. adding:
Though we may be opposed in
principle to the use of poison gas, l
am OF the opinion that we cannot
safely presume a similar attitude IN
the part Of possible opponents and
neglect the development Of chemical
weapons II we wish to insure a sue
cessful defense in "a possible war. l
hope for continued supporter the ac-
tivity by Congress INK by the chem
ical industries themselves"
In dealing with the air Develop
ments Of warfare, Mr.. Weeks says:
I'VE are already much behind the
leaders in such development. and
there is thus in our present project
for national defense q defect that ia
one of its salient features
The report points out that COM
,mercial aviation is IN essential factor
in adequate development for war in
the air and that ether nations are
promoting aircraft development COM
mercially through direct subsidy.
I'm a very short time" it continued
1T is conceivable that we will be de-
; ficient in air force for defense unless
greater support and encouragement
I are provided.
II consider it sufficiently import
ant to urge constant progress toward
developing our air industries. States
and municipalities should be invited
to Cooperate IN a determined and
effective provision OF suitable national
routes. Governmental support should
be given to the extent necessary to
insure a prompt initiation Of the air
route project.
Finally. consideration should be
given to The possibility OF more direct
methods of encouraging the industries
concerned in air development, il no
o&aer method avails. by direct sub
sidy. e
"Irecognize the seriousness of sucn
influences as q matter Of precedent,
but even impressive is the ser
%iousness OF the situation that might
confront us II our air power falls
short OF the standards attained by
other states"