Evening star., 1940-06-02

it is hopeful that by quickly build
ing up, on the foundation of scat
tered organizations of the Regular
Army still available, additional di-
visions and some special corps
troops, We can avoid the necessity
Of utilizing the National Guard at
this time. Even If 1t were found
necessary to bring the National
Guard into service, 1t is believed
that for the present only a portion
of the guard would be involved.
However, it is essential in these days
that the War Department., through
the commander in chief, be in po-
sition to act with rapidity and to
plan with the definite assurance
that such plans can be made effec-
tive without uncertain delays. .
Time is the essential factor in
these matters, and the first require
ment in any event. would be the
opportunity for giving at least a
portion of the guard intensive
training and possibly some degree
Of reorganization"
1oA AACdIlukS w hCSuInC.
Meanwhile. the question of when
Congress will adjourn appeared yes
terday to hinge largely on the de-
fense tax bill. on which the House
Ways and Means Committee will
resume hearings tomorrow morn
ing.
Informed sources at the Capitol
predicted that if the measure is
held to the pending plan of raising
the debt limit $4,000 900, 900. to be
amortized in five years out of a
1856 900 900 tax program. adjourn
ment would be possible on the eve
Of the Republican National Con-
vention, June "a. If either branch
attempts to broaden it into a gen.
eral revenue revision, it would take
several months, according to one
congressional leader.
In connection with the defense
tax bill Senator King, Democrat.
OF Utah, veteran member of the
Finance Committee, last night ex.
pressed fear that the earmarking
OF new taxes to meet one particu-
lar part of the national debt may
embarrass Congress and the Gov
ernment later. He said he would ia
vor raising more revenue than that
provided in the pending bill but
without earmarking the new taxes
for a defense bond issue.
He argued that if certain excise
taxes are earmarked for five years
to pay off Treasury national defense
notes Congress may find it difficult
to touch these tax sources If a
general revenue bill is considered
later. He also contended that bonds
backed by earmarked taxes may af-
feet mfavorably the price of other
Government securities.
Other Developments.
Other developments on the de-
fense program this week are ex-
pected to include:
Senate debate starting tomor-
row on the House-approved bill for
expansion of the Navy by author
lzing ~ more combatant ships and
~ auxil1aries, at an estimated cost
OF $654 ,9O2 ,270. This measure, draft
ed early in the session, will be sup
plemented before adjournment bv
expansion OF the authorized naval
air force from 5000 to 10000 planes,
with 20 coastline air bases.
The House Appropriations Com
mittee awaits early receipt of esti-
mates to carry out the Presidents
latest message, requesting approxi-
mately $1,000, 900 900 more for ur-
gent Army and Navy needs. This
fund probably will be placed in a
deficiency bill and will.be in addition
to the regular Army and Navy ap-
preparation bills, totaling 1929 ,OO0,-
600 and now in the final stages of
enactment.
Senator Pepper said that since he
originally proposed making some of
the Army and Navy planes now on
hand available to the Allies he has