Evening star., 1940-06-23
Henry
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compared to 100 for the Japanese
BY bringing the main body of the
fleet back to this coast, the authori-
ties index 1t at 100 in the Atlantic
but unless it were practically dou-
bled from Its present size this posi-
ton of equality could not be main
tanned In both oceans at once.
The fact that the naval advisers
rated the Japanese and United
States fleets as about equal was re-
garded as significant, since Japanese
naval strength generally has been
regarded as considerably below that
OF this country. Japan has kept Sc
cret her naval construction of the
last few years, and it may be the
data reflect information obtained in
private by the Navy Department..
U. S. Navy to Double.
In connection with the data hand.
ed the President, however, two inter
esting facts may be noted. First is
that recently enacted and pending
fleet expansion legislation would
give this country eventually-at least
several years must be allowed fol
constructions navy virtually dou-
BILE the present one, and which might
then be indexed on the basis of to-
days figures at 200 If concentrated
in one ocean.
Second is that if the German
Italian bloc defeats Britain as vel
as France, and thereby captures
both fleets in anything like their full
strength, the axis composite naval
index would then be 233.
While all this extends into the
realm of speculation and while
White House spokesmen are making
no comment at the moment on what
may result from French German
Italian negotiations or on what fur
ther defense projects may be under
consideration here. the very fact
that most serious thought is being
directed at the problem is considered
significant and important in itself.
Expecting to leave here tomorrow
night for arrival in Washington
early Monday. Mr.. Roosevelt put ir
a busy today In addition to his con-
sideration of the naval problem.
Forrestal Named Assistant.
His initial action was the appoint
ment of James v. Forrestal, presi-
dent of Dillon. Read e. Co., invest
ment bankers. to the post of admin
istrative assistant. Where there was
no immediate definition of Mr.. For.
restals contemplated duties, it was
expected that his knowledge o1
financing and economics will be an.
piled in his new post, possibly ir
connection with the all-Americar
trade program which this Govern.
ment is now attempting to achieve
with the other Western Hemisphere
republics
Three administrative assistants
were named some time ago. Mr.
Roosevelt recently indicated thai
two additional ones would be chosen
Mr.. Forrestal. who will take over
his post on Wednesday, is the first
of these.
The President also conferred to-
day with Secretary of Commerce
Hopkins, presumably about broao
provisions of the universal training
program being outlined for submis-
sion to Congress in the near future
Mr.. Hopkins has done most of the
preliminary work on this project.
John McShane, Philadelphia con-
tractor who is building the Roose-
velt library on the Presidents estate
saw the Chief Executive today, az
did James Townsend, local Demo.
cratic leader.
During an afternoon automobile
ride the President inspected the new
Hyde Park High School, built partly
from Federal funds.