Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-07-21
Lille Proof
To Justify
Slash in Autos
People Entitled TO Know
Reason for Actions
BY HUGH S. JOHNSON


boom is over and that the pinch
of shortages, taxes, dislocations
of business and governmental
regulations is soon TO become
much more bruising and painful.
But there are two principles
that should never be lost TO
sight in Tightening up the
pincers.
One is that the American
people are entitled 10 informa-
ton justifying high-handed ae-
ton.
Shown the necessity. our his
tory proves that they shrink
from few sacrifices. At least this
is true of people of patriotism
and good will which means the
bulk of us.
But ours is properly a show
me" breed.
1t is not enough just to say:
1--WE have TO crack down on
you I'm the public interest. Take
and like it,"
You can get a lot further by
convincing our people than by
compelling them-against their
will and judgment.
VERY little convincing factual
v proof has been offered for
the necessity, for example. of
converting the whole automobile
industry 10 some other purpose,
regardless of its disruption Of a
principal segment OF our eco
nomic life - not merely produc-
ton and distribution and service
of automobiles, which employs
millions. but also regardless Of
the fact that our whole geog-
raphy and the territorial group
ing of our poplation has been
made over by automtive trans
portation<
A secofd principle is that. in
the terrible modern concept of
the nation in arms which is
that. in war, the men in farms
and factories are as much a part
of American defense as their
brothers with the colors.
In this sense civilian morale
is as important as military
morale.
1t is as important, to be as
eternally vigilant for the health
and well-being and spirit of
civilians as il is 10 be watchful
in the care Of soldiers.
MIR. HENDERS SONS own
WI OPACS is the office Of
price administration and civilian
supply"
1t is peculiarly his job 10
keep. prices down and 10 see
that civilian supply is interfered
with as little as is consistent
with the armament effort.
While he cant be blamed be-
cause he hasn't been supported
properly or authorized. the fact
| is that he hasn't kept prices
down and his present emphasis
is all on civilian sacrifice rather
than civilian supply.
The latter would seem 10 me
the Job OF some one else to
emphasize.
What has our emergency de-
Tense organization done by way
of conservation, substitution,
curtailment of non-war con-
struction, and simplification and
restriction of styles. types and
designs TO conserve civilian as
well as military supply?
There has been some talk but
precious little action.
1t is easier TO prepare to take
everything in sight than 10 con-
slider much, and TO conserve,
this other or civilian side Of the
equation.
TRUTH is that the form Of
y organization and adminiStra-
zion in Washington for this kind
of co-ordinated and economic
action, which l have recently
been restudying minutely. is
utterly unSuited TO such a
balancing of needs and conServa-
tion of interests.
The government supply de-
partmentS are competing with
each other.
The overhead control organ
izationS also are competing for
authority.
There is no adequate forum
to compose conflicting demands.
There is duplication afte r
duplication and overlapping piled
upon overlapping of function
and authority.
There seems TO be no one
really interested in civilian
supply except to invade and con-
vert il to other uses. II is a
situation complicated and con-
fusing beyond belief.
think it is not too bold TO
say that if this administrative
madhouse isn't cleared up by
some adequate reorganization of
overhead, our vital job never
can be done without losses,
wastes, extravaganza, increased
c0ctc apd ttppacoScary caCrificoc