Evening star., 1941-01-19

the bill would expedite this coun-
try's task of building both its own
and Britaln's defense needs.
He emphasized the point that,
whereas England heretofore has
been placing its own orders accord
ing to its own standards, hereafter,
he said, it will be possible to con-
centrate on standard American
equipment, which will simplify and
speed up production.
Won't Discuss Collateral.
Mr.. Knudsen declined to be drawn
into detailed discussion of the kind
and extent of collateral that should
be required for supplies furnished
to those nations whose survival is
deemed essential to this countrys
defense.
He reminded committee members
his Job is to supervise the produc-
ton of the defense needs, not to
arrange the financing
When members sought to turn
the discussion to the economic ad-
tuStmentS that will be necessary
after the war, he said the extent of
readjustment will depend ION how
wisely we conduct ourselves at that
time but he added. "at the mo-
ment that would seem to be sec
ondary question
Later, Representative johnson,
Democrat, of Texas asked him what
is the question of first Importance.
ITO get America armed so We can
protect our shores" he replied.
Hearing Is Brief.
The House Committee hearing was
one of the briefest since considera-
ton of the lend-lease bill was begun
last Wednesday.
At the outset of his testimony
and as playground for his compe-
tency to talk on that subject, Mr.
Knudsen informed committee men,
bers that he had made it a practice
to travel in Europe every other year.
He is native of Denmark.
Representative Fish. Republican,
of New York, arguing there were
methods of aiding Britain other
NlIoll tIloL DIOkIOHCu III lllC Dl4lt dohN u
Mr.. KnudSen whether the bill would
help Britain in any crisis that might
occur within the next 80 days Sec
retaries Hull, StimSon and Knox all
said there was a probability of such
a crisis.
you've asked me a question !
can't answer, Mr.. Knudsen replied
He said he would study the bill over
the week end and advise Mr.. Fish
L want the people to understand,
said Representative Fish, that un-
der this bill not one ship. any mum,
tions or any planes will be produced
within the next six months or pos
Slbly year.
Tooline Bottleneck Exists.
Mr.. KnudSen asserted that the
defense program was progressing "a!
well as could be expected but thai
a bottleneck existed in toohng new
plants and retooling old ones.
He asserted that 1t probably
would be the end of 1912 before
completion of the program calling
for complete equipment for 1900
900 men and such items as shells
powder. machine guns and heavy
guns for an additional 100000.
The original schedule, he said
called for completion Of these ma
| terials by July /, 1941, but delays il
producing heavy items" had SLOWED
down the program.
Several members brought up tht
question of the division of power II
the Office of production manage.
ment headed by Mr.. Knudsen anc
. Sidney Hlllman
There are two heads to youl
organization, aren't there?" inquired
Representative Vorys. Republican, o1
Ohio.
YES" replied Mr.. Knudsen
Did you ever work in any or
ganization with two heads to il
before?"
We'll" said Mr.. Knudsen, there
was a chairman where I worked.
(Mr. Knudsen left the presidency o.
! General Motors to come to the Gov
ernmentD
Policies Made Comparatively.
Mr.. Knudsen later asserted tina
policies were formulated by the fou
members of the defense high com
mand-himself. Mr.. Hillman ant
Secretaries Stimson and KnoX-ant
that he anG Mr. Hillman CARRIE
them out.
Mr.. Knudsen. who referred t
President Roosevelt once as m
boss was asked to state his rela
tions with the Chief Executive
Why. 1 haven't had any fine
treatment from anybody aroun
here" he replied with smile Nat
urally. I stick to my last, but when
ever I have gone to the Presiden