Evening star., 1941-08-29

riman in expediting the flow of
lease-lend aid to Britain.
"Biggers' particular assignment
will be in connection with syn
chronizing British and American
production" the White House said.
His experience in o. P. M. makes
him uniquely equipped for this
work"
Further Transfers Due.
1t was further explained that the
British had suggested an American
production expert be sent over there
for assistance in handling the aid
program.
Further personnel transfers, made
necessary by the shifting of these
top men, probably will be announced
in day or two by the o. P. M.
1t is expected that Douglas C.
MacKeachie, deputy purchasing
head, would be moved up to the
place vacated by Mr.. Nelson. Will
liam L. Bait, deputy production
CiiCi, may edhc oFci AL Mi. olssclo
place.
All Of the men involved have ex-
tensive business and industrial back
grounds. Mr.. Nelson was a top
executive of Sears. Roebuck g. Co.,
Mr.. MacKeachie of the A. g. P.
grocery firm. Mr.. Bait of S. K F.
Industries, Mr.. Stettinius of United
States Steel and Mr.. Biggers was
glass manufacturer in Toledo,
Ohio.
The creation of the superplanning
agency and the vesting of all
inclusive priorities authority in it
is expected to match some of the
criticism recently directed at ad-
ministration of the defense and aid
programs. And although this present
step does not designate a single
directing head of this double jointed
effort, as has been proposed many
times, the practical effect may be
that Mr.. Nelson will exercise his
responsibilities in a way to keep
the entire program moving with
maximum smoothness.
This administrative shake-up, in
cidentally, was recommended to the
President by Judge Samuel l. Rosen-
man of the New York Supreme
Court. who has been making a
comprehensive study this summer of
administration OF the defense and
aid programs.
Much more important and far
reaching, of course. than the identity
OF any individuals involved in this
latest revision of administrative ma
chinery Of the defense effort is the
clear intent of the Government to
bring under co-ordinated control
every resource of the Nation which
may be of value to the stated OBJ
jectives of aiding Britain, Russia
and China to defeat the Axis and
of Strengthening our own defenses.
IN the light of these objectives.
ordinary civilian needs are expected
to be considered last.
The executive order takes cog
nizance," the White House said, "of
the fact that in many strategic ma
terials, the priorities which must be
given to the manufacture of ma
terials for the Army and Navy and
for the use of defense aid to =
countries resisting aggression, will
necessarily create a shortage for
civilian use in the United States.
Economic Defense Power.
"The machinery set up, therefore,
is charged with the duty not only
Of dividing the available supply OF
materials dncluding fuel, power and
so FORTH between military needs.
defense-aid needs and the total
civilian needs of the people of the
United States; but also will equitably
allocate the supply between the diff
ferent civilian industries and users
in the Uniteo States. 1t also will
have the power to determine the
amount to be allocated to the needs
of economic defense recently as
signed to the committee of which
Vice President Wallace is chairman"
1t was explained that this latter
reference might mean that import
ant commodities or materials might
be shipped to South America, despite
the domestic need. If it was deter
mined that such diversion was es-
sential to prosecution of the eco
nomic competition there.
AS for domestic civilian needs
and allocations, the White House
statement continued:
I'm the general field of civilian
needs, this group will make policies
and regulations for the ALLEGATION
of the available supply Of materials
h>freep fha different ron,petinc