Milford chronicle., 1941-12-12
MJhsts4k1n
BEn9p0hob
N JAMES PREsToN

Fhe prlorities system is on its
way out. It is being superseded by
a new arrangement designed to
correct the shortcomings Of priori-
ties and to allocate strategic ma
terials more effectively.
The priorities system is based on
the simple proposition that first
things come first. Certain defense
projects and foreign orders which
the government deemed most i'm
portant are given preference rat
ings. These serve as notices to the
supplier of raw materials that
such orders are to be filled first.
This is to be done by Withholding
or deferring deliveries on other
contracts and orders. The trouble
is that soon everyone was holding
preference orders, and that jam
med the works. Under the alloca-
tiells system now being whipped
into shape all the emphasis is
placed on actual delivery Of goods
where they are most needed. SPAB
is working out a 1912 production
program for each industry. When
that is done, the OPM will have to
devise a system for handling raw
materials so that the industries can
f:ilfill these programs. @
In line with this change. another
Reorganization of SPAB is due
shortly. This will mean more cen
tralized authority in the hands Of
Executive Director Donald Nelson.
Those who have been working with
Mr.. Nelson feel that If anyone can
make the new ALLEGATIONS program
work, he can. For the most part,
Washington business men are Co
operating to further ALLEGATIONS,
for it is the general opinion that
this is the best solution Of the
problem. Many. however, are re-
Judgment, aware that allo-
cations raise new problems not met
under the priorities system.
There is a general feeling that
the ALLEGATIONS system, once the
need for it is over, Of
fers back door to planned econ
omy. No one speaks of It that way
yet, but both the Administration
and business recognize the possi-'
bility of danger. Senators and Rep
are warning of the
major alterations to the economic
system that are looming. 1t is
said, privately, that the United
States Government is embarking,
via the ALLEGATIONS system, upon its
Doldest venture in the field Of Gov
srnment-controlled economy.
Although there is no indication
hat government officials intend to
Use the ALLEGATIONS system in this
it is admitted that such
possibility is not too remote in
Tiew of the published thoughts Of
New Deal leaders and the endorse
nent which the Philip Murray plan
'or Industrial councils has received
from some of the Administration
men. 1t would certainly be in keep
ng with New Deal philosophy.
In some quarters it is predicted
that consumer rationing is the next
step. Under the ALLEGATIONS pro-
gram Government officials are able
to determine what Industries may
operate; what industries must cur :
tail operation; and, when neces-
sary, what Industries must cease to
operate. Under the guise of con-
serving materials, the Government
will be able to undertake studies
Of consumer needs and through al
locations shape a policy for indus
trial production. and, directly or !
indirectly, for civilian consumption
designed to meet what Washington
officials think the country should
have.
Much suspicion is directed at the
change in status of the Army and
Navy Munitions Board. Up to the
present, this board has been able to
determine its own priorities and
thus regulate the size and produc-
tion speed of its own program.
Now it must appear before SPAB
and, in the same manner as any, in
dustrial group. apply for it's mater
ials. Many Army and Navy men
have expressed their displeasure
with the new arrangement in pri-
yate- No public statement has been
made.
Some folks do very odd things to