Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-06-27
u. S. BoIs+ers
Fleet Power
In Atlantic
Tokio's Break With Axis
Being Bruited About
BY PAUL MALL0N

III
W navy has slipped 10 per cent
of lis fleet around into the Allan
tic. This brings about 33 per
cent Of our sea strength TO the
submarine front, leaving 50 per
cent on guard in the Pacific.
The slight decrease in the west
crn defense strength has been
made up by substantial air rein
forccmcnts. The bombers can
cover more scouting territory
anyway.
Further details might furnish
military information and there
fore, cannot be published, but
round percentage figures of the
shift have leaked far outside
government circles and inspired
much speculation.
Likclicst Of the sUrmise-
reports is that Mr.. Roosevelt
contempiatcS stronger Atlantic
protection for American ships as
a result of the Robin Moor in
cident,
Well founded or not, an inn
preston also has gained lofty
credcnce here that Japan has
fallen off the AXIS. Far Eastern
authorities noted several incon-
elusive signs even before the
invasion of Russia. and have
been impressed by frequent Nazi
Impotence with Toxic. The i'm
preston does not amount 10
full-fleged conviction yet, but
all are watching.
4 RMY air bases in Alaska have
"a been established much
faster than planned. Army is
we'll pleased in view of the Rus
sian involvement and its pos
Sible baCkwaSh in the Far East.
Contract time limits were adj
vanced several times. Overtime
was paid out literally. Both the
National Guard unit and Off
GERS in charge are juStifiably
patting themselves on the back
for establishing this one needed
defense base just in time.
TIIE weak OPM reorganization
L represented just about all
Bill knudSen could do alone
without orders from the PreSi-
dent but there will be more.
New Dealers report Mr. RooSe-
welt is concerned. and will take
up the broom where KnudSen
dropped il.
knudSen used the Barney
Baruch plan of the 1917 war in
dustries board as a basis. He
set up committees TO handle
each industry, but they could
only be advisory appendages TO
the existing Setup because
Knudsen had no power TO 20
further. and he had 10 skirt the
StettiniuS priorities division, es-
tabliShed by law
All existing overlapping con-
flict between OPM and OPACS
Clhe Henderson price division)
is also maintained.
Mr.. Roosevelt is apt 10 60
much further and appoint an
overall single person or board 10
make policy and furnish the eX-
eCutiVe drive. Establishment Of
a civilian purchasing system is
still IN the mill. Clearer division
of powers may be set by procla-
nation and executive order.
Extreme New Dealers term
Mr.. KnudSens effort stopgap
move TO ease public pressure and
an effort by OPM TO beat the
rap. They clearly want more.
THE first armored division
L tour beSO has only six anti
tank guns. aside from those in
it's ranks. There should be more
than 100
In mancuvering recently the
division tremember this is the
one suppose 10 be fully
equipped and ready 10 fighD
troops were given orange flags
and required to stand around at
certain spots 10 represent anti
tank guns.
Officers are efficient. ener-
getic. The mcn are in good
fighting humor hut they cannot
train on orange flags.
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