The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1941-06-20
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GASLESS SUNDAYS
It begins to look as If gasless Sum
days might not be so necessary aft
er all-if certain bare-knuckle re-
forms in the oil industry are put
through by new National Oil Adj
ministrator Ickes. For instance, the
tanker system.
When an oil tanker comes from
the Gulf of Mexico up the East
coast, it may stop at Charleston to
discharge part of its oil, then at
Norfolk, then at Baltimore. It dis
charges a certain amount at each
port where its company distributes
or refines oil.
simultaneously, a tanker belong
ing to another company will stop off
at exactly the same ports. Thus
the tankers of three or even four diff
ferent companies may be feeding
the same cities at the same time.
If, on the other hand, one COM
pany served one section of the coun-
try, or if one tanker delivered oil
to all the companies in each port
instead of only to its own, distribu-
ton would be measurably speeded.
Also, there are four different types
of high octane gasoline being re-
fined in the United States. ALI these
varieties are not particularly neces-
sary, one type being sufficient dur
ing the emergency. Concentration
on only one type of high octane
gas also would considerably increase
gasoline output and distribution.
There is plenty of oil in the
U. S. A.; it is only a matter of
refining and distribution.
Note - The antitrust laws have
prevented the oil companies from
cutting competition of this kind, but
the government oil administrator
should be able to do what the oil
companies can't.
But LaGuardia, who made his own
terms when he took his defense post,
is still in charge of national morale.
SECRECY OF CONVOYS
Most people don't realize it, but
the contents Of almost every ship
leaving the United States for Eng
land is known to Nazi Germany.
However, learning just when the
shipment will reach England and
the route it will take, is another
matter.
Getting information regarding the
departure Of supply ships to Eng
land is relatively simple. All Nazi
agents have to do is 60 down to the
waterfront to watch the loading of
British ships. The type of goods
being loaded cannot be readily con-
cealed.
Or if an American vessel is load
ing for the Red Sea, the papers
signed by the crew must disclose the
port of destination. This is required
by law, SO that a seaman may know
where he is going, and because ex-
ira insurance and sometimes extra
wages are paid if the ship enters
certain areas.
Once a British ship is loaded, how
ever, the utmost secrecy is imposed
on its route and time Of departure.
Usually the ship hugs the shore as
far north as the Canadian port of
Halifax. There it may wait for days
or even two or three weeks for a
convoy to be made up.
When it finally leaves for the haz-
ardous voyage across the Atlantic,
orders are given to the ships mas
ter by hand. Nothing is trusted to
radio. A small boat puts out from
the commander of the convoy, car
rying sealed orders to the master of
each vessel.
No other orders are given, and no
radio messages are exchanged dur
ing the trip except in case Of at
tack, because radio messages might
be picked up by Nazi patrol planes.
Note-American ships, on the 9TH
er hand, follow a regular, well-ad-
vertised course and constantly send
out radio messages informing the
world Of their position.