The Nome nugget., 1942-05-18
US. Takes Over Final Ship Control
OWNERS, ACTING AS AGENTS, WILL BE PAID FOR ALL COSTS LESS DEPRECIATION EXPENSE

WASHINGTON - The War Shipping Admnistra- ton has requStoned possession and of all essential oceangoing tankers and dry cargo vessels owned by American citizens Rear Admiral Emory S. Land War Shipping Administrator put the number which will be acquired under the order at several hundred in announcing the action.
 The move regarded as means of putting con- trol of this shipping and it's operations under single head to simplify the enforcement of government re- commendations designed to lessen sinkings by sub marines off the Atlantic coast It was pointed out that the War Shipping Administration could direct ev- cry aspect of the of these vessels including their routes and cargoes whether they should put into ports at night to avoid submarines and similar details with out the necessity of negotiating with private operators more economical of the vessels also was foreseen
 Already Control Most Ships
 Admiral Land noted that the use of or title to about 75 percent of the countrys reghter tonnage already has been acquired by the government through pur- chase, charter or acquisition. Todays action would complete this process, he added by bringing all remain ing dry cargo tanker vessels in seagoing service un der direct government control.
 The action was taken under the Merchant Marine Act of 1886, which contains this authorizations When the President shall proclaim that the security o the national defense makes it advisable or during any national emergency declared by proclamation of the President it shall be lawful for the Maritime Com mission to requlston or purchase any vessel other water craft owned by citizens of the United States under construction within the United States
 Under the order the owners of the vessels will be- come in effect agents of the War Shipping Administra- tion which created recently by President Roose- welt to take over the Maritime Commissions duties in directing operations of the merchant marine for the duration.
 The Merchant Marine Act requires that the private owners Of the requstoned vessels must be paid for all costs, less ordinary and tear'' which results from the governments use of the ships.
 Text of the Announcement
 The official announcement read follows:
 Admiral Emory s. Land Administrator of the War Shipping Administration announced today that the War Shipping Administration has requsitioned pos session and of all essential ocean-gong ankers and dry-cargo vessels owned by American citizens which are subject to requsition under the Merchant Marine Act 1886, amended and have not been previously acquired by the government
 Such acquisitions will become effective as of the time possession is taken by the government This action affects several hundred vessels
 Admiral Land pointed out that the use off, or title to- approximately 75 percent of the freigher tonnage of the United States has already been taken over by the government through purchase, charter or requsi- ton. The step taken today would bring all remaining dycago vessels and tankers under the direct control of the government