Evening star., 1942-01-12
u. 5. Need Not Expect
Quick Naval Victory
In Orient, Knox Warns
Cities Must Receive
Federal Defense Gosh,
Lo Guordio Tells Mayors

secretary OF the navy Knox,
speaking before the United States
Conference of Mayors, today re-
viewed the progress Of our war on
two oceans, referring to successful
operations in the Atlantic and warn
ing that the Nation could not ex-
pect to hear soon of triumphant
American full-scale naval engage
ments in the Pacific
Secretary Knox broke a personal
silence OF several weeks regarding
the activities of the Navy in his
speech to the Mayors. To speak of
the Nays full record in the At
lantic, Secretary Knox said, would
be to give Hitler details Of success
full operations he would gladly lose
another Bismarck to know"
His statement regarding the Pa
cific situation does not mean that
the Navy is idle in that theater Of
war. he warned. but said that the
outlook for the immediate future in
the Far East is black.
The Conference of Mayors this
morning opened in three day ses-
sion at the Mayfiower Hotel Secre-
tary Knox addressed today's lunch
con meeting.
Civilian Defense Funds Asked.
Earlier, Mayor La Guardia told
the conference the Federal Govern
ment must give cities emergency ap-
preparation aid because of the extra
municipal burden carried by the de-
fense program. In addition, he de-
clared financial assistance will have
to be provided to take up a postwar
slack. He estimated the first appro-
priation would have to be at least
$100, 900 900 for relief work.
He declared there should be a re-
vision Of the priorities regulations
to help municipalities get vital mate
rials to maintain adequate operation
of cities.
I'VE beg on bended knees" he ap-
pealed to the Priorities Board. add
ing that cities don't want their re-
quests referred to some semi
lawyer
Mayor La Guardia said city heads
did not want material diversions
from defense, but do want their just
share to fill vital needs. He cited
such things as fire and police de-
partment equipment. sewage pipes
and other public health and safety
items. He told the more than $50
Mayors that cities must pool all
their resources, especially for hos
pitals, so there will not be a major
health problem.
Sees Slump At Wars End.
Mayor La Guardia said the wars
end will bring dislocation of busi-
ness. employment and industry.
While the Army works in peace
time on war plans, he said. I'VE
peacetime employees of municipali-
ties should work during war on our
peace plans" A large-scale pro-
gram Of public works is being de-
veloped, he said
He suggested that both the Senate
0AAA 4A0AoV CoVu6AAoAl CkNSAdA OOAA-
mittees on the subject of postwar
reservoirs of work to take up the
slack.
In saying the Federal Government
should help financially to pay for
extra burdens on the cities, Mayor
La Guardia declared that it should
abolish useless agencies to help pay
the bill"
It was announced today that
Wendell L. Willkie will address the
mayors at their banquet tomorrow
night. The address, described as q
major" one by conference ofnciaS,
will be carried by the Blue Network
from 7:30 to 8 pm.
To Strike When Ready.
The Navy has taken some hard
blows, Mr.. Knox admitted in his ad-
dress-blows, he said. that were
struck before the referees bell had
rung." There probably will be other
reverses In the future, he admitted
but, he pledged, under Roosevelt we
have kept our heads and we will
make our own plans in our own way
and we will strike where and when
We are ready, not before"
In his first public defense Of what
some critics have termed slow &C
ton of the Navy since the Pearl
Harbor attack, Secretary Knox
called attention to the worldwide
scope Of the present war. Not only
is there fighting to be done. he said
but there are long coasts and far
(see MAYORS, Page AID