Evening star., 1942-12-23

or m isun d er-
standing of the Da''o Lawrence
Official acts to which complaint is
directed.
The truth is hardships are here
and many more are coming before
the war ends and yet the biggest
and most vital factor in getting
civilian cooperation is missing. One
reason, of course, is that too much
information has been withheld as
to the basic need for rationing of
particular commodities. The CEN
sorship is given as the customary
explanation.
If, for instance, the statistics on
supply were available, the enemy
would know what America lacked.
But this advantage might be out
weighed by the stimulus that would
be given to programs of voluntary
corporation. Certainly the sub
scription by the American people
OF $4,000, ,0O0O 900 in the December
War bond drive is an example of
what the public can do when 1t
fully understands the need The
expense Of the production pro-
gram has been we'll explained, and
hence the sale of bonds has been
correspondingly we'll accomplished.
Leaders Distrusted.
But when it comes to curtailment
Of commodities, the explanation is
not so simple Unfortunately, the
administration relies too much on
the idea that because it says ra-
tioning is necessary, everybody will
believe it and cooperate at once.
The administering programs for ra-
tioning has been made more diff
cult because of a rather widespread
distrust directed at Washington ad-
ministrators so many of whom only
yesterday were associated with New
Deal ideas of social reform and puni-
tive measures Of class friction.
1t Is very difficult indeed to per-
suade observers of American eco
nomic life, when they hear of in
efficiency and incompetence and ef-
forts in Washington to cloak So
clallstic purposes under war pro-
grams, that appeals for rationing
are based on strictly war necessity.
There has been too much juggling
OF statistics in the New Deal and
TOO much emphasis given to the
New Dealers themselves in the ham
ding OF rationing programs. The
customary excuse is that practical
businessmen have been consulted
put II one digs bit into it. one
hr1ds that.the theorist and certain
radical college professors USUALLY
have had large part in formulat-
Ing the program.
The effort to carry on the New
Deal despite the war, is responsible
Tor the distrust that Is making il
dlmcult to establish better public
relations for the rationing programs,
The same men who have been as
eociated with the President in his
campaign against the MANAGEMENT
class since 1888 have been given
posts OF responsibility, and some of
tnese men simply do not have the
confidence OF substantial segment
Of the public opinion forming eroup
Opposed to Red Tape.
The last election brought a vote
OF disapproval which was aimed al
the New Deal clique of young
theorists who have loaded the coun-
try down with red tape schemes and
formulas that have produced wide
spread skepticism as to whether the
objective is or is not as outlined.
Such impressions are, of course
not reflection Of the basic purpose
at all-which is to synchronize the
home front with the needs of the
war front. If nobody else can be
found to administer the programs
OF rationing which require public
support except the present group of
ofhcials, then 1t would seem that a
program OF candor might be of con-
structive help.
Even If some Of the figures have
been taboo, their publication would
do America more good than thev
would give comfort to the enemy
Rumors, for instance, about our
heavy submarine losses are current
and the Axis radio broadcasters in
sist that twice as much tonnage is
being sunk as last year-their esti-
mate for 1912 being close to $500 ,0OC
tons. If anywhere near this amount
is being lost, then 1t is important
for the gravity OF the situation to
be outlined so that Americans may
face the issue together as a unified
people and not as pro or anti-social-
list reformers.
The need for restrictions must be
plainly outlined by commissions and
boards comprised of men in whom
the country has absolute faith
that's one way to bring about better
public relations for the rationing
programs on the home front.
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