The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1942-07-25
SATURDAY, JULY %, 1912
REPLACING LOST SHIPS


The Navy appears to be sufhci'
entity interested in the proposal to
build 5000 giant cargo planes in
converted ship yards, as America S
answer TO the submarine menace, 10
discuss the idea with its sponsor,
Henry J. Kaiser. West Coast ship
builder. who proposes 10 produce
the mammoth 70-ton Mars flying
boat.
Glenn l. Martin. creator OF the
Mars. declares that as faster deliv-
cry of critical war materials be.
comes imperative there can be no
doubt that large flying boats such
as the Mars will be the ultimate
answer.
Kaisers plan to build the huge
fleet OF ships. however, has been
given a chilly reception in War
Production Board circles on the
ground that il would be absurd
unless the nations entire aircraft
program is 'reorganized.
Lack of engines. propellors and
instruments. is cited. as we'll as the
time il would take 10 get into pro-
duction-l0 to Is months
While the cargo plane construc-
ton program Is proceeding favorab-
ly, in Philadelphia. for 500 stainless
steel craft, the flying boat idea is to
be layed before President Roose-
Welt by Andrew Jackson Higgins.
who hopes that il can he employed
in the unfinished Higgins shipyards
at New Orleans. since the Maritime
Commission cancelled his ss5,00o.-
900 contract for 200 merchant YES
sells
Kaiser proposes 10 convert nine
existing shipyards TO making flying
boats-three on the West Coast.
three on the Gulf and three on the
eastern seaboard.
And while Higgins is talking
bout the new venture. a congress
sionsl investigation looms into the
cancellation OF his shipbuilding con-
tracts because OF a steel shortage
and because steel was needed for
other military purposes.
WPB officials insist that the cam
collation. was in line with WPB
Chief Donald NJ Nelson's previous.
' ly announced policy OF curtailing
further plant expansion and cob
|centrating upon the immediate out
Iput OF weapons. Higgins yards
would not have been in production
until next year
Production officials hope to meet
| President Rooseyelt's goal OF "a
100000 tons OF merchant shipping
this year and next with existing
facilities. II would seem. however.
that the plan to convert nine big
shipyards into plants for building
cargo aircrsf. should be given care
full consideration, especially in view
OF reports that We have already
lost nearly 400 ships. almost a
complete merchant marine flee..
This represents years production
in normal shipbuilding times, and
since the steel that must be used
TO replace these vessels is vitality
needed elsewhere. the government
must carefully consider relative
needs, ana place materials avail
able where they will do the most
good
And while this problem Is under
consideration II would seem ad-
visable to investigate the merit OF
objections TO air craft development.
Years ago We were told by such
men as Mitchell and Lindbergh that
both war and commerce Is taking
TO the air yet We have done rela-
lively little about il. Now that
all the world can see the truth
of these predictions OF past years.
the principal consideration should
be not whether such deyelopmen
is essential. but how soon We can
get under way and put adequate
fleets into the air