Evening star., 1942-12-20
Gasoline
Continued From First Page

policies and machinery may not be
effective.
%. What remedial action should
be taken both for the present and
the future
The statement, released through
the White House, gave no indica-
ton as to steps Mr.. Byrnes will take
after getting the reports and con-
ferring with the three officials. In
some quarters the move was inter
preted as possibly a preliminary to
action to center all control over
petroleum In one of the agencies
probably with Mr. Ickes. The i'm
plication was that MI. Byrnes at
least will attempt to bring about
better coordination of OPA's ra-
tioning activities, ODT's transporta-
ton regulations and Mr.. Ickes'
supply program in order to effect
the efficiency necessary to deal with
the. current crisis.
Maloney Calls for Facts.
Senator Maloney, in announcing
resumption of the Senate Oil probe.
said he had asked members of
Congress, the Governors of all
States, to advise him of particular
problems of their sections of the
country. He also has asked heads
of all Government agencies con-
cerned to present all facts in their
possession. Data will be given by
the oil companies and the commit
tee will gather facts from all other
Informed sources"
He added that the committee
wishes to be sure that the need
for conservation be clear TO She
public, that the program fit the
need, and that it be fair" He
urged all consumers to use gas
oline AS sparingly as possible pend
ing completion Of the investigation.
He said the critical Situa tiCn m
poses on every citizen "an absolute
duty to avoid waste" of petroleum
products,
Mr.. Henderson estimated that the
cut in value of B and c coupons
will result in a saving OF about
25000 barrels of gasoline day. In
order to bring demand within the
limits of available supply, he said
that gasoline consumption in the
East must be reduced from 3s5G00
barrels day to $4,000. Tighter
controls over rationing are expected
to conserve the additional 5000
barrels needed to meet the goal.
Silent on Future Cuts.
The price administrator, however,
made no promise that motorists in
the East would not have their ra-
tions reduced further Asked if the
new plan he had Just outlined was
permanent, Mr.. Henderson ouipped:
There is no permanency in Gov
ernment.' The remark obviously
was in reference to his resignation
as head of price control and ration
ing, announced by President Roose-
welt Thursday night.
Mr.. Henderson said the follow
Ing steps will be taken in the new
program to conserve Eastern gaso-
line:
Increasing emphasis on strict
enforcement Of all gasoline ration
ing regulations. This goes for in
dustry, wholesale and retail dealers
and consumers. Special attention
will be given to T tcommerciaD We
hicle suppliers and the subsequent
disposition of gasoline sold on T ra-
tion coupons.
Immediate suspension from busi-
ness of any gasoline dealer found
in violation of regulations and with
drawal of ration books from con-
sumers who also may be in viola
ton.
Delivery System Review.
Thorough review of the existing
system of deliveries of gasoline to
bulk tanks, and tighter control of
these points if inquiries disclose
abuses.
Request military authorities to
exercise greater care in the use
made of passenger cars which they
operate.
Special instructions to gasoline
dealers to exercise the utmost cau-
ton in sales, for which they will be
held most strictly accountable.
Request the Petroleum Adminis-
traitor to instruct the petroleum in
duStry to report Immediately to OPA
any evidence whatever which may
come to their attention indicating
existence of black market transac-
tions in gasoline"
Mr.. Henderson saved his most
forceful words for condemnation of