Evening star., 1943-07-06

the BEW directive of June 10, 1912,
was abandoned by it in approx
mately 80 days and second policy
was established by BEW. During
the next 90-day period third policy
was established by BEW.
The three policies overlapped and
much confusion resulted None OF
the plans recognized that the pro-
curement of cinchona bark, par
ticularly in Latin America where
it was not we'll understood. re-
quires skilled and experienced ham
ding.
Acted Under WPB Directive.
The principal additional supply
of quinine made available TO our
armed forces since the fall of Java
was procured through the splendid
services of the American Pharma-
ceutical Association. financed by
RFC acting under directive from
the WPB.
Mr.. Wallace seeks to give the i'm
preston that BEW has somehow
accomplished the impossible.
In view of the vicious attacks
made on me by Mr.. Wallace, charg-
ing delay. inaction and even OBJ
struction in the war effort. l give
below a few of the many examples
afforded by our experience with
BEW of their incompetence in the
work they are attempting TO do.
MAHOGANY.
The mahogany program has been
handled almost exclusively by BEW.
Discussions concerning the pro-
gram were started by BEW in June.
1912. but it was not until November
7, 1912. that RFC was directed to
make the first of seven contracts
for the production of mahogany.
The contracting concerns, selected
by BEW. were largely inexperienced
in this field.
1t is significant that out of seven
contracts for a total of 47,OO0OO
board feet of mahogany, no ma
hogany has been delivered even at
this late date.
During this period mahogany has
continued to be imported by pri-
vate importers with the aid of the
RFC.
CANADIAN ALCOHOL.
A contract for 100000 to 100000
gallons of Canadian alcohol was
negotiated and prepared by BEW.
This required seven and one-half
months, although the contract was
substantially similar to contracts for
the purchase of domestic alcohol
which RFC has been handling for
some time. In 1912 RFC bought
90000,000 gallons of domestic alco-
hol and its purchases during l943
will proba bly, reach 35O00000O gall
Ions. r"
HORSETAIL AND HAIR.
From December, 1912, to June,
l943 BEW held up all new imports
of dressed horsetail and name hair,
while the plan previously inaugu-
rated by RFC was under discussion
and review. In consequence, RFC
must now release to the trade a
substantial portion of its stockpile
in order to make available sufficient
supplies to the professors.
TURKISH CHROME
Long before BEW entered the
field RFC made large contract for
the purchase of Turkish chrome.
Late in 1912 it became apparent
that certain amendments to this
contract had become necessary be-
cause of changed conditions BEW
on January 26, l943. informed us
that it would prepare such amend
mcnts. To date they have not been
submitted.
MEXICAN MICA.
In January, l943, before issuance
of BEW order No. 5, which was in
tended to divest RFC of authority
to negotiate its own contracts. RFC
authorized BEW representatives in
Mexico to negotiate contract for
the development of mica resources
in that country.
In April, 1943, contract was sub
mitted, which even BEW agreed was
clearly not in line with authority
given and. furthermore. was bad
business On June Is BEW submit
ted new proposed draft of this
contract for comment. which was in
more acceptable form. The ccn-
tract itself, however. has not yet
been submitted to RFC for execu-
ton.
PERUVIAN ANTIMONY.
The basic terms Of contract for