Evening star., 1943-03-29
; on Planning Board
Offer 10 Quit in
Nathan Dispute
'Broins Boys Would Give
Nelson Free Hand in
Recognizing WPB Group


Other members Of the War Pro-
ductton Boards Planning Commit
tee were reported authoritatively
today to have decided to submit
their designations because their
chairman, Robert r. Nathan, has
asked his draft board to induct him.
The, other members of the COM
mittee are: Thomas c. Blaisdell, r.;
Fred Searles, jr,, and Marion
Hedges. They are expected to re-
sign some time this week to give
Chairman Donald M. Nelson a free
hand in recognizing the commit
tee If he decides to keep 1t going.
Mr.. Nathan sought Army service
after his committee, once 4 key
group in WPB, had most of its
power removed under 4 general re-
organization which gave Executive
Vice President Charles Z. Wilson
control over most units.
Referred To ~ brains Boys"
The planning committee, some
times referred to as "the brains
boys" Of WPB, suggested many Of
the changes in procedure which have
been adopted.
Mr.. Nelson returned today from 4
weeks vacation, but no comment
was forthcoming from him concern
ing Mr.. Nathan or the planning
committee.
Reports that several top ofIicials
Of WPB also plan to resign could
not be confirmed.
Mr.. Nathan said that at the time
his deferment was asked by Chair
man Nelson the committee was
working on fundamental problems
which are now in the operational
stage.
The possible breakup OF the plan
ming organization was accompanied
by rumors that other so-called New
Deal" elements of WPB were con-
sidering stepping out.
Such rumors mentioned Stacy
May. head of WPB's Statistics Di-
vision, and Joseph Weiner, director
Of WPB's Once of Civilian Supply,
although both denied today that
they would resign.
Mr. Weiner broke openly with Mr..
Nelson on WPB policy last week
when he testified before a congress
sional committee that he favored an
independent civilian supply agency.
Mr.. Nelson, who Is known to be seek
Ing q new director for q strength
ened and revitalized Once of Civil
ian Supply, believes it should con-
tinue to operate under WPB.
Mr.. Nathan predicted that the Gov
ernment is going toward 4 policy OF
seeking no occupational deferments
but added that irrespective Of the
general policy. he wanted his draft
deferment Cancelled.
Wants to See Other Side.
The young Nelson aide said he
had been on the statistical and
planning end for SO long that he
wanted to get the other side of the
picture, too.
Il certainly don't want any
favoritism," he declared. II prefer
to 60 in as = private and I hope
they take me-"
Mr.. Nathan said he had had no
part in the original request for de-
1erment made by Mr.. Nelson, but
that last week he had asked the
WPB Draft Committee to cancel his
deferment. The committee notified
Draft Board No. 10.
In an effort to speed up his in
duction, Mr.. Nathan said he had
asked about volunteering, but had
been informed by the draft board
that 1T would have little effect on
the time of his induction. He said
he planned, however, to waive any
rights that would delay induction.
He probably will be given his draft
board physical in about 4 week, he
said. Asked about the sciatica
which friends said might prevent his
induction. Mr.. Nathan said he had
had back injury several months
ago, but didn't think 1t would keep
him out Of the service.
Nov that I've made up my mind
I'd like to go as quickly as possible" :"
he said. I'D like to expedite it."