Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1943-02-26
Nelson Says Nation
Can Supply Civilians
And 11-Mi|Iion Army
DiscIoims Intention TO
Resign or to Force
Showdown With Services
BY JAMES Y. NEWTON.

The Nation can produce the
weapons this year to equip an
armed force of 100000 men
without cutting the goods and
services needed by the civilian
economy to bedrock levels. Chair
man Donald M. Nelson, of the
War Production Board, declared
yesterday.
Mr.. Nelson pointed out 1t was the
province of the chiefs of staff to
determine the size Of the Army
and to determine the size of our
production program" when asked to
comment on the strength of the
armed forces by years end as out
lined by military leaders. He added,
Il certainly think we can equip the
Army they want, and we will be
able to equip it and still get out
the necessary civilian things very
easily"
The WPB chairman made these
manpoWer observations during
Joint press conference with Vice
Chairman Charles E. Wilcon, the
first formal meeting with newsmen
since the shake-up Of his organiza-
ton last week leading to the forced
resignation of Vice Chairman Fer
dinand Eberstadt. Mr.. Nelson de-
clined to comment on Mr.. Eber-
stadt's dismissal. He concluded his
own conference with Thank you,
gentlemen" unusual procedure in
Washington press relations, when
reporters attempted further ques-
tons on the Eberstadt issue.
No Intention of Resigning.
Asked to comment on reports cir
eulated recently that he was plan
ming to resign, Mr.. Nelson declared:
IT had no intention of resigning.
/ have no intention of resigning
The boys on Guadalcanal can't re-
sign. I must stay on. If resigned
! would feel like was deserving the
fight. This is not a job in which
! person can be happy over long
period of time, however"
Commenting on newspaper head
lines Of last week, which described
WPB as preparing for a showdown
battle with the armed services. he
added: I'VE have not prepared,
never will prepare for a showdown
with the services. They are the
ones We are working for"
Mr.. Nelson declared the COM
ponent problem, one which has re-
tarded production Of rubber. avia-
ton gasoline, ships and aircraft,
definitely was being licked" through
Mr.. wilson's production scheduling
methods designed ito complete the
five must programs in the least
possible time" He said that by
making the most efficient use of
plants manufacturing condensers,
valves, instruments and others of
the "a critical components" the
output could be increased 20 per
cent, enough to assure that this
years production goals will be met.
Silent on New System.
Neither the chairman nor Mr.. VIII
son would discuss the mechanics Of
the scheduling operation which re-
portedly involved shifting contracts
among plants and taking over some
Of the procurement functions of the
Army and Navy. Mr.. Wilson Is said
to have softened his scheduling Or
der on learning the armed services
objected strenuously to what they
term "usurpation" Of their powers.
The WPB officials said more details
OF the scheduling plan will be made
public within few days.
Mr.. Nelson said the controlled ma
terials plan, developed by Mr.. Eber-
stadt to balance the flow of raw
materials to war plants, will be re-
tanned and integrated with the
scheduling of components."