The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1944-08-16
Observations
Capital Ponders
Possible Rift 4.
With Britain
BY Helen EsSSry

Washington-Was luslu'
trs are beginning TO wonder II the
gossip Of a rift between President
Roosevelt and British Prime Min
lister Churchill. prominent several
months ago. might not have some
basis in fact after all.
AS the weeks speed by, the Pres
ident and prime minister seem to
be establishing something new in
the way OF records-their failure
TO meet for face.to.face discus
sions. as has been their practice
since the outbreak OF the war.
The two national leaders have
not met in conference since the
famed three power meeting at
Teheran In December, 1S4S-almost
eight months ago. This, despite
the fact that they announced pub
licly their intention to confer every
three months because OF the rapid
Exchanging war picture.
II was recalled that after the
Teheran conference, in which Jo-
seph Stain participated, there was
gossip that the Russian leader and
Churchill were at odds on the stra-
tegy to be pursued In the war
against Germany. and that the
President resolved the difficulties
in favor OF Stalin-much to Churc-
hills chagrin. The two English
speaking leaders have not met
since that time.
Meanwhile, the long strides made
in the war both in Europe and in
the Far East seem 10 provide am
pie bases for further strategy and
diplomatic discussions at the high
est level.
To administer supporters, who
are loath to admit the possibility
of differences between F.D.R. and
Churchill, another reason for their
failure TO meet is offered. They
point out that the President spent
much OF the winter months In ILL.,
ness and. last spring, was forced
to take an extended rest away
from the White House.
The heavy effect OF victory Is
beginning to rage through Wash
Ington despite warnings OF over
optimism from the nations leaders.
That's one reason for the press.
ing urgency OF reconversion legis.
lation and the need for putting ad-
equate safeguards into the law to
protect the country's' economy dur
ing the transition period. Through
the halls OF Congress Is ringing the
cry that Germany is almost
through and we must be prepared.
There Is good reason in Wash
ington for optimism. From con-
gressmen TO government clerks,
Wsshingtonians are headline read.
ers. With each edition they see
Germany taking more blows. And
the consensus seems to be here
that the Nazis will be through by
Christmas at least and perhaps
within the next few months.
They point out the following:
Hitler's break with the army gen.
erals Is irreparable. The Allies
are stepping up their blitzkrieg
in the west with deadly speed.
Russia Is knocking at Germany's
gates in the east and can pick her
spot for an offensive. Nazi sol
diers are giving up in hordes. Fuel
for Germany's war machine is be.
coming seriously scarce. Europe's
underground movements are pois-
ed 10 add to Hitler's mounting
headaches.
The pesky "esky" trial started 1t
all, and now the nations capital
has turned its virtuous gaze upon
its own bookshelves to continue
the clean up.
As a result. q. S. Attorney Ed
ward VI. Curran has ruled that
such books as The Sex Life OF an
Unmarried Adult. and "Eugen-
les and Sex Relations are taboo
for Washington readers.
Strangely, local dealers were "all
out when called upon for COM
ment.
Despite a congressional ban on
WASPS in the U. S. Army, there
10 move under way to incorpor-
ate the women pilots In Uncle
Sans fighting forces anyway.
Ever since being given the cold
shoulder by Congress early this
summer, the WASPS have been
buzzing angrily, recently issuing
an ultimstum Of their own.
In an II page report Jacqueline
Cochran. WASP director. demand
ed the girls" be made part OF the
Army or given their discharge. The
top air chief, Gen. II. II. Arnold,
always was friendly toward the
idea OF women pilots TO fill out
the need for "manpower" in his
flying forces.
And II the women pilots are dis
banded, Jacqueline adds, they
should be given military status II
only for a day so those who have
served can be recognized as vet
Grams" OF World War II.