Evening star., 1945-05-02
Truman Gears Nation
To Remain on Job
Until Japan S Defeat

President Truman has laid the
groundwork for an intensive Gov.
ernment campaign to keep the
country geared for war until Japan
is crushed.
The President directed War Mo.
bilization Director Vinson to seek
pledges from businessmen anC
others in Government posts to stay
on the job until Japan's defeat ano
until peacetime production pro.
grams can be started.
Mr.. Truman then authorized Press
Secretary Jonathan Daniels to say
he is planning a We day radio an.
peal to the people to observe Ger.
many's unconditional surrender
when 1t comes, by giving thanks, not
by celebrating, and by VOWS to stay
on war jobs.
Asks OPA Extension.
In a third move, the President
issued a statement appealing TO,
congressional extension of wartime
price and ration controls.
In disclosing the Presidents views
on We day celebrations, Mr.. Dan
iels emphasized that Mr.. Truman
did not intend to suggest the immi-
nence of unconditional German sur
render.
At a hurriedly- summoned news
conference yesterday afternoon he
said:
Il have been authorized by the
President to say that in event OF
cessation of hostilities in Europe he
will speak to the American people
(by radio) to emphasize the neces-
sity for thankfulness and for all
Americans to continue in the great
war job that still lies ahead of us.
He hopes there will be no cele-
brations, but national understand
ing of the Importance of the job
that remains"
Reply to Bri. 'sh.
1t was explained that this state
ment was made largely in response
to inquiries prompted by an an
nouncement of British plans for a
two-day public holiday after victory
in Europe.
While sanctioning the holiday, the
London government reminded that
there should be no relaxation of
the national effort until the war in
the Far East has been Won"
A Home Office letter to local au-
thorities stressed the need for
spiritual Thanksgiving after almost
six years of war At the wish of
King George, it was pointed out. the
Sunday following We day will be
one of prayer, with the King lead
ing the nation in services in London.
Prime Minister Churchill will an
nounce the end of the war by radio,
and the King later will address
the world.
The President, in letter to Mr..
Vinson, forecast critical personnel
problems in wartime agencies which,
under the impact of war, recruited
many splendid executives from pri-
Vate life"
Tremendous Task Ahead.
These agencies cannot afford to
relax their efforts or to disband
their trained staffs after We day."
the President wrote. Not only does
the country have "a tremendous job
ahead" in ending the entire war
VIGOROUSLY, he said, but I'VE must
reconvert our domestic economy to
the production of peacetime goods
and services"
Asserting the Government simply
cannot afford to lose the services
Of its key personnel" Mr. Truman
appealed, through Mr.. Vinson, to
these men and women "to stick to
their posts until the battle is won
and the ship of state is safe in
harbor again"
Director Vinson was directed to
ask the heads of each important
home-front agency to canvass key
personnel and seek pledges to stay
on the job at the Presidents per-
sonal request.
The Nation, he added, cannot yet
allow any man to leave his post of
duty"