The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1945-03-09
R. S. REYNOLDS
TESTIFIES ON
ALUMINIUM

r. S. Reynolds of Richmond, Va.
president of the Reynolds Metals Co.
went to the senate committee on small
against seemingly overwhelming odds
and discouragements, he succeeded in
building a series of aluminium plants
and putting them into production
while as he declared, his larger rivals
and the federal agencies themselves
were still considering whether or not
such thing could be done. He found
the committee receptive, but often
inquisitive forum; and he himself
proved very colorful witness.
Reynolds Metals Company pio-
neered at time when high govern
ment officials had even said 1t was
'unpatriotic' to suggest that there
would be an aluminium shortage" he
asserted to the committee "Its pro-
duction came in the early period when
it was sorely needed. BY July 1, 1912,
when the new government plants built
by Alcoa were only just beginning to
produce aluminium, Reynolds Metals
Company had produced 54,400,000
pounds of aluminium. or enough for
more than S240 mustang fighters, and
by September 1, 1912, capacity opera
tions of 16O,OOO,OO0 pounds per year
had been attained"
He added this comment: 1--WE are
very proud of that timely production"
Opening the second day of his COM
examination into the wartime
developments and peacetime POSSIBLE
tiles of light metals, notably aluminium
and magnesium, Sen. James E. Muir
ray of Montana, chairman, reiterated
his assurance of the previous day that
the inquiry was not to be classed as
q punitive expedition. 1--WE do not
seek to punish anyone" he said, Eve
want the facts
He spoke of the hearings as a CO.
operative enterprise in which leaders
N government and industry meet with
members of the senate to discuss their
common problems. The sole object
s to ascertain the wartime conditions
n the light metals field and their eff |
ect on the prospects for postwar
'uture.
Mr. Reynolds was accompanied to |
he witness stand by the vice presi-
lent and general counsel of his COM
)any, Walter L. Rice, who declared |
hat under monopoly the aluminium in |
lustry of the country has been "rela- |
lively stagna9t".
Outside the United States the large |
aluminium companies of the world
we're preoccupied by secret cartel re-
which stand for the prin-
iple of high prices and low produc-
ion and place penalty on expan-
ion and progress, he said, adding that
ard<w security was depended upon
o produce the profits.
Senator Wherry wanted to know
rom Mr.. Reynolds if his company
vas favorable to cartel system The
eply was that this company never
adj favored such system, and it
yas not anticipated that it would ever
o in for it in the future.
Mr.. Reynolds advised that it was
is considered opinion that the whole
ost-war future of the country is de-
endent upon IAN intelligent under
landing by the government of the
enefits which could be obtained from
proper disposition and use of the
asst industrial plants erected at gov
rnment expense to manufacture the ]
roducts necessary to win the wal"
these plants are utilized to provide T
lillions of jobs for our returning vet
rams and for our war-workers and to
reduce a wealth of fine consumer ,
Gods, he observed, America can con- ,
nue. to lead the world in industrial I
and can upon this ba- I
IS provide a sound basis for lasting
+
He thought the continued operation ,
the plants coupled with constant :
bility to use their output at any time
,r national defense would give pause O
, any would-be aggressor.
Such a program carried out would :
AXE this country with respect to g
reduction ready for anything that =
In happen" That which is actually :
CONTINUED on Page Two)