Evening star., 1945-04-01
byrnes Warns j. ).
Must Continue Food
Shipments 10 Europe
Ry the Associated Press.
w.. Mobilization r

War Mobilization Director Byrnes
told civilians last night that
"squeaks" over food would not alter
the Governments intention to di-
vide with hungry peoples abroad
and maintain Army rations.
Americans, he said, will have to
tighten their belts this year re-
gardless Of the date OF Germany's
defeat, because 1945 food supplies
will be from 5 to 10 per cent be-
low last year and demands are
greater.
However, we will not be hungry
and our diet will not be deficient"
he said.
Supplies will be tightest, Mr.
Byrnes said, in the case Of meats,
fats and oils, some dairy products,
sugar, and canned fruits and vege-
tables. His statement on the food
situation was given in his report
to President Roosevelt and Congress
on progress OF war production and
plans for reconversion to peace.
Upholds Foreign Relief.
Mr.. Byrnes reiterated the ad-
ministration's intention Of provid-
ing foreign relief and of allowing
full military requirements in words
which obviously hit at recent criti-
cism in and out Of Congress of Army
buying policies and of shipments OF
food abroad.
I'VE must allocate our available
supplies among competing uses
civilian, military and foreign-in the
light Of their Importance. We can
not follow the principle of the
wheel that squeaks the loudest gets
the grease"
In this connection, Mr.. Byrnes
said he had rejected suggestions
that soldiers rations be reduced
He said that military stocks, instead
Of being excessive as has been
claimed by some critics, are at rela-
lively low levels.
Emphasizing that rationing of
many food items will have to be
continued after Germany falls, he
said, victory in Europe will not end
starvation there.
Must Prevent Unrest.
I'VE must prevent disease and un-
rest in the areas where (our) troops
are stationed. We are interested In
the establishment of stable govern
ments, and stable governments can
not be expected where the people
are hungry"
Mr.. ByrneS gave assurances, how
ever, that foreign aid will be weighed
carefully in the light of this coun-
try's own essential needs and its
capacity to produce.
Looking ahead to the end of the
war with Japan, Mr.. Byrnes made
several recommendations relating
to reconversion of agriculture to
peacetime conditions. 1t may be
necessary, he said, for the Govern
ment to guide farmers in adjustment
of production.
AS one means of providing an out
let for possible surpluses, he urged
legislation for expansion of the
school lunch program so that all
grade and high school children can
participate.
Foresees Difficulties.
Some idea as to the possible ey-
tent of such an expansion may be
gained from the fact that 5,l75,O0
school children are now receiving
full or partial lunches at an annual
cost Of about $4,000, 900. Mr.. Byrnes
estimated that about 10000, 600
would be eligible under full ex-
pansion.
Mr.. Byrnes said he foresaw pos
sible difficulties in carrying out con-
gressional mandates that prices of
war expanded farm ~comodities be
supported at not less than 80 per
cent of parity for two years after
the war ends.
He urged that Government farm
agencies be authorized to make spe-
cial cash payments to farmers in
lieu of price supports whenever as a
result of decline in domestic con-
sumption or exports it is deter
mined that the support prices are
resulting in surpluses.