Evening star., 1946-12-16
Work Program Speed,
Norway's Recovery,
u. 5. Envoy States
BY the Asseeiotsd Press

II NEW YORK, Dec. lb.-NOrWay' S
Nazi-ruined economy has re-
sponded swiftly to the stimulus of an
al1-out work program designed to
recapture the nations prewar posi-
tion in foreign trade, United States
Ambassador Charles Ulrick Bay
said in reply to series of ques-
tions submitted by the Associated
Press.
Norway has three basic indus
tries-shipping, fishing, and paper.
Rapid progress has been made in
restoring fishing because shipyards
were large enough to repair and re-
build fishing vessels. Already fish
exports equal prewar levels and may
soon exceed them"
Mr.. Bay said paper and cellulose
/ production fell short of the 1916
goal by million cubic meters, large
ly because of transportation diff
culties and lack of seasonal labor.
The government has announced spe-
cial inducements for workers next
year, however, including free trans
portation to and from the forests
and additional pay. Prospects for a
peak year were good.
More Ships Planned.
In shipping: Rehabilitation of
the merchant fleet, upon which
hangs Norway's ability to purchase
abroad, is the nations principal
long-term objective. The most i'm
mediate task is reconstruction of
devastated areas" Bay continued.
In all, the Nazi occupation cost
Norway II per cent of her natural
wealth, Mr.. Bay continued. In one
section nearly $1,000 square miles
were systematically erased" he said,
describing the German scorched-
earth policy.
But shipping was the primary con-
Germ, and the prewar Norwegian
fleet of 4,887 900 tons was reduced by
almost so per cent, Mr.. Bay dis
closed.
"In round numbers, Norway lost
720 ships during the occupation. But
ships (new) on order as of October,
1946( totaled 2,274, 900 tons, OF which
10000 tons have been delivered" :"
Bay said.
Returning to Norway.
The Ambassador who Is now en-
route back to Norway after q brief
visit here said that the Norwegian
government has applied to the
United States Government to pur-
chase 100000 tons of United States
shipping.
Norway's ultimate goal: at is con-
templated that by 1850 the Norwe-
gian fleet will be up to 4,100, 600 tons
and by 1851 will equal the prewar
level"
To the question whether Norway
has moved further to the left polit-
ically than other northern European
nations, Mr.. Bay replied:
mot further than other Scandi-
navian nations. Her labor govern
ment has made a sincere effort to
cooperate with business and shows
no disposition to take over any
phase of private industry. Although
the government is classed as Social
ist, the capitalistic system thrives In
a thoroughly democratic manner,
with labor and business having a
voice in controls"
Friendly to Russia.
Mr.. Bay described the average
Norwegian's feeling toward Russia
as friendly and neighborly, inspired
by the "punctual withdrawal Of the
Russian army after the liberation" "
Russia desires active trade with
Norway and steps have been taken
by both countries to implement this
relationship, Mr.. Bay continued.
However, Norway certainly does
not wish to be regarded as q
Russian satellite" he said, adding
significantly virtually every Nor
wegian family has relatives in the
United States most of the Nor
wegians express a desire to visit the
United States in the near future" u