Evening star., 1946-09-12
Army Activities
lin Reich Face
Senate Probe
Complaints Received
On Occupation Policy,
Conduct Of Troops
BY Robert K. WoIsh

"
occupation forces in Germany
may be investigated by the Sem
ate War Investigating Commit
tee, it was learned today as the
committee prepared for an active
autumn of open sessions on sur
plus property shipments, the
Inter American highway project
and the questioning of Repre-
sentative May, Democrat, of
Kentucky.
Returning from a subcommittee
inspection of the Inter American
Highway, Committee Counsel George
George E. Meader disclosed that
there has been some preliminary
discussion of complaints about this
country's military government in
Germany and the conduct of some
troops
Informal testimony already has
been obtained but more material
must be examined before the COM
mittee decides whether or when
to hold public hearings, Mr.. Meader
said. He indicated hearings are
likely to be held later this year.
Mays Appearance Uncertain.
Cautioning the public mot to
speculate" on the exact date when
Mr.. May will appear before the
committee here for questioning
about his association with the Cars
son munitions combine, Mr.. Meader
disclosed the committee intends to
start hearings in any event during
the last week of this month. on
the surplus property problem.
Reconversion Director Steelman
will be one of the witnesses, he said.
The aspect of surplus property in
which the committee is especially
interested concerns reported fall
ures or delays in returning surplus
goods from foreign areas to this
country for disposal here A sub
committee headed by Senator Briggs,
Democrat, of Missouri, has been
looking into the matter, and is re-
portedly dissatisfied with indica-
tions that surplus wartime materi-
ais have been sold abroad despite
critical need in the United States.
Explains Highway Inquiry.
The purpose of intended hearings
on the inter-American highway
project was described by Mr.. Meader
as a move to finish up some loose
ends" He recalled the committee
had three public hearings on the
subject year ago and decided to
send a subcommittee to view the
highway.
| Because of pressure of other blsi-
! ness, the group was not able to 60
until late In August The investiea-
ton centers on complaints of ex-
cessive cost and administrative
troubles of the Army and other
Federal agencies associated in build
ing the highway. Mr. Meader, while
refusing to reveal the subcommit-
tees attitude at this time, said the
investigation is practically COM
plete and that a report will be
written soon after the final open
hearings.
SoAioi ni. way VIII appear De-
fore the committee on or about
September Is is uncertain. Mr..
Mays Washington attorney, Daniel
J. Anderson, notified the committee
Yesterday that his client would be
able to submit to questioning for
periods of an hour at a time during
the week of September Is.
Mead to Await Word.
Chairman Mead replied last night
by letter, declaring that when
Congressman May is able to testify
at a hearing in Washington without
injury to his health, the committee
will then arrange for a hearing"
The chairman said the committee
does not desire to set a definite
date for hearing in anticipation of
his recovery" He asked that the
committee be advised by you or
Mr.. Mays physicians when his con-
dition has reached the point which
will permit him to testify at public
hearing in Washington without in
jury to his health"
| The committee, an official said,
has no comment" on Mr.. Mays
suggestion that he be permitted to
testify for only an hour at a time.
But Senator Brewster, Republican,
| of Maine declared such a procedure
would necessitate many days, per-
haps weeks, of hearings.
Shipping Probe Planned.
! While the Senate committee
awaited further data from the Mari
time Commission before scheduling
| hearings on the acceptance of ex-
pensive gifts by sponsors at $500
ship launchings, the House Mer-
chant Marine Committee today an
nounced the names of 10 wartime
Government shipyards which
(See WAR PROFITS, Page A-6.)
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