Evening star., 1947-10-16

Capt. Rickenba cker stressed that
the "thunderheads of war appear or
the horizons of the Western World,
and yet I'VE refuse to regard them
as factual and actual threats to oul
peace and safety"
Comparing threats from Russia tc
hurricanes, Capt. Rickenbacker saio
I'VE can make the Soviet leaders
understand that no matter how
much destruction they may want tc
unleash upon us in secrecy and sur
prise, we will be so equipped in ouI
hurricane shelters that we can strike
back and infiict upon our attacker;
as much damage, If not more than
they inflict upon U.S."
Hold Way to Win Peace.
He added that there is but one
way to win the peace "and that Is
to make the Kremlin realize that
it can never win war with us.
This way is through the creation OF
the mightiest air power offensive
defense the world has ever known
he added.
Pointing out that he was not
an alarmist but realist, Capt
Rickenbacker said the recent re-
establishment of the Comintern by
Russia indicates strength on that
Nations part, rather than fear. He
added that we should not be de-
luded into believing "rumor- smiths
who continue to tell us that Rus
sia does not want war or that the
Russian masses are too War-weary
TO fight again and would rise In
revolt"
Capt Rickenhacker urged that In
line with developing new air power
the aircraft industry should be sup
ported by a Government research
and experimental program with q
high budget priority.
Reilly Reports on Activities.
In a report on the summer ac-
tivities of the Board of Trade and
its general condition. John A. Reilly
president. told of accomplishments
by the Municipal Finance Commit
tee. which included preparation OF
statistical material for members OF
Congress in connection with the
District Budget and tax legislation
He added the trade group may
take a major portion of the credit
for increase in the Federal payment
Ito the District governmenD to
$4,000, 600"
He explained the boards work was
probably the determining factor In
getting an increase in the tax on
gasoline, through which the High
way Department will be- able to
proceed with its program of moving
traffic in and out of the central area
of the, city.
II testified on behalf of the Board
Of Trade in opposition to proposed
legislation which would regulate
rents of commercial property. and
we also testified on the residential
rent control law extension" Mr..
Reilly added. In the latter case, we
that provisions of the
natinoal law be made effective here,
but Congress did not see At to ac-
cept our recommendations"
Another summer activity was saw
ing District businessmen long hours
of labor and unnecessary travel by
making available to them informa-
ton about the Maryland Sales Tax,
Mr.. Reilly explained.
Skyway Achievement Cited.
Commenting on one of the trade
boards major achievements. setting
up United States skyway No. / in
cooperation with the Los Angeles
Chamber of Commerce, Mr.. Reilly
said 1t received worldwide publicity
and set an example to other Amer
ican communities.
Other activities mentioned in
cluded those of the City Planning
Committee; the compiling of ma
terial bearing on Washington as a
foreign trade center; obtaining en-
actment of a bill setting up a Sesqui-
Commission: cooperation
with the International Bank and
members of Congress in efforts to
obtain housing for those who need
it, and sponsorship of luncheon
celebrating Washingtons winning
of first award in the National Traffic
Safety Contest.
He also reviewed the successful
spring outing and complimented the
Membership Committee. the Greater
National Capital Committee, other
committees and various members OF
the Board of Trade for recent ac-
complishments.
A report on the widespread in
terest In Skyway No. and the need
for greatly expanded air park ia
cilities for private flyers in the
Washington area was given by Jesse
M. Hadley. chairman OF the Avia-
ton Committee.
Chest Cooperation Pledged.
Mr.. Reilly pledged the full Co
operation of the trade board to the
support of the forthcoming Com
munity Chest Federation campaign,