The Daily Alaska empire., 1949-11-30
UNIFICATI0N DISCUSSED BY
 TOP BRASS
Military to Return With- drawn Land- Hop Officials
 Farley in Federal Bldg.

Large parcels of land now held in withdrawal by the military will soon be given back to the public domain in Alaska, according to Lieut.. Gen. Nathan F. Twining, AL askan Command chief.
 General Twining, in Juneau with top brass of the army, navy, and air force to talk over transporta- ton and communication problems with officials of the Interior De- partment and the Territory, made this announcement last night few hours after his arrival here. He mentioned no specific spots in the Interior, but said the armed forces now hold too much" He said the Aleutian Islands, now un- der complete military domination. would be turned back except for a few strategic locations. of course," he said, i've know the public has never asked specif- ically for any Aleut islands, and many of them seem worthless any way. But in the near future, some use might be found for any num- Der of them"
 Representing each military branch were Brig. Gen. Frank Armstrong, Air Force; Maj Gen. Stanley L. Scott, U. s. Army, and Rear Ad- miral Frank D. Wagner, U. S. Navy.
 A total of 16 men, they began a three day meet today in the Sen ate Chambers in the Federal Build ing. Co-chairmen are General Twin ing and Kenneth J. Kadow, head of Interiors Alaska Field Con- mission, the latter having brought the men together.
 It is the first time in Alaskan history such an overall get-together has been called for unification of needs, and to smooth out future construction and building desires of those responsible for each branch of government in the Territory. Dispufse Frio.;ons
 General Twining explained that much needed construction is by- passed by Congress because one de- pertinent may ask something which lies under control of another.
 For example, he explained, "say we ask Congress for funds to huill a badly needed road. They ask us f the Interior Department has been consulted because they might con- trol the land itself. We have had to say 'no'-so we get sent back here with empty hands.
 This meeting will forestall diff faculties such as that he said. "It will aid in paving the way for speedier action by Congress for projects in the offing All depart ments have discussed it, and Con- gress then will act" .......
 He believed that statehood. if grapted the Territory, would aid developments here-not only in military lines, but others as well He pointed out that trading votes, indulged in Washington among statesmen, can't be indulged here. because i've have nothing to trade" :" Air General Armstrong pointed out wryly that while everyone in Washington may seem "sympathet- ic" toward Alaska, mere sympathy never got much done.
 New Uniforms
 General Armstrong and his aides were clothed in the new Air Force Blue" uniform, as well as Gen eral Twining himself. The col,n is somewhat darker than teal blue, and not as brilliant as Copenhagen blue-it is actually a new hue, and was the first time Juneauites had seen so many at one time. The officers wore waist-length jackets during the afternoon, but for supper changed to a more for nal uniform coat similar to the Army's in cut, but with patch pock- cts. Rank insignia is same as the Army, but coat buttons are distinct lively Air Force" New uniform caps for flag" of ficers have a type Of scrambled eggs" like the Navy men wear, but of a more subdued style.
 General Twining expressed high satisfaction in present military construction. stating that some work had been completed a year ahead of schedule.
 Work that everyone used to think would take two seasons to complete, he said. lis now getting done in one"
 He said present methods of awarding contracts, contrasted to the "cost-plus" way, had worked wonders. Contractors now use more efficient methods. and workmen themselves are faster and more thorough.
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