Navy - Reports & Bulletins, October 1940 - April 1941

Navy Reports: Oct.1940-April 1941 Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 1 October 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 30 September 164,047 Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 7,121 Other Reservists " 11 4,053 Retired Men 11 65 Total 11,239 Aggregate Enlistments (24 hours) 311 Aggregate Discharges " = 86 Gain 225 Retired Officers returned to active duty, as of 1 October: Line Officers 649 Staff Officers 167 Warrant Officers 46 Total 862 Naval Reserve Officers ordered to active duty for en- forcement of neutrality and the strengthening of the National Defense within the limits of Peace-time au- thorization; as of Septembe: I' 30: Number Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered V(G) Officers Afloat 300 300 307 Merchant Marine Afloat 225 225 268 Aviation Instructors 248 248 214 I-V(S) Officers 125 125 112 CEC-V(S) Officers 125 125 125 Supply Corps Officers 125 125 149 Medical and Dental Officers 177 177 190 Communication Officers 100 100 124 CC-V(S) Officers 20 20 20 Administration of Reserve Midshipman Training Program 140 140 110 Miscellaneous 320 485 485 Total Estimated Number Al- lowed: 1905 2070 2104 2 Bureau of Yards and Docks - The following cost-plus- .3 will meet on 14 October, and will not be released for fixed fee contract awards have been made: publication until further notice. The selection board to Temporary construction and facilities for enlisted personnel at the Naval Training Station, Newport, R.I. promote 3 Brigadier Generals to Major Genéral will meet awarded to the Platt Contracting Co., Inc. of Cambridge, Mass. Estimated contract cost - $455,000. on 15 November, and will be the same board that selects Supply pier, rehabilitation of existing piers and break- Captains to Rear Admirals in the Regular Navy. water at the Submarine Base, Naval Operating Base, Norfolk, Virginia, awarded to the McLean Contracting Company of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, has requested 4 more "H" type Baltimore, Md. Estimated contract cost - $3,226,500. hospital buildings to house 240 patients. At present Storehouses at the Naval Aircraft Factory and the Marine Corps Depot of Supplies, Navy Yard, Philadelphia, there are 482 patients in the hospital at Pearl Harbor. Pa. awarded to the M. and L. Construction Company of Philadelphia. Estimated contract cost - $650,000. The Bureau of Medicine and Surgery will probably recom- Extension of chemical laboratory and barracks building mend additional buildings, but not 4 as requested. at the Naval Research Laboratory, Bellevue, D.C., and in- strument repair and storage at the Naval Observatory, Conference, between the heads of the Naval Reserve Washington, D.C. awarded to. the Charles H. Tompkins Co. of Washington, D.C. Estimated contract cost - $531,000. and the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery was held this Extension and improvements at the Naval Reserve Air morning on the advisability of recommending waivers on Base, Squantum, Mass. awarded to the Buck-McDonald Co. of Boston, Mass. and the Warren Brothers Roads Co. of Cam- physical disability. The Bureau of Medicine and Sur- bridge, Mass. Estimated cost of contract - $331,500. gery, because of 30-day retirement privileges for the Marine Corps, Total enlisted strength, 30 September 1940, Naval Reserve, will stick to physical requirements of 34,929. the regular Navy for the immediate future. Selection Board, for promotion of 4 Colonels in the Research, Reports are being received from certain Marine Corps to the rank of Brigadier General is composed European belligerents that fairly large numbers of pilots of the following: are being incapacitated for weeks and sometimes months Rear Admirals Taussig, Courtney, Watson, Downes, Brown, following flight to altitudes above 30,000 feet. The Noyes; and Generals Little, Upshur, and Logan. This board condition is probably not the direct result of failure of adequate oxygen supply. There are many symptoms and 4. other features which make it very likely that the cause is aero-embolism or "bends", as we are familiarywith it in daily operation. The condition has been known to be pos- sible and likely, but this is the first time that it has been reported in any appreciable numbers. There has been a comprehensive program jointly between the Army and Navy and Public Health Service to carry out research directives toward the determination of the most practical answer to the problem. From the information available at the present time, it appears that there should be little danger of the development of "bends" in rapid ascent provided ade- quate oxygen is breathed from time of tike-off. Jacksonville Airport, will be officially opened on 15 October. Banana River, will be officially opened on 1 October. Bureau of Supplies and Accounts, announces: A contract has been awarded the Elgin National Watch Com- pany for 3,300 clocks, aircraft, at a unit price of $10.33, pank spare parts in the amount of $999.45, total price of $34,088.45 A contract has been awarded the Switlik Parachute & Equip- ment Co. for 800 Parachutes, at a unit price of $100.00, total cost $80,000.00 A contract has been awarded the Pioneer Parachute Co., Inc. for 600 Parachutes at a unit cost of $116.50, total cost $69,900.00 Confidential-amer OF THE NAVY 2 October 1940 1000 bud 164 X Total Enlisted Strength, 1 October Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty Other Reservists " 4,053 Retired Men II " II = 65 Total 11,239 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 166 Aggregate Discharges 36 Gain 130 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 1 October: Line Officers 649 Staff Officers 167 Warrant Officers 46 Total 862 Naval Reserve Enlisted Men ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality and the strengthening of the national defense within the limits of peace-time or- ganization: Number Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered Inshore Patrol Bases 340 212 88 Naval Reserve Aviation Bases 2300 2300 652 Communications 85 : 83 76 Afloat 5000 1352 1058 Miscellaneous ( 1191 1189 Class V-7 Procurement Program (2325 224 223 Class V-7 .for Midshipmen, USNR 5000 1500 Total Men 000, 15,050 6,862 3,286 2. 3. Bureau of Yards and Docks - The following cost-plus- Additional Gasoline Storage and Servicing, Landing Field, Midway Islands - $360,000. fixed-fee contract award has been made: Additional Underground Fuel Storage, Pearl Harbor, Facilities for additional enlisted personnel at the $2,250,000. Naval Training. Station, San Diego, California, awarded to Charles L. Hoskins of San Diego. Estimated contract cost - Dredging Channels and Harbors, Hawaii - $1,250,000. $871,600. Target Storage and Repair Facilities, Bishop Point, Contract for Additional Ammunition Storage Facilities Oahu, T.H. - $250,000. at the Naval Ammunition Depot, Hawthorne, Nevada, has been awarded to Vim, P. Neil Co., Los Angeles, California, for Magazines and Storehouses, Naval Air Station, Pearl the sum of $2,146,000; 375 calendar days. Harbor, T.H. - $99,900. The contract for Additional Storage Facilities at the Magazine and Storehouse, Kaneohe Bay, T.H. - $62,100. Naval Ammunition Depot, Hawthorne, Nevada, has been cleared through the National Defense Advisory Council. Magazine and Storehouse, Midway Islands - $68,400. Additional work added to existing cost-plus-fixed-fee Contract for Additional Pier, Navy Yard, Philadelphia, contracts: Pa. - Kaufman Construction Co., and J.E. Brenneman Co. - Strengthen Shipways #1, Navy Yard, Philadelphia - $45,000. Contract Hangar, etc. Naval Proving Grounds, Dahlgren, Va. - Jeffress-Dyer Co. - Extension to Gun Storage Fac- Contract for Temporary Housing, Storage and Aviation ilities - $56,000. Facilities, Parris Island - Charles W. Angle, Inc. - Repair to Buildings and Causeway and Extension to Roads, Contract Aviation Facilities Guantanamo Bay - Frederick Parris Island, S.C. - $571,500. Snare Corp. - Storehouse, Barracks, Hangars and Runways - $531,000. NOTE: Contracts in excess of $500,000 were cleared by the National Defense Advisory Commission. Contract Aviation Facilities, Pearl Harbor and Pacific Islands - Hawaiian Dredging Co. and Associates - Improve- U.S.S. NAVAJO (fleet tug), hoisted plane PBY-1 aboard ment Shop, Buildings and Telephone System, Navy Yard, Pearl Harbor - $225,000. after it had been towed, toward Pearl Harbor by the RAMAPO. Aircraft Storehouse; Laundry Building, Landplane Hangars, There was no apparent damage to the plane, though it will Parking Area, Seaplane Ramps and Recreation Facilities, Naval Air Station, Pearl Harbor, T.H. - $2,231,100. be inspected and its condition reported later. Tuberculosis Ward and Quarters, Guam - $316,800. Commander Atlantic Squadron, and Chief of Staff are in Dispensary Building, Tutuila, Samoa - $162,000. the Navy Department to discuss impending operations. Grading and Servicing, Additional Gas Storage, Kaneohe, U.S.S. SAPELO (ciler), will escort District draft from Oahu, T.H. - $1,766,700. Norfolk about 15 October to the Canal Zone. They include 4. submarine chasers 454, 456, and 460, and Yachts 33 and 34. Submerine chaser 457 will be in the group, designated to Tenth Naval District. Admiral Greenslade and party flew from Miami and Nassau this morning, and will continue on to Guantanamo where they will join the ST. LOUIS. Civil Engineers, 32 candidates passed, the examination to fill existing vacancies in the grade of Assistant Civil En- gineer, with the rank of lieutenant (junior grade), Ten of the candidates will be recommended for commissions imme- diately, the remaining candidates to, be placed on an eli- gibility list from which additional appointments may be made. Dental Officers, 32 candidates for appointment have successfully qualified and commissioned as Assistant Dental Surgeons (lieutenant, junior grade) as of 5 September. University of Southern California, President Von Klein- sund offers the facilities of its workshop, School of En- gineering, and related technical departments for the train- ing of naval personnel, photography, cinematography, sound recording and supporting sciences. Faculty, buildings, and equipment are also offered with the most capable technicians from Hollywood. confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 3 October 1940 Total IIIv Enlisted Strength, 2 October 164,442 Adrode Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 7,121 Other Reservists = 4,053 Retired Men If 11 If If 65 Total 11,239 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 289 Aggregate Discharges 24 Gain 265 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 2 October: SILS Line Officers 649 Staff ff 167 Warrant 46 Total 862 SIBI òch Naval Reserve Enlisted Men ordered to active duty for en- forcement of neutrality and the strengthening of the na- tional defense within the limits of peace-time organi- zation: Number Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered Inshore Patrol Bases 340 212 88 Naval Reserve Aviation Bases 2300 2300 652 Communications 85 83 76 Afloat 5000 1352 1058 Miscellaneous ( 1191 1189 Class V-7 Procurement (2325 Program ( 224 223 Class V-7 for Midshipmen, USNR 5000 1500 -- Total Men 15,050 6,862 3,286 2. 3. Placentia Bay, New Foundland, Plane has been ordered Naval Reserve, Drills will be increased from 48 to 60 there for preliminary survey before U.S.S. BOWDITCH ar- annually. All divisions and air squadrons will be brought rives about 13 October. At that time two more planes will up to full strength. Divisions of 69 men will be in be ordered there for survey of operating conditions. creased to 100. Air squadrons will be brought up to 124 U.S.S. ARCTURUS (cargo ship), former MORMACHAWK will un- men, increased from 67. There are 18 air squadrons. dergo no conversion at present. As soon as full complement Local Defense Divisions, there are 30, are being brought of officers and enlisted personnel are placed aboard the up to 150 men, previously 69. These latter divisions in ARCTURUS will fill a special assignment to outlying bases. many cases will probably be ordered to minesweepers, mine- U.S.S. SABINE (tanker), former Esso Albany will undergo layers, yachts, submarine chasers, and net tenders. conversion at Philadelphia for the next 2-1/2 months. District Headquarters and Reserve Armory, Boston. At Status of aircraft, as of 27 September: a conference of Governor's representatives, Mayor's Com- Combatant Training Utility Total mittee, Commandant Boston, State W.P.A. Administrator Useful Planes on Hand 1234 422 156 1812 Total Planes (including and Labor Counsel, the project to build a new district obsolete experimental) 1642 428 188 2258 Total Planes on order 1502 1467 32 3001 headquarters and Reserve Armory was called off because of Bids for construction of 2 minelayers will be opened lack of bricklayers, metal workers, electricians and other to 23 October instead of 16 October. skilled trades on the W.P.A. roles. Commandant is faced Bureau of Yards and Docks, Contract for two storehouses with 200000 sq.ft. space shortage, lease for which in for reserve material at the Naval Supply Depot, Oakland, the City of Boston is estimated to cost from $35,000 to Calif., has been awarded to Monson Bros., San Francisco, $72,000 a year. ESS Calif. for the sum of $555,400. Time 210 calendar days. Bureau of Navigation, is restricting enlistments, Class This contract has been cleared by the National Defense Ad- V-6, Naval Reserve, to ex-service men in order not to take draft dodgers and men for whom there are no facilities for visory Committee. 000, to 4. training at the present time. As soon as the Navy's regular recruiting program has been achieved enlistments in V-6 will be opened to qualified men and the facilities of Naval Training Stations will be used to. give necessary preliminary training to such recruits before ordering them to sea. U.S.S. SEA RAVEN (SS196), reported to CINCUS on 30 Sep- tember for duty in Submarine Force. U.S.S. TUNA (ss 203), was launched at Mare Island on 2 October. Coast Guard Cutter Campbell will leave New York today B for Lisbon to relieve the OMAHA. RECRUITING ACTIVITIES FOR WEEK ENDING 27 Sept. 1940 Number of applicants accepted for first enlistment - 1744 Istem to Number of first enlistments 2028 Number of reenlistments, continuous service 41 Number of reenlistments, broken service 29 Total 2089 to 6 American Experts, #800 studying the resources of Honduras declared today that the North Coast of Honduras contained to the best rubber growing lands in America. of of Evening News, London, said tonight regarding the sinking Tot of 132,000 British tons of shipping last week, "The 50 American destroyers should ease, but not in themselves cure this situation." Confidential. .S REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY sairy as no 4 October 1940 redovoo Total Enlisted Strength, 3 October 164,713 по TOT Itsa litw Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on Active duty 7,121 Other Reservists If 4,053 ent Retired Men 11 11 If If 65 TO beachmoc Total 11,239 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 314 Aggregate Discharges = 43 Gain 271 Retired Officers returned to active duty, as of 3 October: Line Officers 649 Staff Officers 167 betroger Warrant Officers 46 Total 862 Naval Reserve Officers ordered to active duty for en- forcement of neutrality and the strengthening of the National Defense within the limits of Peace-time au- thorization; as of 3 October: boon as Leximba Number Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered V(G) Officers Afloat 300 300 307 to Merchant Marines Afloat 225 225 268 Aviation Instructors 248 248 214 I-V(S) Officers 125 125 112 CEC-V(S) Officers 125 125 125 Supply Corps Officers 125 125 149 Medical and Dental Officers 177 177 190 Communication Officers 100 100 124 cc-v(s) Officers 20 20 20 Administration of Reserve Midshipman Training Program 140 140 110 Miscellaneous 320 485 485 Total Estimated Number Al- ods allowed 1905 2070 2104 2. First Marine Brigade, will leave Quantico on 8-9-10 operations. 3. October entrained for Hampton Roads. On 12 October Brigade Bureau of Supplies and Accounts, announces the following: will sail for Guantanamo on the McCAWLEY and BARNETT (Mar- A preliminary award has been made, subject to later con- ine transports). The first air group arrived at Guantan- firmation to The Babcook & Wilcox Company for 400 sets of amo yesterday composed mainly of scouting and fighter 5"/38 Weldments at a cost of $2,300,000, and for the pur- planes. Bombing squadrons will leave at a later date. chase of Government owned equipment not to exceed Advertisement, will soon go out for construction of a $250,000. number of auxiliary vessels, among them destroyer tenders A preliminary award has been made; subject to later con- and minesweepers. Awards will be made after competitive confirmation, to United Aircraft Corporation, Hamilton bidding. Standard Propellers Division, for propeller equipment and Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, construction is reported to spare parts, at a cost of $43,962,098.30. be unusually rapid and there is every possibility this A preliminary sward has been made, subject to later con- vessel will be completed six or seven months ahead of firmation, to United Aircraft Corporation, Pratt & Whitney schedule. Aircraft Division, for engines at a cost of $197,294,123.75 Admiral Wilcox, today relieved Admiral Brinser as head A contract has been awarded the Bausch & Lomb Optical of the Board of Inspection and Survey. Company for 520 pairs of Binoculars at an average unit U.S.S. SUMNER (DD333), reports that on the request of cost of $56.11, total cost $29,173.00 ESL the Equadorian Minister for Foreign Affairs the SUMNER The preliminary awards to the United Aircraft Cor- proceeded to QUITO on 30 Sept ember for a conference regard- poration for propellers and engines include the propeller 001 ing Peruvian officers on board. The Minister of Foreign and engine requirements of both the Army and the Navy. Affairs now has no objection to the presence of Peruvian Supply Corps, has 583 regular officers às of 1 October, officers of the SUMNER anywhere within the territorial and 955 reserve officers with 105 applications favorably AOIS waters of Ecuador provided they take no part in survey recommended. There are approximately 350 reserve of- 4. ficers enrolled in the Supply Corps correspondence course. This bureau continues to be desirous of recruiting reserve officers under 26 years of age who hold a degree from a recognized university. A building on the grounds of the Na- val Hospital, Washington, has been secured for the new class of the Reserve School beginning 7 October. The course is 5 months and will be composed of 36 officers. Coast Guard, announced it is increasing its merchant ship control force by 1500 men, to prevent possible sabotage and neutrality violations in American ports. 500 extra men will be based at New York. Curtiss-Wright Corporation, has completed plans for an expansion program calling for construction of three new airplane manufacturing plants at a cost of $40,000,000. Executives said plants would be erected asspeedily as A possible at Buffalo, Columbus, and St. Louis, for mass production of fighting planes for the United States and taoo Great Britain. Curtiss-Wright employment will jump from 9,200 to 45,000. Congressional Sub-Committee, returned from an inspection flight to Midway, Johnston, and Palmyra Islands. Repre- sentative Darden said the Committee found construction work moving ahead according to schedule, "and very good progress being made." Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY October 7, 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 5 October 165,074 Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 7,121 Other Reservists # # " = 4,053 Retired Men . 65 Total 11,239 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 334 Aggregate Discharges # . # 117 Gain 217 Retired Officers returned to active duty, as of 5 October : Line Officers 649 Staff Officers 167 Warrant Officers 46 Total 862 Naval Reserve Officers ordered to active duty for on- forcement of neutrality and the strengthening of the national defense within the limits of Peace-time au- thorization: Number Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered V(G) Officers Afloat 300 300 316 Merchant Marines Afloat 225 225 282 Aviation Instructors 248 248 81 I-V(S) Officers 125 125 115 CEC-V(S) Officers 125 125 135 Supply Corps Officers 125 125 150 Medical and Dental Officers 177 177 216 Communication Officers 100 100 136 CC-V(S) Officers 20 20 20 Administration of Reserve Midshipman Training Program 140 140 109 Miscellaneous 320 508 508 Total estimated number al- lowed: 1905 2093 2068 2. 3. Marine Corps, Total Enlisted Strength as of 5 October -- Midvale Company, only bidder for 18 forged steel splin- 35,533 ter plates (about 37 tons) of vitel importance to the COR Admiral Richardson, and Admiral Yarnell were in the Navy Department today for conferences. struction program. Contract is still being held up as Lieut. Comdr. McDowell, Naval Reserve, addressed the Gen- Midvale awaits decision on the minimum wage law, claiming 'OOD little sre eral Board on the Mandate Islands and South Pacific Archi- it does not come under this law. pelago including the Dutch Fast Indies. The Assistant Secretary, Mr. Compton, is leaving for TII Brigadier General Strong, Assistant Chief of Staff re- New York to address the Army Ordnance Association, and YES cently returned from London, will address the General Board Rutgers University. He will also inspect the Norden 2 20 an of botton tmorrow. Bomb Sight Plant. 20 All ship Contracts, to shipbuilders were mailed this Emperor Hirohito, will review the main units combined .brawa morning, following up award letters previously mailed. of the Japanese Fleet in Tokio Bay on 11 October. S88 Legol has Excess Profits Tax, Bill has been passed and is awaiting Protection of propeller shafting, against corrosion of evidos signature. to TO sea water has long been a problem of the Navy. A new to -00 I beforen BAW Degaussing Cable, for Fleet. Information was given to process of covering the shaft has been invoked by first to bidders at 11: o'clock this morning, bids to be accepted sandblasting the shaft, (2) spraying it with a 1/16 inch SIE DOE (D)V and at 3: o'clook this afternoon. Deliveries are to be made at coating of zinc, and (3) applying two coats of Phenolic 18 SAS OS 10 TO the Boston, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Charleston, Norfolk, Mare varnish. Preliminary tests indicate a high degree of EEI RSI SI Island, Puget Sound, Cavite and Pearl Harbor, 20 per cent resistance to corrosion and pitting. A service test will 551 STS within 12 days (except Pacific Coast, 19 days), and balance now be tried out on the U.S.S. TRENTON. OS OS e of 80 per cent in 30 days. 22,500,000 feet are being pur- Naval Training Stations, Projects are being rushed POI chased with a 100 per cent additional clause inserted in forward as follows: contracts if more 1s desired. -In redown Newport - 1 drill hall, 100' I 200'; Extension to Mess 800S EPOS 2001 romeg: 4. hall, 20' I 200'; 3 barracks, 228 men each, total capacity 684 men. This contract was awarded 19 September, extimated time of completion, 5 months. Norfolk - 11 barracks, 288 men each; subsistence building, 912 men; drill hall 100' X 500'; swimming pool, additional #2 subsistence building, 1824 men. 201 Great Lakes, swimming pool, Marine barracks, 9 additional 02 barracks, drill hall, trade school, Administrative build- ing, supply and accounting office and storage building. This contract is being negotiated; estimated time of com- borrboxoo pletion is four months after contract award. to San Diego, trade school, auditorium, building and acces- To sories; 4 barracks; recreation building; storage buildings; Contract for this construction was awarded 1 October; es- To timated time of completion, 6 months. 5 (S) Acting Chaplains, seven have been appointed with the To (s) to rank of lieutenant (j.g.) as of 20 October. to Senate Conferees reached an agreement today on legisla- IIIW tion which will authorize an $150,000,000 appropriation for a National Defense housing program. Under the legislation beduct this housing would include enlisted men in the Navy, em- ployees in the Navy Department assigned to Naval bases and of X TOO: Workers in essential defense industries. Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 8 October 1940 2 Total Enlisted Strength, 7 October 165,311 Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 7,121 Other Reservists If ft If 4,053 Retired Men If If If 65 SI Total 11,239 31 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 347 Aggregate Discharges = If If 110 Gain 237 Naval Officers Retired, returned to active duty, as of October 7: Line Officers 649 Staff Officers 167 Warrant Officers 46 Total 862 Naval Reserve Officers ordered to active duty for en- forcement of neutrality and the strengthening of the National Defense within the limits of Peace-time au- thorization, as of 7 October: Number Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered V(G) Officers Afloat 300 300 316 Merchant Marines Afloat 225 225 282 Aviation Instructors 248 248 81 I-V(S) Officers 125 125 115 CEC-V(S) Officers 125 125 135 Supply Corps Officers 125 125 150 Medical and Dental Officers 177 177 216 Communication Officers 100 100 136 cc-v(s) Officers 20 20 20 Administration of Reserve Midshipman Training Program 140 140 109 Miscellaneous 320 508 508 Total Estimated Number to Allowed: 1905 2093 2068 2. 3. September Commissionings of vessels were as follows: ficer auxiliary vessels as they become available. Name Type Date BASS, Bonita, Barracuda Submarines 5 Sept. Several weeks will probably be allowed before calling, Charles F. Hughes Destroyer 5 S-11 Submarine 6 " that they can take care of their business associations. Hillary P. Jones Destroyer 7 R-9, R-15 Submarines 9 Commandants at various Navy Yards will probably name McCawley Transport 11 Kearney Destroyer 13 If those best fitted to come to duty first. Lansdale = 17 If S-31, 8-32 Submarines 18 " Bureau of Ordnance, has placed orders for seventeen Mayo Destroyer 18 PC-449 Sub Chaser 25 planers with Mesta Machine Company of Pittsburgh and Barnett Transport 25 Sabine Oiler 25 General Machinery Corporation of Hamilton, Ohio, at a Arcturus Storeship 26 to cost of $3,311,000 for use in the Naval Ordnance Plant, October Commissionings are contemplated as follows: Name Type South Charleston, W. Va. PC-454, 456, 457, 460 Sub Chasers Albatross Minesweeper Contract for Six Hundred low cost housing units, in the Bluebird " Catbird vicinity of Vallejo, California, has been awarded to Curlew " Flicker Barrett & Hilp, San Francisco, California, for the sum of Goldfinch Grackle $2,243,418. Time, twelve of the buildings shall be com- Gull, Kite, Linnet pleted ready for occupancy within 90 calendar days and Winston Churchill, revealed before Commons that a the remaining 38 buildings shall be completed within 150 British battleship and a large British cruiser suffered calendar days, and the landscaping shall be completed serious damage in the action against the French at Dekar. within 360 calendar days. This contract was cleared All Commodities, Price Index for the week ending 28 Sep- by the National Defense Advisory Commission. tember was the same as the preceding week, 77.7- Yacht VARA, owned by Harold Vanderbilt, was taken over Mobilization, organized remerve, it is probable that 7 October. for officers will be called only as ships become available for U.S.S. LIVERMORE (DB 435), preliminary acceptance from them. At present it is likely they will be called to of- Bath Iron Works Corp. on 7 October, and placed in full 4. commission at Navy Yard, Boston, on the same day. Destroyers to Britain, following vessels were decom- missioned and turned over on 8 October: BRANCH, HUNT, tadd MASON, SATTERLEE, LAUB, AULICK, EDWARDS, and McLANAHAN. U.S.S. McFARLAND (DD237) recommissioned and placed in full commission on 5 October, at Navy Yard, Mare Island. Naval Mobile Hospital Unit, was placed in full comensiq mission at Navy Yard, New York, on 5 October. Negotiations, are being speeded for acquisition of 5300 Merchant Marine vessels to fill the need for auxiliaries. 22 auxiliary craft have already been purchased or advanced to the final contract stage. These vessels and 31 others will be converted as fast as possible. The budget allows $75,000,000 to be spent on such ships. ESS, British Admiralty, announces the loss of 72,337 tons of merchant shipping due to enemy action in the week ending 29 September. Losses included 10 British, 4 allied, and 1 neutral ship. American Shipbuilders, launched 632,558 tons of ships during 1939. they Lord Lothian, did not fly to England today giving as his reason the seriousness of the Far Eastern situation. 8.0 1109 nt Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY AA October 9, 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 8 October 165,599 has Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 7,121 Other Reservists 11 4,053 Retired Men " If If " 95 to Total 11,269 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 347 Aggregate Discharges 11 189 Gain 158 Retired Officers returned to active duty, as of 8 October: Line Officers 649 Staff 11 167 TO Warrant 46 Total 862 Naval Reserve Enlisted Men ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality and the strengthening of the National Defense within the limits of Peace-time organi zation: Number Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered TUO Inshore Patrol Bases 340 212 89 Naval Res. Aviation Bases 2300 2300 680 Communications 85 83 76 Afloat 5000 1352 1190 Miscellaneous ( 1191 1054 Class V-7 Procurement (2325 Program ( 224 219 Class V-7 for Midshipmen, USNR 5000 1500 1500 Radio and Signal Schools 4000 534 310 Total Men 19,050 7,396 5,118 2. BB 61-64, Contract with the American Engineering Company .3 San Juan, Puerto Rico, in the ST. LOUIS arriving there will probably be signed shortly for windlasses, capstans, about 20 October for a stay of 3 days duration. and anchors. This contract will run about $517,000. Destroyers to Britain, Date of arrival of division 72 Storage Powder Depot, negotiations are underway for pur- composed of the Claxton, Fairfax, Ringgold, Sigourney, chase of land in Martin County, Indiana, for building this Tillman and Robinson at Halifax is delayed until 8: A.M. depot. 15 November. These vessels will remain in the Norfolk Far East families, of naval personnel are being recalled Area to accomplish additional work, the accomplishment though the process of their return may be slow. It has of which will allow them to depart from Newport on 13 been suggested that S.S. WASHINGTON and MANHATTAN be sent November. for removal of Americans in China and Japan, and negotia- FAL Bureau of Yards and Docks, The following cost-plus- tions are underway to make this possible. Families of fixed-fee contract award has been made: Naval officers are being refused passage to the Far East Facilities for additional enlisted personnel because of the existing conditions. The Japanese press at the Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Ill. awarded to the Henry Ericsson Company of Chicago, continues to be warlike in its statements regarding U.S. Ill. Estimated contract cost - $1,200,000. embargoes in spite of seeming lack of interest in Britain's The following contract has also been awarded: opening of the Burma Road. Some papers even consider our Two storehouses for reserve material at the Naval Supply Depot, Oakland, California, awarded to Monson attitude "tantamount to a declaration of war", adding that Bros. of San Francisco, Calif. Estimated cost - $555,400. Time of completion 210 days. Japan has stored important munitions against a possible U.S.S. O'BRIEN (DD415) reported to CINCUS for duty break with Britain and the United States. In order to on 8 October. capitalize the occupation of French Indo-China, the Jap- U.S.S. BOWDITCH, after fueling at Norfolk, left on anese Government is sending a trade mission to Hanoi. 8 October for Placentia Harbor (Newfoundlend) to act as Rear Admiral Greenslade, and his. mission will visit survey ship for new base, and will arrive there on 13 Oc- tober. 4. RECRUITING ACTIVITIES FOR WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 4, 1940: Number of applicants accepted for first enlistment - 1804 Number of reenlistments (first) 1313 Number of reenlistments, continuous service 64 Number of reenlistments under broken service 36 Total 1413 German Spokesman, for the Economic Section of the German High Command told foreign correspondents that American should avoid underestimating the economic strength of the German-Italian-Japanese alliance. He said Japan was prepar- ed for any economic retaliation by the United States. Germany and Japan will soon enter into closer economic re- lations, he said, and Germany will deliver important ma- terials to Japan. Diving tests, a new electrically heated, fiber glass in- sulated diving suit was approved by the diving school at the Navy Yard today. It will permit divers to remain at great depths twice as long as previously. This new equip- ment will be sent to the six salvage vessels tending sub- marines in the Atlantic and Pacific. Excess profits tax, Amortization Bill was signed today and will ease the repayment of defense plant expansion. costs. This bill becoming law will aid in negotiating con- tracts previously troublesome to the Navy Department Confidential < REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY file 10 October 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 9 October 166,371 o: Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 7,121 Other Reservists = 4,565 Retired Men II 11 If " 95 Total 11,782 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 412 Aggregate Discharges 53 Gain 359 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 8 October to Line Officers 649 Staff If 167 Warrant 46 Total 862 Naval Reserve Officers ordered to active duty for en- forcement of neutrality and the strengthening of the national defense within the limits of peace-time authori- zation, as of 9 October: Number Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered V(G) Officers Afloat 300 To 300 316 Merchant Marines Afloat 225 225 282 Aviation Instructors 248 248 81 I-V(S) Officers 125 125 115 CEC-V(S) Officers 125 125 135 Supply Corps Officers 125 125 150 Medical and Dental Officers 177 177 216 Communication Offices 100 100 136 CC-V(S) Officers 20 20 20 Administration of Reserve Midshipman Training Program 140 140 109 Miscellaneous 320 508 508 Total Estimated Number Al- lowed: 1905 2093 2068 2. 3. Bureau of Supplies and Accounts has awarded contracts forging and machining ship shafting, turbine rotors, and as follows: turret training racks to an amount of about $3,000,000. IndoT Contracts for climb indicators (aircraft) awarded to: The Government will own these facilities. olst Kollsman Instrument Division of Square D Company, 2,994, Hanoi Press, for Thursday says Japan plans action on nold unit price $64.00, spare parts $3,000.00, total $194,616.00; the opening of the Burma Road, that it can be cut or Pioneer Instrument Division of Bendix Aviation Corporation bombed from EL base in Indo-China; Japanese military action (swod for 4,402, unit price $62.75, spare parts $3,000.00, total against China is said to have already started from Indo- $279,225.50. China bases. ,OAPI Contracts for steel awarded to: better Shanghai, 4th Marines report Americans are calm and in Carnegie Illinois Steel Corporation in the amount of most cases are in no hurry to leave the Orient. par $4,826,464.55; Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation, 1,538,000 Admiral Greenslade, is expected to return about 24 Oc- lbs. of steel, total price $86,281.80; Lukens Steel Company, tober when the actual field work for construction of bases 16,690,000 lbs. of steel, total price $889,024.85; Worth will probably have been completed. His visit of 3 days ed# 20 20 Steel Company, 30,486,000 lbs. of steel, total price to Puerto Rico is to fit that Island into the picture TO as $1,343,095.52. These contracts cover the Navy's estimated along with the other bases acquired by leave from Britain. Dezebt0 20 The requirements of steel of the types specified in the con-) Newfoundland survey now in progress will achieve es- S8S SSS tract for a period of 6 months from 1 October 1940. tablishment of a base in that area. In Washington mem- (11 USI I A contract for 150 airplanes and spare parts has been bers of the Greenslade Board are working with various 021 USI SI awarded to Curtiss-Wright Corporation at a total cost of bureaus of the Navy Department collecting data and study- del 001 001 $3,674,566.39. OS OS (2)V-00 ing the outer defense survey as a whole. Ilnoor 20 Bureau of Ordnance authorized expension of the Camden Governor of Maryland, has offered land at the mouth of 802 OSE Forge Company, Camden, N.J., to increase capacity for the Patuxent River for erection of a naval or aviation 8ð0s EPOS 2001 : bewel enizek 4. base covering 1400 acres on the East bank of the river. U.S.S. GRAMPUS (Submarine) will be launched at the Elec- tric Boat Company, Groton, Connecticut about 23 December. U.S.S. FULTON (submarine tender) will be launched at the Navy Yard, Mare Island sometime in December. Mobilization, Organized Marine Corps Reserve, consisting of 23 battalions, ground units, has been directed to take place on or about 7 November 1940. Small administrative details will precede these units to mobilization points. Eight battalions will be mobilized at Quantico, 1 at Phila- delphia, 9 at San Diego, 1 at Mare Island, 3 at Norfolk, and 1 at Puget Sound. Army-Navy Munitions Board, is uniting with members of the Labor Department toward distribution of skilled labor to key points in the defense scheme, removing gluts in some sections of the country to fill needs in others. American Charge d'Affaires, to Berlin, Alexander Kirk, has been recalled. The State Department said he would not return to Berlin, adding that there was no significance to the recall beyond the desire to reassign personnel. Japanese Commandant, expressed regret for "unwarrantable contact" of Japanese gendarmes in seizing and beating a Marine in the International Settlement. Confidential -800 REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY October 11, 1940 of Total Enlisted Strength, 10 October 166,635 Doar Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 7,122 Other Reservists 4,565 Retired Men " If If If 95 TO Total 11,782 doldw Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours 391 Aggregate Discharges 127 Gain 264 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 10 Oct. Line Officers 649 Staff Officers 167 Warrant Officers 46 of bito Total 862 Naval Reserve Officers ordered to active duty for en- forcement of neutrality and the strengthening of the national defense within the limits of peace-time au- thorization, as of 10 October: --MOD NUmber Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered V(G) Officers Afloat 300 300 316 Merchant Marines Afloat 225 225 282 Aviation Instructors 248 248 81 I-V(s) Officers 125 125 115 GEC-V(S) Officers 125 125 135 Supply Corps Officers 125 125 150 Medical and Dental Officers 177 177 216 Communication Officers 100 100 136 cc-v(s) Officers to 20 20 20 Administration of Reserve Midshipman Training Program 140 140 109 Miscellaneous 320 508 508 Total Estimated Number Al- lowed: 1905 2093 2008 2. 3. Brushes for Naval Use - One of the effects of the hos- evailable substitutes for the purpose. A committee of tilities in Europe and the Far East has been to cause a the brush manufacturers is now working on recommendations shortage of bristles such as are used for the manufacture for revision of brush specifications. It 18 probable that of brushes in. the United States. Brushes for Naval use are greater tolerance regarding the length of bristles may be procured in accordance with Navy Department or Federal Spec- necessary and due to the greater abundance of short bris- ifications which specify in most instances bristles imported tles that sizes of brushes permitting shorter bristles may from China, Siberia, or France. There has been practically be added to the specifications. Where certain types of no domestic bristle industry for the reason that the cheap bristles, such as White French bristles, are not available labor obtainable in those countries has made it impossible substitution of other bristles will be necessary. for such an industry to exist here, and for the further Contract, for Housing and Ammunition Facilities at the reason that the bristles do not grow as long due to the Naval Mine Depot, Naval Fuel Depot, Yorktown, Virginia slaughter of hogs in this country at a younger age and to and Newport News, Virginia, has been awarded on a cost- climatic conditions. The importation of bristles from plus-fixed-fee basis to the Virginia Engineering Company, France at the present time has practically ceased and that Inc., Newport News, Virtinia, and Wise Contracting Company, from Siberia and China has been greatly curtailed. A con- Inc., Richmond, Virginia. The total estimated cost, in- siderable portion of the Chinese bristle industry has fallen cluding fee, is $4,026,260.00. This contract was cleared into the hands of the Japanese. The above facts and the in- through the National Defense Advisory Commission. creased demand for brushes due to the Defense Program has U.S.S. BEAR, arrives at the Naval Academy this after- resulted in a rise in the prices demanded for bristles. To noon and will leave Annapolis on 14 October for the Ant- meet this situation representatives of the brush manufac- arctic. The BEAR will pick up the 33 members of the turers conferred recently in Washington with Navy Department Antarctic Expedition. The NORTH STAR is scheduled to representatives regarding the Government's need and the leave Seattle, Washington, early in December to assist 4. the BEAR in this task. IOT eldallave U.S.S. SAILFISH and THRESHER (Submarines) will take an indoctrinal training cruise from 26 October until 22 Decem- her in American waters spending 49 days at Coco Solo,esters Canal Zone. ia to comebouds Senator Walsh, disclosed today that three Massachusetts national defense housing projects have been accorded tenta- tive priority by the Navy Department. He said that priority would be given to 50 units at Squantum, an additional 50 units at Squantum, 50 units at the Boston Navy Yard, and 20 units at Chelsea. Marihime Commission, records show 5 large passenger ves- sels and 25 freighters available in the Far Eastern waters for the evacuation of Americans. ..0ml Admiral Standley, speaking in Philadelphia last night. ad- vocated sending a fleet of destroyers to take a "firm stand" against Japan. He also urged outright declaration of war against the axis powers. HARE .8.8.U Bureau of Yards and Docks Contract has been awarded for three ammunition industrial buildings at the Naval Torpedo Station, Keyport, Washington, to Dally Construction and 8 el Engineering Co. and C.F. Dally of Seattle, Washington, for of at $166,949. Time of completion 180 days. Confidential 90 REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 14 October 1940 116 Total Enlisted Strength, 12 October 167,212 10 Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 7,122 Other Reservists 4,565 Retired Men II If = " 128 Total 11,815 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 421 Aggregate Discharges 46 Gain 365 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 12 Oct: Line Officers 649 Staff Officers 167 Warrant Officers 46 Total 862 Naval Reserve Officers ordered to active duty for en forcement of neutrality and the strengthening of the national defense within the limits of peace-time au- thorization, as of 12 October: Number Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered V(G) Officers Afloat 300 300 316 Merchant Marines Afloat 225 225 282 Aviation Instructors 248 248 81 I-V(S) Officers 125 125 115 CEC-V(S) Officers 125 125 135 Supply Corps Officers 125 125 150 Medical and Dental Officers 177 177 216 Communication Officers 100 100 136 CC-V(S) Officers 20 20 20 Administration of Reserve Midshipman Training Program 140 140 109 Miscellaneous 320 508 508 Total Estimated Number Al- lowed: bereblendo 1905 2093 2068 2. 3. Bureau of Aeronautics, The Chief of the Bureau of Aero- because of essential industries classification and SS nautios, Rear Admiral J. H. Towers, will leave today by air family reasons. his SI accompanied by Lieutenant Commander W. A. Read of the District Defense, Destroyer Squadron 41 has been Bureau of Aeronautics, to represent the Navy Department at designated for assignment to District defense forces on the commissioning of the U.S. Naval Air Station, Jackson- the West Coast as follows: Destroyer division 83 to ville, Florida, on 15 October. the 12th Naval District; Destroyer division 82 plus the Contract for Cold Storage Building at the Naval Supply GILMER to the 13th Naval District. Upon the GILMER'S Depot, Oakland, California, has been awarded to K.E. Parker arrival at the Canal Zone and upon relief of Destroyer Company, San Francisco, California, for the sum of $595,600. division 82, these 5 vessels will proceed to new stations. Time, 270 calendar days. This contract has been cleared Destroyer Division 83 will proceed to new station on com- You through the National Defense Advisory Commission. pletion of overhaul about 25 November. Upon arrival on U.S.S. OMAHA, enroute from Lisbon, paid a courtesy visit the West Coast of Destroyer division 82 plus the GILMER, to Monrovia, Liberia, on 9 October, departing 10 October. 2 vessels will be temporarily assigned to the 12th Naval OMAHA is now returning to American waters. District until arrival of Destroyer division 83. Under Medical Corps, Medical School students finishing two the above assignments, Destroyer Squadron 41 will be dis- years of medicine will be taken in to the new reserve clas- banded. sification HC(V)K with the rank of Ensigns. This classifi- Rear Admiral Greenslade, and party have left Port of cation (previously reported) will permit pharmacists, etc., Spain, Trinidad for Georgetown, British Guiana. to be taken in through the rank of lieutenant. Degaussing, the YORKTOWN, MINNEAPOLIS, ASTORIA, NEW Organized Reserve Mobilization, deferments on requests ORLEANS, and DOBBIN (destroyer tender) have been made to avoid active duty will be handled entirely within the available under first priority for degaussing immediately 802 802 OSE Navy Department according to Volume 3 of the Selective upon receipt of material and coil data at Pearl Harbor. Service rules. Deferment will be considered on requests 4 Also available with second priority are the PORTER, CUSHING, PERKINS, PRESTON and SMITH. Completion of this work is to be expedited. The PHELPS and PLATTE will be available for degaussing on arrival at Mare Island about 6 16 October. The maximum degaussing that can be accom- odd plished at Puget Sound Navy Yard prior to 1 January follows: a) IDAHO, NEW MEXICO, MISSISSIPPI, complete degaussing and AA protection by 16 November; Leaso 25 ISVITIS b) WEST VIRGINIA, COLORADO, MARYLAND, YORKTOWN and one EB auxiliary, complete degaussing and AA protection by 10 De- cember; THE Insurivo to mottelą c) CALIFORNIA, TENNESSEE, ENTERPRISE and one auxiliary for degaussing only, completion 26 December. the aleasev S These dates are predicated on wire being on hand by dates of arrival of ships in Yard. This work is Priority 1, over modernization of the SARATOGA and all new construction. Bureau of Yards and Docks has awarded the following cost-plus-fixed-fee contract: Quarters for officers and married enlisted men; labora- tory building; extension of garage; extension of power house; lonomotive orane shed; carpenter shop building; and barracks building for Marine guard at the Naval Proving Gounds, Dahlgren, Va., awarded to Jeffress-Dyer, Inc. of Washington, D. C. - Estimated contract cost - $372,000. ITAGE to 1100 5да to Confid File .S -10 TOT REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY Leven to 15 October 1940 to to Total Enlisted Strength, 14 October 167,591 redmuM Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 7,122 Other Reservists If ONE If If 4,565 dadI Retired Men OOES If ODES If If 128 E8 28 USE T325 0002 Total 11,815 ETOL ren ) Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hers) 403 V-V Aggregate Discharges If If 20 2021 0021 0002 ARE AES 0001 Gain 383 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 14 Oct.: oT TSIAE Line Officers 649 Istot - Staff Officers 167 Warrant Officers 46 Total 862 Naval Reserve Officers ordered to active duty for en- forcement of neutrality and the strengthening of the national defense within the limits of peace-time au- thorization, as of 12 October: Number Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered V(G) Officers Afloat TO 300 300 328 Merchant Marines Afloat 225 225 292 Aviation Instructors to 248 248 89 I-V(S) Officers 125 125 116 CEC-V(S) Officers 125 125 143 Supply Corps Officers 125 125 158 Medical and Dental Officers 177 177 238 Communication Officers 100 100 143 CC-V(S) Officers 20 20 20 Administration of Reserve Midshipman Training Program 140 140 111 Miscellaneous 320 504 504 Recruiting Organized Reserves - - 11 Total Estimated Number Allowed 1905 2089 2153 20 2. 3. Naval Reserve Enlisted Men Ordered to Active duty for en- Bureau of Yards and Dooks - Contract for Ground Machine forcement of Neutrality and the strengthening of the National Defense within the limits of Peace-Time organi- Gun Range, at the Naval Operating Base (Air Station), zation, 88 of 12 October: Number Number Number Norfolk, Virginia, has been awarded to Arnold M. Diamond, Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered Inshore Patrol Bases 340 215 89 Brooklyn, New York, for the sum of $15,334; time - 75 Naval Res. Aviation Bases 2300 2300 696 Communications 85 83 76 calendar days. Afloat 5000 1352 1211 Miscellaneous ( 1197 1073 Contract for storage building at the Naval Supply Depot, Class V-7 Procurement Prog. (2325 224 218 Oakland, California, has been awarded to the K.E. Parker Class V-7 for MidshipmenUSNR 5000 1500 1505 Radio and Signal Schools 4000 534 354 Co, of San Francisco for $595,600. Time of completion, Total Men 19,050 7,405 5,222 270 calendar days. Marine Corps - Total Enlisted Strength, 14 Oct. 36,127 S.S. MONTEREY and MARIPOSA of the Matson Line, in ad- U.S.S. NORTH CAROLINA, while hoisting a 40 ton turret sec- dition to the S.S. WASHINGTON (previously reported) will tion on deck with two cranes one of the crane booms bent make special trips to bring back Americans from Asiatic dropping the turret section slowly to the deck. There points. The MONTEREY will sail from San Francisco today were no serious injuries to personnel, though there was for Shanghai, Yokohama, and Hong Kong. damage to the deck of the NORTH CAROLINA. This accident Alexander Kirk, Charge d'Affairs at Berlin, reached occurred this morning and extent of damage to ship will Lisbon to board a Pan-American Clipper for the United be reported in full when report of investigation now un- States. derway is received. War Sinkings, Mercantile shipping losses during the SI SEE Airplane fatality, Lieutenant (J.g.) James N. Mayes and week ending 6 October were the lowest since the week Aviation Machinist, 2nd class, L.H. Dillow were killed ending 6 May, the British Admiralty reported today. when their plane attached to Bombing Squadron 3 crashed 7 British ships totalling 24,943 tons; 2 allied ships near Camp Kearney, San Diego, yesterday afternoon. Cause totalling 2,464 tons; and 1 neutral ship of 3,687 tons of accident is as yet unknown. were lost, a grand total of 31,094 tons. 4. Navy Bombers, made practice flights over Manila last night, their first such maneuvers since arrival from the United States. These flights will be increased for experience to be gained by pilots. TO Russo-Japanese relations, rumors that Russia and Japan will sign a non-aggression pact grow stronger. The Russians would continue to aid China, it is thought, while giving 60 Japan free reign in Indo-China and the Dutch East Indies. Rear Admiral Moreell, urged P.W.A.'s nine regional direc- tors to speed up essential projects underway, sponsored. by the Navy Department. The W.P.A. advised the Navy Department that 500,000 workers would be assigned to defense projects by mid-winter. улянтиом Voluntary Reserve, both Naval and Marine, have been ad-o1 vised to hold themselves available for possible mobilization on short notice. TOI of nodell MediterraneanAction, reported by the British said the cruiser AJAX had sunk two destroyers of 679 tons, and one destroyer of the ARTAGLIERE class of 1,620 tons. The Neew Italians admitted the losses. a Lord Lothian, British Ambassador to the United States, left for London today by clipper plane. was, S satiletos . amot ,190.12 20-LBJOJ bising , taol confidential< file REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 16 October 1940 20 Total Enlisted Strength, 15 October 167,867 Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 7,122 Other Reservists 11 = " If 4,565 Retired Men If If " If 128 Total 11,815 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 372 Aggregate Discharges " " " 96 Total 276 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 15 October: Line Officers 649 Staff Officers 167 Warrant Officers 46 Total 862 Naval Reserve Officers ordered to active duty for en- forcement of neutrality and the strengthening of the national defense within the limits of peace-time au- thorization, as of 15 October: Number Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered V(G) Officers Afloat 300 300 328 Merchant. Marines Afloat 225 225 292 Aviation Instructors 248 248 89 I-V(S) Officers 125 125 116 CEC-V(S) Officers 125 125 143 Supply Corps Officers 125 125 158 Medical and Dental Officers 177 177 238 Communication Officers 100 100 143 CC-V(S) Officers 20 20 20 Administration of Reserve Midshipman Training Program 140 140 111 Miscellaneous 320 504 504 Recruiting Organized Reserves - 11 Total Estimated Number Al- lowed 1905 2089 2153 2. 3. Seaplane tenders, Bids were opened at noon today for the Contract for Additional Facilities at the Marine construction of ten. The Associated Shipbuilders, Puget Barracks, Parris Island, South Carolina, has been awarded Sound Bridge and Dredging Company, and Lake Union Dry Dock on a cost-plus-fixed-fee basis to Charles W. Angle, Inc. and Machine Works, Seattle, Washington, submitted the fol- and Potter & Shackelford, Inc., Greensboro, North Caro- lowing bids with a fixed price and alternate bids with pro- lina. The total estimated cost, including fee, of this visions for adjustments for costs of materials and labor: contract is $3,900,000. Fixed Price Alternate Bids Contract for Storage Facilities at the Naval Operating $5,698,375 for each of two - $5,198,395, for each of two 5,247,93, for each of four- 4,747,923, for each of four Base, Norfolk, Virginia, has been awarded on a cost plus The Williamette Iron and Steel Corporation, Portland, fixed fee basis to Doyle and Russell, The Central National Oregon, submitted the following bids, based on different Bank Building, Richmond, Virginia. The total estimated types of propulsion machinery, with provisions for adjust- cost, including fee, of this contract is $856,000. These ments for cost of labor and material: contracts were cleared by the National Defense Advisory Fixed Price Alternate Bids Commission. The total of the above contracts is $2,260,645) For each of 6,485,645) Four. $3,925,000. DOE $6,196,645) For each of Allocation of ship construction, has been made to the ass 6,387,645) Six. following Navy Yards, the total cost of the construction The Southern California Shipbuilding Company, Los Angeles, California, submitted the following bid with provisions for being estimated at $50,000,000: adjustments for cost of labor and material: 2 Submarine Tenders - Navy Yard, Mare Island, Calif. Fixed Price 001 Alternate Bids -- OS os $5,887,907, for each of six 1 Submarine Tender - Navy Yard, Puget Sound, Wash. Revised bidders' data for Minesweepers Nos. 58 to 65 in- These contracts were cleared through the National De- clusive, will be issued on or about October 16, including gense Advisory Commission. provisions for the Department furnishing main propelling The Under Secretary, Mr. Forrestal is in Hartford, Con- machinery. Bids will be opened October 30. necticut at the Pratt & Whitney Company. 4. Negotiations, are underway for the acquisition of 6 ves- sels for conversion into transports. Among those under consideration are the EXCALIBER and 5 ships of the "City" class at present owned by the Baltimore Mail Line, sub- sidiary of United States Lines. These ships would fill out the program of 10 transports to be purchased, the President Grant, President Jackson, Santa Marie and Santa Barbara al- ready having been turned over to the Navy and renamed the HARRIS, ZEILIN, McCAWLEY, and BARNETT. Organized Reserve, the Second division of Baltimore has been ordered to active duty as of 18 October for the dura- tion of the emergency, and will proceed to the Canal Zone. British Admiralty, advises that no merchant vessel shall approach within 3 miles of the United Kingdom between sun- set and sunrise except as organized in convoys which may proceed to any British port. Vessels proceeding from an other English port to any may enter ports of Northern Ireland and any English or Scottish port from Milford Haven, North. The Orkneys and Shetland Islands are excluded. In fog or low visibility no merchant vessel is to approach English ports unless permission has been granted by patrol vessels. Vessels failing to comply with these instructions will be fired on. Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 17 October 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 16 October 168,280 Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 7,122 Other Reservists 11 = = 4,568 Retired Men If " If 11 140 Total 11,830 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 420 Aggregate Discharges 22 Gain 398 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 16 October: Line Officers 691 Staff If 173 Warrant = 53 Total 917 Naval Reserve Officers ordered to active duty for en- forcement of neutrality and the strengthening of the national defense within the limits of peace-time au-IoM thorization, as of 17 October: Number Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered V(G) Officers Afloat 300 - 300 328 Merchant Marines Afloat 225 225 292 Aviation Instructors 248 248 89 I-V(S) Officers 125 125 116 CEC-V(S) Officers 125 125 143 Supply Corps Officers 125 125 158 Medical and Dental Officers 177 177 238 Communication Officers 100 100 143 cc-v(s) Officers 20 20 20 Administration of Reserve M$dshipman Training Program 140. 140 111 to Recruiting Organized Reserve - - 11 Miscellaneous 320 504 504 Total Estimated Number Allowed: 1905 2089 2153 2. 3 RECRUITING ACTIVITIES FOR WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 11, 1940: size will be ordered to Guantanamo and 1 to San Juan. Number of applicants accepted for first enlistment-1 1750 Additional Tankers, will be taken over, 2 on 21 October Number of first enlistments 2133 Number of reenlistments, continuous service 69 and one on 25 October. They are the SEAKAY, Esso Trenton Number of reenlistments, broken service 35 Total 2237 and Esso Raleigh, to be renamed SANTEE, WACHITA, and Bureau of Yards and Docks - The following cost-plus-fixed CASCASCIA respectively. After a brief period of out- fee contracts have been awarded: fitting and conversion they are expected to arrive on 1042 housing units at the Naval Operating Base, Norfolk, the West Coast by 1 December. Virginia, awarded to Byrne Organization of Norfolk, Va. - U.S.S. ARCTURUS (Mormachawk), has arrived at the Phila- Estimated contract cost, $2,284,000. delphia Navy Yard for minor alterations that will be re- 1200 housing units at the Naval Operating Base, San Diego, stricted to the time limit of a short fitting out period. California, awarded to The Wm. Simpson Construction Company, Commandant 13th Naval District, has urgently recommended Los Angeles, Calif. Estimated contract cost, $3,800,000. purchase of S.S. DENALI of the Alaskan Steamship Company 400 housing units at Long Beach, California, awarded to for service in transportation to new bases, supplementing the McNeil Construction Company, Los Angeles, Calif. Es- the facilities now provided by the SPICA. timated contract cost, $1,263,000. First Marine Brigade, was disembarked at Guantanamo on U.S.S. WASHINGTON, will carry the 5th Division of the 16 October from transports Me CAWLEY, MANLEY, and BARNETT. Baltimore Naval Reserve to Panama for duty as local defense U.S.S. CHEW (DD106), was commissioned at the Destroyer division, stopping at Norfolk on 20 October to pick up 1000 Base, San Diego, on 14 October. men (recruits) for the fleet. Washington will proceed to EAGLE 32, was placed in reduced commission at Navy Yard, San Pedro from Panama. Fifth Division, Baltimore, consists Puget Sound on 8 October. of 4 Officers and 150 men. In addition it is expected in U.S.S. SAILFISH (Submarine), reported to CINCUS for the near future that 2 local defense divisions of similar duty in the Submarine Force on 12 October, 4. Squadron 40-T, has left Pernambuco for Norfolk, arriving at the latter on 22 October. Rear Admiral LeBreton, Com- mander, will then assume command of Battleship Division 5, on disbanding Squadron 40-T. Commandant, 13th Naval District, reports by dispatch that all preliminary work at Dutch Harbor, Alaska, in ac- cordance with details previously reported was completed on the arrival of the SPICA, 14 October. SPICA carried all detachment personnel not transported in the NORTHWESTERN and all specified equipment and supplies less the artillery lighter. Temporary shore construction is proceeding for completion by December with 145 contract employes now form engaged. wer Representative Darden, and members of the Congressional Committee inspecting Pacffic Defenses reported today after a 15,000 miles trip into the Mid-Pacific to see naval de- fenses. 33 WAHO 8.8.U Planes for Sweden, 250 originally ordered, pursuit planes will be divided between the Army Air Corps and the Canadian Air Force, according to reports. 8 no Alexander Kirk, Charge d'Affaires at Berlin departed for New York today by clipper plane from Lisbon. at Confidential SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 18 October 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 17 October 168,629 Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 7,122 Other Reservists 4,568 Retired Men If If " If 140 Total 11,830 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 396 Aggregate Discharges 47 Gain 349 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 17 October: Line Officers 691 Staff 11 173 Warrant = 53 Total 917 Naval Reserve Officers ordered to active duty for .en- forcement of neutrality and the strengthening of the national defense within the limits of peace-time au- thorization, as of 17 October: Number Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered V(G) Officers Afloat 300 300 328 Merchant Marines Afloat 225 225 292 Aviation Instructors 248 248 89 I-V(S) Officers 125 125 116 CEC-V(S) Officers 125 125 143 Supply Corps Officers 125 125 158 Medical and Dental Officers 177 177 238 Communication Officers 100 100 143 CC-V(S) Officers 20 20 20 Administration of Reserve Midshipman Training Program 140 140 111 Recruiting Organized Reserve - - 11 Miscellaneous 320 504 504 Total Estimated Number Al- lowed 1905 2089 2153 2. 3. Bureau of Supplies and Accounts, announces the following: Bureau of Yards and Docks, reports that the Commandant, A contract has been awarded the Pioneer Instrument Division Twelfth Naval District has succeeded in chartering the of Bendix Aviation Corporation for 1,000 drift Sights, river steamer S.S. Delta Queen to house the first battal at a unit price of $247.00, total $173,394.00 ion of the local defense division of organized Reserves. A contract has been awarded the Kollsman Instrument Div- The Delta Queen was delivered on October 15th and moored ision of Square D Company for 1,500 drift sights, at a on Yerba Buena Island, and the defense .division moved on (emond unit price. of $539.00, total $657,580.00 board on October 16th. A contract has been awarded the Windsor Company for PC450 (submarine chaser) was preliminarily accepted 505,000 linear yards of turkish toweling at an average at Annapolis, Md. on 17 October. This vessel was built unit price of $.2168 per yard, total $109,492.80. by the American Car and Foundry Company. All commodity price Index, on 12 October, was 78.1, up The Under Secretary of the Navy, Mr. Forrestal, has .3 from the previous week. leto'f returned from an inspection of Eastern aircraft factories U.S.S. LEXINGTON, has been assigned a revised date for and conferences on aircraft production. to completion and readiness as of 8 November. This will per- U.S.S. S-1 and S-33 (submarines), were placed in full mit installation of bomb fush storage at the Navy Yard, commission at Philadelphia Navy Yard on 16 October. Puget Sound. COE OGE tooltA (D)V Destroyer Division 80, An indoctrinal training cruise 205 U.S.S. PC453, 456, 450, (submarine chasers) were placed in of 10 days duration has been ordered for these vessels all USI (B)V-I commission at the Navy Yard, New York, on 16 October. recommissioned at San Diego Destroyer Base. Upon com- 821 ESI U.S.S. CHARLESTON, reported for duty to the Commander of pletion of this cruise and when considered ready for ESI 001 001 the Alaskan Sector on 16 October, and will act as flagship. duty each ship in group will proceed to Pearl Harbor TO Yachts, HIESMARO and LOTOS LAND were acquired on 16 Od- and report to Commandant 14th Naval District for duty. tober, the former at New London, and the latter at Sullivan Merchant vessels, purchased for use as auxiliaries Dry Dock and Repair Corp., Brooklyn, N. Y. 4. since 25 September 1940, include 2 cargo ships of 6,200 tons, 1 submarine tender of 7,886 tons, 2 ammunition ships of 7,886 tons and 6,200 tons, 1 oiler of 6,200 tons, 10 mine- sweepers of 115 tons, 2 minelayers of 332 and 662 tons, 1 submarine chaser of 356 tons, and 16 district craft of various categories. Bureau of Ships, reports that since 27 October 1939, 26 combatant and auxiliary vessels, exclusive of small craft have been completed and put in operation, They include: 1 aircraft carrier, 1 cruiser, 17 destroyers, 5 submarines and 2 tenders. Of these the following were delivered ahead of schedule: 2 destroyers, 7 months; 1 destroyer, 2 months; 2 destroyers, 1-1/2 months; 1 tender, 2-1/2 months. Of vessels now under construction the following are now ahead of schedule: 4 battleships, average of 2-3/4 months; 2 crui- sers, 2 weeks; 8 destroyers from 2 weeks to 3 months; 19 submarines, average of 3-1/2 months, ranging from 7 weeks to 7 months; 1 repair ship, 8 months; 2 tenders, 4-1/2 months. One shipbuilder has redently reduced his esti- mated time of delivery of 6 new destroyers by 12 months. U.S.S. HORNET (new aircraft carrier) will be launched at Newport News, Virginia, on 20 December. Confidential SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 21 October 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 19 October 169,124 Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 7,122 Other Reservists 4,568 Retired Men II Il 11 If 140 Total 11,830 to Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 389 Aggregate Discharges 111 -ob 9d Gain 278 0 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 19 October: Line Officers 691 Staff Officers 173 Warrant Officers 53 -at Total 917 Naval Reserve Officers ordered to active duty for forcement of aeutrality and the strengthening of the national defense within the limits of peace-t9me au-aivent thorization, as of 19 October: TOT Number Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered V(G) Officers Afloat 300 300 339 Merchant Marines Afloat 225 225 292 Aviation Instructors 248 248 92, I-V(S)Officers 125 125 112 CEC-V(S) Officers 125 125 149 Supply Corps Officers 125 125 164 Medical and Dental Officers 177 177 251 Communication Officers 100 100 149 CC-V(S) Officers 20 20 20 Administration of Reserve Midshipman Training Program 140 140 106 Miscellaneous 320 495 495 Recruiting Organized Reserve 107 Total Estimated Number Al- lowed 1905 2080 2279 2. 3. Bureau of Yards and Docks - Contract for Administration, San Pedro. Probable arrival of these ships is 11 November Cafeteria and Heating Plant building at the Naval Supply and completion 25 November. The MARYLAND will undergo de- Depot, Oakland, California, has been awarded to James I. gaussing at Todds, Seattle, Drydocks on arrival 8 November Barnes Construction Company, Builders Exchange Building, 88mpletion date 30 November. Santa Monica, California, under items 1 and 5, for the sum Chief of Bureau of Aeronautics, Admiral Towers on of $317,400; time, 180 calendar days. 25 October will make an address in New York City to the Destroyers. to Britain, 10 ships were delivered at Halifax University Club and the Young Men's Board of Trade. on 16 October making 40 to date. The last 10 will be de- Bureau of Yards and Docks has awarded the following livered on 15 November. cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts: Degaussing, the WEST VIRGINIA, COLORADO and MARYLAND Administration Building and Additional Facilities at will be available upon arrival at Seattle about 8 November the Naval Torpedo Station, Newport, R.I., has been awarded for degaussing, splinter protection, and 3-inch gun in- to O.D. Purington Co., Inc., 49 Westminster Street, stallation already authorized. The WHITNEY, RALPH TALBOT, Providence, R.I. - Estimated cost, $544,500. JARVIS and PATTERSON will be available on the same date for Extension of Barracks for School for Torpedo Men at the degaussing only. The battleships will be ready for sea on Naval Torpedo Station, Newport, R.I., awarded to Gilbane 10 December, the WHITNEY and other destroyers on 30 Novem- Building Company, Inc., 90 Calverley Street, Providence, ber. The BROOKLYN and PHILADELPHIA will undergo degaussing R. I. - Estimated cost, $135,000. 251 splinter protection and 3-inch installation, after guns Bureau of Yards and Docks, Resume of work on new Navy USI only, at Mare Island. The SELFRIDGE will be available dry docks and marine railways under construction or con- also at Mare Island for degaussing on 6 November. The templated, present status and- present plans for their DUNLAP, and BENHAM will be degaussed at the Los Angeles completion, as follows: Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, San Pedro, and the Navy Yard Puget Sound, Washington - Dry Dock No. 4 FANNING and ELLET at the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Co., This is a major dock with a length of 996', a controlling 4. width of 133'B", and a depth over the blocks at mean high water of 43'. This dock has been completed and is now es- sentially available for dockings. Auxiliary facilities are now practically completed. Dry Dock No. 5 - This is another major dock the same size as No. 4, but with a clear length of 1000'6". The contract date for completion is 6 November 1941, and progress is satisfactory for completion on this date. Projects cover- ing facilities necessary for use of the dock will be ex- pedited to correspond. Navy Yard Mare Island, California - Dry Dock No. 3 - The controlling dimensions of this dock are 693'4" in length and 82' in width with a depth over the blocks at mean high water of 53'6". This dock is now available and being used for the regular docking of ships. Auxiliary facilities are now practically completed. Dry Dock No. 4 - This double destroyer dock is 432'6" long 84' wide, and has a depth over the Blocks of 20' at mean high water. The original date for completion was 1 Oc- tober 1941. However, it is now planned for substantial completion by 1 May 1941. - Hunter's Point, California - Title to the two dry docks and adjacent lands being purchased from the Bethlehem Steel Company will soon pass to the Government. Bids for the construction of a shop building will be opened 20 No- vember. Preparation of plans and specifications for the improvement of services and quaywallsconstruction is progressing. Bids for the dry dock crane will be opened on 6 November. .I San Pedro, California - Included in the development of a Fleet Operating Base at San Pedro, contract for which was let on 14 August 1940, is a major dry dock with dimensions corresponding in general to the new large dry docks at Puget Sound and Pearl Harbor. The length as planned, how- ever, is 1088'. Contract for this dock has been awarded and work in the field has begun. To be continued. Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 22 October 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 21 October 169,450 Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 7,122 Other Reservists II II 11 If 4,568 Retired Men If 11 11 If 140 Total 11,830 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) ..... 367 Aggregate Discharges 11 If It 44 Gain 323 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 21 Oct.: Line Officers 691 Staff Officers 173 Warrant Officers 53 Total 917 Naval Reserve Officers ordered to active duty for en- forcement of neutrality and the strengthening of the national defense within the limits of peace-time au- thorization, as of 21 October: Number Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered V(G) Officers Afloat 300 300 339 Merchant Marines Afloat 225 225 292 Aviation Instructors 248 248 92 I-V(S) Officers 125 125 112 CEC-V(S) Officers 125 125 149 Supply Corps Officers 125 125 164 Medical and Dental Officers 177 177 251 Communication Officers 100 100 149 CC-V(S) Officers 20 20 20 Administration of Reserve Midshipman Training Program 140 140 10 6 Miscellaneous 320 495 495 Recruiting Organized Reserves - - 107 Total Estimated Number Al- lowed: 1905 2080 2279 2. 3. Bureau of Yards and Docks has awarded the following San Diego, California - Dry -Dock No. 1- This will be cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts: a graving dry dock for cruisers. It will be 693'4" Extension and improvements of Fire Protection System at long, 45'11-3/4" wide, and will have depths over the the Naval. Ammunition Depot, Fort Mifflin, Pa., awarded blocks and sill of 32' and 36'6" respectively. Foun- to Riggs-Distler & Company, Inc., Philadelphia, Pa. - dation explorations are now underway at the site. Estimated cost, $68,400. Naval Station, Key West, Florida - A duplicate of the Additional Facilities at the Fourteenth Naval District, - new marine railway now under construction at the Sub- Pearl Harbor, T.H., awarded to E. E. Black, Ltd., James marine Base, New London, Connecticut, is to be built W.- Glover and Ralph E. Woolley, Honolulu, T.H. - atthis Station also. A contract has been negotiated Estimated cost, $1,458,000. covering this construction, and foundation exploration 8 Laundry Buildings and Additional Wards at the Norfolk are now underway. Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, Virginia, awarded to R. R. Navy Yard, Norfolk, Virginia - Dry Dock No. 8 - This Richardson & Co., Inc., C.J. Lindemann, and Tunstall- shipbuilding dry dock will be 1088' long, 150' wide, Johnson Co., Inc., Norfolk, Virginia - Estimated cost, and will have a depth of water over the blocks at mean $437,000. high water of 25'. Work on this dock has begun and is Contract for Erection of Two 175-ton cranes at the Turret progressing rapidly. Shop, Navy Yard, New York, has been awarded to Steel Navy Yard, Philadelphia, Pa. - Dry Dock No. 4 - This Erectors, Inc., New York, N.Y. under item 1, for $21,315; shipbuilding dry dock will be 1088' long, 150 wide, time, 60 calendar days. and will have a depth of water over the blocks at mean Bureau of Yards and Docks - Continued, Resume of work high water of 35'. Work on this dock has begun and is on new Navy dry docks and marine railways, under con- progressing rapidly. struction or contemplated, present status and present New York Harbor - Funds are now available to the ex- plans for their completion: tent of $10,000,000 for the construction of a capital 4. ship dock in New York Harbor. The dimensions of this dock will be the same as the new dock at Puget Sound ex- cept that its length will be 1088'. The Board is now in session charged with the selection of site for this dock. Submarine Base, New London, Connecticut - A contract for a new marine railway at this Base has been awarded, and work in the field has begun. It vi. 11 be of a size to ac- commodate destroyers, destroyer leaders and the larger destroyers now planned. Present estimated essential com- pletion date for dockings is 1 October 1941. Floating Dry Dock ARD2 - This dock is being built commer- cially in San Francisco under a contract awarded on 21 September 1940, but no location for this dock has as yet been assigned. This will be a seagoing shipshape gate type floating dry dock similar to the ARD-1, and will be capable of docking submarines, destroyers, destroyer leaders, tugs and other small ships with a draft not ex- ceeding 21 feet. Its inside dimensions are planned at 406' in length and 51' in width. It is expected that this dock will be available for use with the Fleet by 1 October 1941. To be continued. - Confidential. THE REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 23 October 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 22 October 169,584 Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty .. 7,122 Other Reservists 11 = 11 If 4,568 Retired Men 11 11 11 If 157 Total 11,847 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) .... 204 Aggregate Discharges If If 11 87 Gain 117 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 22 Oct: Line Officers 691 Staff Officers 173 Warrant Officers 53 Total 917 Naval Reserve Enlisted Men ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality and the strengthening of the national defense within the limits of Peace-time organization, as of October 19: Number Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered Inshore Patrol Bases 304 215 89 Naval Reserve Avia. Bases 2300 2300 729 Communications 85 83 76 Afloat 5000 1611 1202 Miscellaneous ( 1198 1108 Class V-7 Procurement (2325 Program ( 224 217 Class V-7 for Midshipmen, USNR 5000 1500 1505 Radio and Signal Schools 4000 740 555 Total Men 19,050 7,871 5',481 2. Bureau of Yards and Docks - Continued Resume of work on satisfactory progress is being made for completion 3. new Navy dry docks and marine railways under construction or contemplated, present status of work and present plans by the earlier date. Studies for auxiliary service for their completion, as follows: features are keeping pace with the main work of con- Marine Railways, at Boston, San Diego, and Pearl Harbor - struction. Work looking to the revamping of these structures for YFD-2 - The floating dry dock YFD2, until recently better handling of ships normally within their capacity located at New Orleans, arrived safely at Pearl Har- range has had to be postponed indefinitely due to the urgent bor, is moored in the permanent basin, and essential- need for these structures in handling vessels of the Fleet. ly equipped and available for group dockings of small Plans and specifications for the work have been completed, ships and for cruisers and auxiliaries. This dock is however, so that it can be undertaken at any time on short 525' long, 100' wide inside of side walls, and can notice. provide 28' over the blocks at mean high water. Pearl Harbor, Hawaii - Dry Dock No. 2 - This dock is the San Juan, Puerto Rico - This dry dock is 6551 long, same size as dry dock No. 5 at Puget Sound, but has a 83'9" wide, and has 25'6" over the blocks at mean high depth over the blocks at mean low water of 43'. The or- water. Satisfactory progress is being made for es- iginal completion date was 9 October 1942. However, it sential completion by 1 March 1941. The dredging of is now planned for completion one year earlier. Satis- the channel leading to the dock is expected to be com- factory progress is being made for essential completion pleted by this date. by 9 October 1941. Studies for auxiliary service features Dry Dock in the Caribbean Area - The construction of are keeping pace with the main work of construction. a dry dock in the Caribbean area has been authorized Dry Dock No. 3 - This is a double destroyer dock similar at a cost of $7,500,000. Appropriation for the work to dry dock No. 4 at Mare Island, but with a length of has not yet been made. 497'9". The completion date for this dock has also been Singapore Press, reports as of today that Japan is advanced from 9 October 1942 to 9 October 1941, and backing down on the Netherlands East Indies. 4. U.S.S. ARCTURUS (MormacHawk), will probably be ready to depart from Philadelphia on 26 October, taking her famil- iarization runs previous to that date. Voyage orders are still to be issued. U.S.S. OMAHA, arrived Norfolk on 23 October from Lisbon. Rear Admiral LeBreton will raise his flag in the NEW YORK on 29 October. FRENCH FLEET, has returned to Toulon after much specu- lation as to her destination during maneuvers in nearby waters. U.S.S. NAVAJO (fleet tug), is in a heavy storm in Lati- tude 41 North, Longitude 132-30 West, with both barges adrift, and one in a flooded condition. NAVAJO is standing by to recover them if storm abates; weather very rough. Bureau of Yards and Docks announces the award of the fol- Iowing cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts: Contract for Additions to Bancroft Hall and New Hall at the Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, awarded to Irwin & Leighton, Philadelphia. Estimated cost - $1,786,500. Contract for Dredging at the Naval Reserve Aviation Base, Squantum, Mass. has been awarded to Bay State Dredging & Contracting Company, East Boston, Mass. - Estimated cost, $189,900. Minelayers, there were no bidders for contracts on two ships opened' today. Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 24 October 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 21 October 169,987 Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 7,122 Other Reservists IT If 11 11 4,568 Retired Men If 11 11 11 157 Total 11,847 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 417 Aggregate Discharges If If 11 19 Gain 398 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 23 Oct. Line Officers 691 Staff If 173 Warrant If 53 Total 917 Naval Reserve Officers ordered to active duty for en- forcement of neutrality and the strengthening of the national defense within the limits of peace-time au- thorization, as of 23 October: Number Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered V(G) Officers Afloat 300 300 339 Merchant Marines Afloat 225 225 292 Aviation Instructors 248 248 92 I-V(S) Officers 125 125 112 CEC-V(S) Officers 125 125 149 Supply Corps Officers 125 125 164 Medical and Dental Officers 107 177 251 Communication Officers 100 100 149 CC-V(S) Officers 20 20 20 Administration of Reserve Midshipman Training Program 140 140 106 Miscellaneous 320 495 495 Recruiting Organized Reserves - - 107 Total Estimated Number Al- lowed 1905 2080 2279 2. 3 Aviation Cadets, 77 more have been appointed for flight Japanese ships, are bringing German chemical prod- training at Pensacola in the class now convening. They ucts, optical and film equipment and movies to Bra- come from 14 Districts in all sections of the country. zilian ports from Vladivostok according to reports. Rear Admiral Cook, reported to Commander Atlantic Squad- A large quantity of rubber will be shipped to Germany ron on 23 October for duty as Commander Air, Atlantic, and in return via Japan. Commander of Carrier Division 3. Commander Stevens, just returned from London, ad- Esso Richmond (oil tanker), was accepted by the Command- dressed the General Board and selected officers this ant First Naval District from the Maritime Commission on - afternoon. 22 October. Conversion was started immediately. Expected Contract (Bureau of Yards and Docks) for Barracks date of commissioning is 1 November. and Shipbuilding Facilities at the Navy Yard, Charles- Squadron 40-T, was disbanded on 22 October. ton, South Carolina, has been awarded on a cost-plus- U.S.S. GIEAVES (DD423) reported to CINCUS for duty in fixed-fee basis to Daniel Construction Company, An- the Atlantic Squadron on 23 October. derson, South Carolina. The total estimated cost, U.S.S. PLUNKETT (DD431) and NIBLACK (DD424) reported for including fee, of this contract is $463,500. duty on 19 October to Commander Squadron 2. Americans in Asia, seeking to return home on advice Joseph P. Kennedy, Ambassador to London, has been held of the State Department, have been assured of passage up in his return by clipper plane due to bad weather in at regular rates in first and second class accommo- Lisbon. dations. Emergency accommodations in cots will be SS. WASHINGTON, with 140 Naval Reservists for Panama available at lower rates. This would seem to satisfy defense arrived at Cristobal, Canal Zone today. complaints that first class fares were being charged U.S.S. LOUISVILLE, sailed from Rio de Janeiro today for for all accomodations for the three ships dispatched Montávideo where she is scheduled to remain until 24 No- to evacuate Americans. vember. 4. Two submarines, of unknown nationality were sighted off Buenaventura, Colombia, yesterday. Colombian planes dispatched from base refused to divulge any information on their return. to Non-Aggression Pact, between Tokio.and Moscow will prob- ably be the result of Saturday's meeting of diplomats from both nations at the latter capital. Internet) bescozé Selection Boards, Reports are said to be ready on selec- tion of colonels to Brigadier General in the Marine Corps. Other Selection Boards will convene as follows: November 15 to recommend Captains for promotion to Rear Admiral; December 4, to recommend lieutenant commanders for_promo- tion to Commander; November 15, to recommend Brigadier Cen- erals for promotion to Major General, Marine Corps; October 28, to recommend Lieutenant Colonels, to Colonel, Marine Corps; November 12, to recommend Majors to Lieutenant to Colonel, Marine Corps; December 2, to recommend 1st lieu- tenants and captains for promotion to next higher grade. Shipments to Great Britain, from United States ports during the first year of the war totalled $780,000,000, a 57 per cent increase over the previous year. Spain, may soon align itself with the Axis powers, it was agreed by neutral diplomats in Madrid. Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 25 October 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 24 October 170,393 Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 7,189 Other Reservists 11 " " 4,663 Retired Men If If 11 If 157 Total 12,009 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 415 Aggregate Discharges It If 11 166 Gain 249 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 24 Oct. Line Officers 691 Staff Officers 173 Warrant Officers 53 Total 917 Naval Reserve fficers ordered to active duty for en- forcement of neutrality and the strengthening of the national defense within the limits of peace-time au- thorization, as of 24 October: Number Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered V(G) Officers Afloat 300 300 339 Merchant Marines Afloat 225 225 292 Aviation Instructors 248 248 92 I-V(S) Officers 125 125 112 CEC-V(S) Officers 125 125 149 Supply Corps Officers 125 125 164 Medical and Dental Officers 177 177 251 Communication Officers 100 100 149 CC-V(S) Officers 20 20 20 Administration of Reserve Midshipman Training Program 140 140 106 Miscellaneous 320 495 495 Recruiting Organized Reserves - - 107 Total Estimated Number Al- lowed: 1905 2080 2279 2. 30 Fleet Divisions of Organized Reserves - Orders to active of the airplane and automobile industries into a more duty. - Commandants of the Districts concerned have been efficient program for aircraft production. Spare parts directed to order the Fleet Divisions of the Organized Re- for 12,000 bombers will probably go to the automobile serves shown below to the ships indicated when such ships manufacturers. are ready to take them: Joseph P. Kennedy, American Ambassador to Great CITY OF BALTIMORE Sixth Division, Portland, Ore. Britain, left Lisbon today on the clipper plane. CITY OF LOS ANGELES Thirtieth Div., Peoria, n. CITY OF NEWPORT NEWS Twenty-sixth Div., Chicago, Ill. U.S.S. SAILFISH (submarine ex-Squalus), refitted at CITY OF NORFOLK Third Division, Portland, Ore. CITY OF SAN FRANCISCO. Fortieth Division, Kansas City, Mo. a cost of $2,000,000, was ready to sail today on a ex-EXOCHORDA First Division, Boston, Mass. shakedown cruise with the THRESHER, recently commis- The U.S.S. SACRAMENTO, U.S.S. DUBUQUE, and U.S.S. sioned. Cruise will extend along the East Coast to PADUCAH, now in the Great Lakes area, are being prepared the Panama Canal. for service at sea. It is proposed to send Fleet Divi- U.S.S. TUTUILA (gunboat), was damaged considerably sions of the Organized Reserves to these vessels as indi- today. Forty Japanese planes bombed Chungking, dis- cated below: lodging a huge rock from the South bank of the river U.S.S. SACRAMENTO 16th and 18th Divisions, Indianapolis U.S.S. DUBUQUE 9th and 10th Divs., Detroit, Mich. which at that point flows between high hills. This U.S.S. PADUCAH 49th and 50th Divs., Duluth, Minn. rock struck the TUTUIIA. A full report will be forth- British Destroyer, VENETIA, struck a mine and sank with coming later. some casualties, the Admiralty announced. The Admiralty Air Compressors, Contract was awarded today in the also said that the Submarine SWORDFISH torpedoed and sank amount of $505,542 to the Hardie-Tynes Manufacturing a German torpedo boat off the French Coast. The VENETIA Company, Birmingham, Alabama. This contract was was 1100 tons displacement and carried 4 4" guns and cleared by the National Defense Advisory Commission. 6 21" torpedo tubes. National Defense, During the current session of Mr. Knudson, said today he hoped to combine the efforts Congress, a total of $13,106,227,930 has been appro- 4. priated for National Defense and over 23 billion dollars for all purposes, according to the House Appropriations Committee. Japanese Navy, announced that a Japanese. submarine, the I-67 was lost on 29 August with all on board, including two Captains and one Commander. Bad weather conditions while diving was given as the reason. The I-67 carried 12 officers, 38 warrant officers and an undisclosed number of men. The accident occurred during fleet maneuvers off Tokyo. Maritime Commission ships, to which Naval Reservists will be ordered will be taken over as follows: CITY OF BALTIMORE - 20 October CITY OF LOS ANGELES - 25 October CITY OF NEWPORT NEWS 1 November CITY OF NORFOLK - 2 December CITY OF SAN FRANCIXCO - 2 November EXCHORDA - 1 November Bureau of Yards and Docks, announces the award of the following cost-plus-fixed-fee contract: Extension of Seawall at the Naval Torpedo Station, Newport, R.I., awarded to The Beattie Corporation of Fall River, Massachusetts. Estimated cost - $49,500. Confidential File mal REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 28, 1940 10 Total Enlisted Strength, 26 October 171,031 Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 7,189 Other Reservists Il If If If 4,663 Retired Men 157 Total 12,009 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 416 Aggregate Discharges 11 It If 103 Gain 313 Retired Officers No Change Naval Reserve Officers ordered to active duty for enforce- ment of neutrality and the strengthening of. the national defense within the limits of peace-time authorization, as of October 26: Number Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered V(G) Officers Afloat 300 300 349 Merchant Marines Afloat 225 225 313 Aviation Instructors 248 248 92 I-V(S) Officers 125 125 133 CEC-V(S) Officers 125 125 155 Supply Corps Officers 125 125 174 Medical and Dental Officers 177 177 259 Communication Officers 100 100 167 CC-V(S) Officers 20 20 24 Administration of Reserve Midshipman Training Program 140 140 100 Miscellaneous 320 537 537 Organized Res.Off. (Ashore) 196 Organized Res.Off. (Afloat) - - 24 Total Estimated Number Al- lowed: 1905 2122 2523 2. 3. Bureau of Yards and Docks announces the award of the Lee J. Immel, Berkeley, California, for the sum of following cost-plus-fixed-fee contract: $32,200; time - 45 calendar days, except work on the net Housing facilities at the Norfolk Navy Yard, Portsmouth, assembly slab shall be completed within 30 calendar days Virginia, has been awarded on a cost plus fixed fee basis Yacht HAIDA was accepted at San Pedro, California, on to Allen J. Saville, Inc., Richmond, Virginia. Estimated October 25. cost - $713,000 Net Tenders, Teaberry, Peak, and Walnut (YN 29, 30, Contract for Refrigeration System at the Aeronautical 31), keels were laid at J. H. Mathis Company Shipyard, Engine Laboratory, Naval Aircraft Factory, Navy Yard, Camden, New Jersey, on October 25. Philadelphia, Pa., has been awarded to Carbondale New U.S.S. DIXIE (destroyer tender), reported to CINCUS York Co., Inc., New York, New York, for the sum of for duty in the Battle Force on October 25. $287,287; time - 200 calendar days. USS. THRESHER "(ss 200), reported for duty to CINCUS Contract for Boiler and Accessories at the Norfolk Naval on October 26. Hospital, Portsmouth, Virginia, has been awarded to E. U.S.S. ARCTURUS (cargo ship), was placed in full com- Keeler Company, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for the sum of mission on October 26. $20,780; time - 120 calendar days. U.S.S. RANGER (aírcraft carrier), reported for duty Contract for Repairs to Pier at the Fuel Annex (Craney in Carrier Division 3 (Atlantic Patrol) on October 24. Island) Naval Supply Depot, Naval Operating Base, Norfolk, Belgrade: a dispatch from official quarters said Va., has been awarded to Tidewater Construction Corpora- Jugoslavia would remain neutral in the Greek-Italian tion, Norfolk, Virginia, for the sum of $3,680; time - 45 conflict. calendar days. Canadian Destroyer MARGAREE was sunk in the North Contract for Grading, Sufacing and Drainage Work at the Atlantic in collision, Ottawa announced: 140 of the Naval Net Depotk Tiburon, California has been awarded to crew were lost. Only 31 were saved. 4. Empress of Britain, British Admiralty admitted loss of the 42,000 ton liner, attacked by enemy aircraft, set afire, abandoned, later towed, and then blew. up. Far Eastern Observers believe that Japan may allow her adherence to the Axis Alliance to wane if efforts to break the British-U. S. front are unsuccessful. Information from Shanghai would reorientate her policy along lines less likely to lead to trouble with the U. S. Island of Crete: an unconfirmed report says British troops have landed there. Official Athens reports British troops are fighting now in behalf of Greece. Bureau of Supplies and Accounts awarded contracts this date of more than $1,500,000. Racks, pinions, and training gear were purchased from the Midvale Company and the Camden Forge Company in the amount of $480,460. Contract Noy-4410, for Light Shop Activities Building and Accessories at the Navy Yard, Boston, Mass. has been award- ed on a cost plus fixed fee basis to Sawyer Construction Co., Boston, Mass. The total estimated cost, including fee, of this contract is $550,000. This contract was cleared by the National Defense Advisory Commission. Confidential K File personal REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY .S October 29, 1940 to Total Enlisted Strength, October 26 171,031 Insm Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 7,189 Other Reservists If Il 11 IT 4,663 Retired Men If If Il II 157 to Total 12,009 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 416 Aggregate Discharges If = If 103 Gain 313 to Retired Officers returned to active duty as of Oct. 15: Line Officers 691 son Staff Officers 173 Warrant Officers 53 Total 917 Naval Reserve Enlisted Men ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality and the strengthening of the national defense within the limits of peace-time or- ganization, as of October 26: Number Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered Inshore Patrol Bases 340 215 89 Naval Res.Aviation Bases 2,300 2,300 758 Communications 85 83 76 Afloat 5,000 1,716 1,193 Miscellaneous 1,208 1,134 Class V-7 Procurem.Program 2,324 217 217 Class V-7,Midshipmen,USNR 5,000 1,500 -- Radio and Signal Schools 4,000 833 571 to Total Men 19,050 8,072 4,038 2. 3. Bureau of Aeronautics. In connection with the announce- woven into a strong packing. The technique of weaving ment of the appointment of Major General Arnold, present the cotton fibre into a suitable packing has shown con- Chief of the Air Corps, as an additional Deputy Chief of siderable promise, and will prove almost equally as Staff, it has been learned from General Arnold that the suitable. Flax packing has also been used for packing present plan is that he continue as titular Chief of the of the air and water ends of the reciprocating air pumps Air Corps in addition to his duties of Deputy Chief of on older vessels. A form of metallic packing is being Staff and that Major General Brett be made Executive As- substituted therefor. sistant Chief of Air Corps. A small amount of flax has been raised in Oregon, In the opinion of the Chief of Bureau of Aeronautics but the quantity grown there has not been sufficient to this arrangement is basically unsound and will not improve supply the needs of the Navy for a year. what is recognized as a very unsatisfactory situation in Marine Corps: Total enlisted strength as of October the War Department. 28 is 37,239. Cotton and Asbestos for Flax. Since importation of Bureau of the Budget is holding continuous hearings flax from Belgium, Russia, and Northern France has stopped in 1942 appropriations. They will continue for all it has been necessary to provide substitutes for that bureaus through November 5. material. An important use of flax in the Navy has been Seaplane Tenders: Contracts for 6 will probably be in packing the stuffing boxes of stern tubes and rudder awarded today or tomorrow to the Lake Washington Ship- posts of Naval vessels to keep the sea water from enter- yard, Houghton, Washington, and contracts for 4 others ing the ships. to Associated Shipyards, Seattle; Washington. Cotton and asbestos are being substituted for flax SS EXOCHORDA will be acquired from the American Ex- in the manufacture of this packing. The advantage of port Lines today and received tomorrow for conversion flax has been in the long fibres which can be easily into a transport. 4. Maritime Commission: 5 "City" ships will be acquired this week or early next week, formerly of the Baltimore Mail Line. [sups Wholesale Price Index for week ending October 19 was 78.4 up .3 from a week ago and up .6 from two weeks ago. It was the third consecutive weekly rise in commodity prices. USS WHARTON (transport, former Southern Cross) had a damagingfire yesterday afternoon at the Robins Drydock Co., New York City, where she is undergoing conversion. Damage is estimated at $50,000 and started in mattresses in forward hold. WHARTON is insured for $300,000, so 8S repair will not be at government expense. Completion date is estimated to be delayed two weeks, to Nov. 15. USS GRENADIER (SS 210). It is planned to launch this vessel on November 29 at the Portsmouth Navy Yard. Naval Communications: The following was intercepted on 500 kilocycles. Quote. All Greek ships immediately on instructions of the Greek Government in the Pacific if bound for the American Continent are to proceed. If bound for Asia they are to make for British or Dutch ports or ports in the U.S. In Atlantic ships are to proceed if West bound. If East bound they are to make for British ports. No Greek ships are to proceed to France or ports in French possession. USS FLICKER (Minesweeper) was placed in full commis- sion on October 26 at Atlantic Works, Bethelehem Ship- building Corp., Boston, Mass. Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE Filepensonal NAVY 1 October 30, 1940 Total Enlisted Strength; October 29 171,481 Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 7,189 Other Reservists If If If 11 4,663 Retired Men 11 11 11 11 157 Total 12,009 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 229 Aggregate Discharges If If 11 85 Gain 144 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of Oct.15: Line Officers 691 Staff Officers 173 Warrant Officers 53 Total 917 Naval Reserve Officers ordered to active duty for en- forcement of neutrality and the strengthening of the nati onal defense within the limits of peace-time au- thorization, as of October 29: Number Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered v(g) Officers Afloat 300 300 349 Merchant Marines Afloat 225 225 313 Aviation Instructors 248 248 92 I-V(S) Officers 125 125 133 CEC-V(S) Officers 125 125 155 Supply Corps Officers 125 125 174 Medical and Dental Officers 177 177 259 Communication Officers 100 100 167 CC-V(S) Officers 20 20 24 Administration of Reserve Midshipman Training Program 140 140 100 Miscellaneous 320 537 537 Organized Res.Off. (Ashore) - - 196 If 11 0 (Afloat) - 24 - Total Estimated Number Al- lowed: 1905 2122 2523 2. 3 NAVY RECRUITING ACTIVITIES WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 25,1940: cubic feet volume and 246 feet in length, The train- Number of applicants accepted for first enlistment - 1381 ing type are 123,000 cubic feet in volume and 147 feet Number of first enli stments 1963 Number of reehlistments, continuous service 73 in length. These blimps constitute the first of the Number of reenlistments, broken service 45 2081 48 non-rigid airships authorized as part of the "10,000. Bureau of lards and Docks, has this date announced con- Plane Program", for the expansion of naval aeronautics tract awards totaling $2,251,700, as follows: and have been appropriated for by the Congress. Contract for Rehabilitation of Submarine Base Facil- Merchant vessels, delivered or to be delivered for ities and Construction of Marine Railway at the Naval Station, Key West, Florida, awarded to W.P. Thurston use as auxiliaries since 18 October number 38 ships. Company, Richmond, Va. on a cost-plus-fixed-fee basis. The total estimated cost, including fee, is $923,000. They include 2 general stores issue ships, 1 provision Contract for Torpedo Assembly Plant at Naval Torpedo ship, 9 oilers (Esso type 11,500 gross tons), 5 trans- Station, Newport, R.I., has been awarded on a cost-plus fixed-fee basis to The Tredennick-Billings Company, ports ("City" type, Baltimore Mail Line), 1 transport Boston, Mass. Estimated cost, $675,000. (Exochorda, 9,359 tons), 2 submarine chasers, 14 mine - Contract for Housing Facilities at the Navy Yard, Charleston, S.C., has been awarded to the Southeastern sweepers, and 4 District Craft (diesel tugs, yachts). Construction Company, Charlotte, N.C., on a cost-plus fixed-fee basis. Total estimated cost, $525.000. Bids for Minesweepers, Bids for the construction of Contract for Housing Facilities at the Naval Station, eight minesweepers were opened today. Three companies Key West, Florida, has been awarded on a cost-plus-fixed fee basis to Southeastern Construction Company of Florida submitted formal bids with fixed prices and alternate Inc., Miami, Florida. Total estimated cost, $128,700. (50 units for enlisted men). Contracts exceeding proposals with provisions for adjustments in costs of $500,000 have been cleared by the National Defense Advis- ory Commission. labor and material. Non-Rigid Airship Construction Awards - The Navy Depart- Following are the bids received: ment awarded contracts to the only bidder, the Goodyear 1. General Engineering and Dry Dock Co., Oakland, Cal. Aircraft Corporation of Akron, Ohio, amounting to Fixed Price $1,324,000, for non-rigid airships for patrol and train- $1,850,000, for each of two. ing purposes. The patrol airships are each of 400,000 brin 4. General Engineering andDry Dock Co., Cont'd: Bid with Adjustment Clauses for Labor and Material $1,750,000.00 for each of two. 2. Winslow Marine Railway & Shipbuilding Co., Inc., Seattle, Washington: Fixed Price $1,749,493.00 for each of two. Bid with Adjustment Clauses for Labor and Material $1,699,493.00, for each of two. 3. Defoe Boat and Motor Works, Bay City, Michigan: Fixed Prices $1,787,600.00, for each of two $1,745,000.00, for each of three $1,718,100.00, for each of four. Bids with Adjustment Clauses for Labor and Material $1,647,000.00, for each of two. $1,604,400.00, for each of three. $1,577,500.00, for each of four. A representative of the Toledo Shipbuilding Company of Toledo, Ohio, stated that that company had submitted a proposal which was placed in the mail on Monday, October 28th. It was not received prior to the opening of the bids. Japanese Freighter, of 9,000 tons arrived at Manzanillo and began loading mercury, copper, lead, mica, and florspar. The Mexican government lifted an embargo on $200,000 worth of mercury for Japan. (Another Japanese ship will call soon at Manzanillo for 5,000 drums of gasoline and oil. Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY October 31, 1940 Jule Total Enlisted Strength, October 30 171,747 Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 7,189 Other Reservists If If If If 4,663 Retired Men II If If If 157 Total 12,009 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 406 Aggregate Discharges If Il 11 140 Gain 266 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of Oct. 15: Line Officers 691 Staff Officers 173 Warrant Officers 53 Total 917 Naval Reserve Officers ordered to active duty for en- forcement of neutrality and the strengthening of the national defense within the limits of peace-time au- thorization, as of October 29: Number Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered V(S) Officers Afloat 300 300 349 Merchant Marines Afloat 225 225 313 Aviation Instructors 248 248 92 I-V(S) Officers 125 125 133 CEC-V(S) Officers 125 125 155 Supply Corps Officers 125 125 174 Medical and Dental Officers 177 177 259 Communication Officers 100 100 167 CC-V(S) Officers 20 20 24 Administration of Reserve Midshipman Training Program 140 140 100 Miscellaneous 320 537 537 Organized Res.Off. (Ashore) - - 196 It " (Afloat) -- 24 Total Estimated Number Allowed: 1905 2122 2523 3. 2. Bureau of Yards and Docks announces the following awards: welder's sparks dropping on trash at the base of the Contract for Foundations for Electric Shop, Steam Test tube. There was no evidence of sabotage, and no damage Plant, Subassembly Facilities Extension to Building 382 to the ship's structure. Damage was limited to 12 of and Galvanizing Plant at the Navy Yard, Mare Island, Calif. the 50 cables in the director tube. The alm circuits to DeLuca and Son, Inc., San Francisco, Calif., for the required renewal. The damaged cables have been replac- dum of $92,480; time - 120 calendar days. ed, apparently at less cost than the $1,700 estimate. Contract for Improvements to Water System at the Marine Navy Yard, Pearl Harbor: SS WASHINGTON sails from Barracks, Quantico, Virginia, to Bass Engineering & Con- the West Coast on October 30 with 1,000 civilians to struction Co., Detroit, Mich., for the sum of $178,800; build up the working force of Pearl Harbor. In addi- time - 180 calendar days. tion 175 men will go to increase the force on Govern- Fleet Repair Ships: Contracts for two ships have been ment contracts. Ship movements of the train and de- awarded to the Los Angeles Shipbuilding and Drydock Co. gaussing are the reasons for building up this Navy of Los Angeles, California on a cost-plus-fixed-fee basis. Yard force. These men will receive maximum pay rates The estimated cost of each vessel is $14,284,500, making a subject to rerating. Men have been checked as to total for two $28,569,000. This contract was cleared by experience and character. They have been finger- the National Defense Advisory Commission. These ships are printed by F. B. I. 2,626 additional men are esti- similar in type to a previous award of one to the same mated for Pearl Harbor needs by the end of 1941. company on September 9. Funds for these vessels were con- Temporary housing, cantonments, and subsistence for tained in the 2nd Supplemental Appropriation Act. these men has been left to the authorities of Peal USS ALBEMARIE (Seaplane tender): The official report of Harbor to cope with on their arrival. fire (previously reported) on October 9 shows it occurred Add Bureau of Yards and Docks: Contract for Hous- in the director tube on the main deck. Fire was caused by ing facilities at the Naval Training Station, Great 4. E Lakes, Illinois, has been awarded on a cost-plus-fixed-fee and to e'reblew basis to Leonard Construction Company, Chicago, Illinois. to The total to SL estimated cost, including fee, of this contract of is $574,000.00 (200 units for enlisted personnel). seluso 02 Contract for Radio Towers at the Naval Academy (High Iswener Power Radio Station), Annapolis, Maryland, has been award- aeel JB vidnersque (be ed to Vanguard Construction Corp., New York City, N.Y. bist yvsn for the sum of $109,210; time - 120 calendar days. The of JROW and contract exceeding $500,000 has been cleared by the Nation- -16bs ni To blind al Defense Advisory Commission. -nteved по at [[]w nam STI nott Landing Force Equipment. Special tests will probably 17.06.23 To stremevom thear be held on new equipment off Virginia Beach on 1 November. Commandant Boston, has requested authority to charter one Eastern Steamship Line vessel, Boston to The of New York run type, for housing naval personnel. Pre- -regali эспеднецке liminary negotiations are underway for a 6 months time -IJBS .I .8 bedning charter with possible renewal from month to month if ,LIPL lo rodmet Irsel not betum necessary. Charter is desired beginning 12 November. TOI sonstaledue VISTOURST U.S.S. BEAR (Byrd Antarctic) will visit Galapagos 1869 to at that and (1-901 on her trip South. ISVITTS no of U.S.S. S-13 (Submarine) was placed in full com- -Buoli Tot abrey 10 bbk mission at Navy Yard, Philadelphia on 28 October. cellitiost Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY November 1 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, October 31 173,147 Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 7,230 Other Reservists If If It 5,733 Retired Men If If If II 180 Total 13,143 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 401 Aggregate Discharges 11 135 Gain 266 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 1 Nov. Line Officers 717 Staff Officers 176 Warrant Officers 57 Total 950 Reserve Officers ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality and the strengthening of the national defense within the limits of peacetime authorization, as of October 29: Number Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered V(S) Officers Afloat 300 300 349 Merchant Marines Afloat 225 225 313 Aviation Instructors 248 248 92 I-V(S) Officers 125 125 133 CEC-V(S) Officers 125 125 155 Supply Corps Officers 125 125 174 Medical and Dental Officers 177 177 259 Communication Officers 100 100 167 CC-V(S) Officers 20 20 24 Administration of Reserve Midshipman Training Program 140 140 100 Miscellaneous 320 537 537 Organized Res. Off. (Afloat) - - 196 If (Ashore) 24 Total Estimated Number Al- lowed 1905 2122 2523 3. 3. Bureau of Yards and Docks, awarded contracts as follows: Bureau of Supplies and Accounts, awarded a contract to Contract for Aviation Facilities at the Naval Reserve the Glenn L. Martin Company of Baltimore, for airplanes Aviation Base, Atlanta, Ga., awarded on a cost-plus-fixed totaling $106,125,396.33. fee basis to Mion Construction Company, Atlanta, Georgia. S.S. MARIPOSA, Matson liner, sialed today for Shanghai Estimated cost, including fee, of this contract is to evacuate Americans from Japan' and China. $750,000. S.S. SITY OF NEWPORT NEWS, Panama Pacific liner, docks Contract for Underground Electric Cable System and Pole in San Francisco today from Yorktown, her last voyage Line Terminal at the Naval Academy (high Power Radio Sta- before being taken over as a Naval aúxiliary. tion), Annapolis, Md., awarded to Plymouth Electric Co., German Air Fleets, including dive bombers, claimed to Washington, D.C., under item 1, for the sum of $33,572. have sunk nine merchant ships, and scored hits on a Time, 90 calendar days. destroyer today. Contract for Additional Ammunition Facilities and Low Marine Corps Selection Board - Majors to Lieutenant Cost Housing Units at the Naval Powder Factory, Indian Colonels - will convene in the Navy Department on Novem- Head, Maryland, has been awarded on a cost-plus-fixed- ber 12, 1940, to recommend 34 officers of the grade of fee basis to The Harwood-Nebel Construction Co., Wash- Major, U.S. Marine Corps, for promotion to Lieutenant ington, D.C. Total estimated cost, $1,945,400. (The Colonel. This board will be composed of: housing units will be erected on the station: 50 for President: Brigadier General Emile P. Moses; Members: enlisted men, 300 for civilians). (Contracts exceeding Colonel Harry Schmidt, Col. Miles R. Thacher, Colonel $500,000 have been cleared by the National Defense Ad- Samuel L. Howard, Colonel Arnold W. Jacbbsen, Colonel visory Commission). Earl H. Jenkins, Colonel Samuel A. Wood, Jr., Lieut.C Pratt and Whitney, has been awarded an additional Louis R. Jones, Lt.Col. Claude A. Larkin; Recorder: contract for airplane engines totaling $41,886,581.68. Lieut. Col. Joseph W. Knighton. laval R.O.T.C., Approximately 2,000 graduates of the aval R.O.T.C. units have been commissioned in the Naval eserve since 1930, and a number have been appointed En- igns in the Supply Corps. At present there are 3,000 embers of Naval R.O.T.C. units, which are now established nineteen Colleges and Universities. Officers of the aval Reserve who were appointed therein upon graduation om the Naval R.O.T.C. are eligible for appointment to mmissioned rank in the Regular Navy in such numbers as e deemed necessary. These officers must be less than years of age when appointed and have completed at ast one year's continuous active duty aboard ship. ese officers are eligible to promotion by line sdection ards in accordance 30 with the policy of the regular Navy. to be eligible for consideration for appointment in the gular Navy, reserve officers must be recommended by eir present commanding officers. Examinations must be ssed in Navy Regulations, Navigation, seamanship, ord- ace and gunnery, Marine Engineering, Electricity, and itary law. "he Argentine Government, began a nation-wide pilot ining program today designed to provide 5,000 reserve ats for the Argentine Air Force. Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY November 4, 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, November 2 173,655 Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 7,230 Other Reservists If 11 11 11 5,733 Retired Men If " If If 180 Total 13,143 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 391 Aggregate Discharges 11 If If 133 Gain 258 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of Nov. 1: Line Officers 717 Staff Officers 176 Warrant Officers 57 Total 950 Naval Reserve Officers ordered to active duty for en- forcement of neutrality and the strengthening of the national defense within the limits of peace-time author- ization, as of November 2: Number Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered V(G) Officers Afloat 300 300 363 Merchant Marines Afloat 225 225 339 Aviation Instructors 248 248 102 I-V(S) Officers 125 125 160 CEC-V(S) Officers 125 125 166 Supply Corps Officers 125 125 183 Medical and Dental Officers 177 177 266 Communication Officers 100 100 186 CC-V(S) Officers 20 20 25 Administration of Reserve Midshipman Training Program 140 140 89 Miscellaneous 320 580 580 Organized Res.Off. (Ashore) - 214 Organized Res.Off. (Afloat) - - .87 Total Estimated Number Allowed 1905 2165 2760 2. Bureau of Yards and Docks: 3. Contract for Shore Protection Facilities at the Naval Marine Corps: 165th anniversary will be observed on Air Station, Cape. Vay, New Jersey, has been awarded on a November 10. The National Broadcasting Company will cost plus fixed fee basis to Ole Hannen, Ventnor City, carry a special program from 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM. New Jersey. Total estimated cost, including fee, of this Wage Board Report will probably be released November contract, is. $150,000.00. 7, 1940. This report has taken several months in prep- Contract for Equipment for Cold Storage Building at the aration, following exhaustive studies with labor leaders. Fleet Supply Base, Oakland, California, has been awarded Captain J. A. Furer has acted as senior member of the to York Ice Machinery Corporation, Philadelphia, Penna., board. Findings will revise rates for Navy Yard work to for the sum of $139,026; time - 150 calendar days. The compare with existing rates in their localities for contract awarded under this specification to this company various trades. on October 22, 1940, for the sum of $139,150 has been Airplane Crash of a training plane 12 miles north of cancelled. Robertsdale, Alabama, was fatal to Ensign Hedges and Caribbean Area: 8 destroyers and 6 patrol planes assigned Seaman Second Class McIntire, both of the Naval Reserve. to the Patrol Force, Atlantic Fleet, are participating in USS BISCAYNE (Seaplane tender) is scheduled to be scheduled exercises in the Guantanamo-San Juan-Culebra launched at the Puget Sound Navy Yard about January 1, Area. This force has been the subject of much comment in 1941. the press due to Franco-German relations and their proxi- Har Sinkings: The British Admiralty announced the mity to Martinique. SS LAURENTIC, converted White Star Liner of 18,000 tons Aviation Cadets: 67 have been appointed for flight train- and the SS PATROCLUS (China Trade) of 11,000 tons, were ing at Pensacola in the class convening on November 4. sunk off Ireland. Both vessels were formerly passenger They come from 14 reserve bases situated, throughout the liners; there were casualties, numbers unannounced. country. ROIS 4. Tangier: Spanish proclamation today converts Tangier to Spanish territory. Occupied a year ago by Spamish troops, Tangier had formerly been recognized as an international zone, situated across from Gibralter. International mixed commissions have been suppressed. British Admiralty announces light forces have destroyed 2 more Italian submarines. Germany Claims 80,000 tons of merchant shipping sunk yesterday by submarines and airplanes. The Laurentic and Patroclus are included in their list. . H.M.S. CLEVELAND, British cruiser, was bombed by German planes while returning to England from the Mediterranean, with numerous casualties, the Admiralty announced. Russo-Japanese negotiations now in progress embrace not only a non-aggression pact between Japan and the Soviets, but will probably grant Russia a free zone in the Manchurian city of Dairen, key port. It will doubtless grant Russia special privileges in shipments uker the Manchurian Railway to Dairen from Siberia. Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY November 5, 1940 Total Enlisted Strength; November 4 174,074 Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 7,230 Other Reservists n n If 11 5,733 Retired Men n IT If 11 180 Total 13,143 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 446 Aggregate Discharges If If II 28 Gain 418 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of Nov. 1: Line Officers 717 Staff Officers 176 Warrant Officers 57 Total 950 Naval Reserve Enlisted Men ordered to active duty for en- forcement of neutrality and the strengthening of the national defense within the limits of peace-time organi- zation, as of November 2: Number Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered Inshore Patrol Bases 340 215 89 Naval Res. Aviation Bases 2,300 2,300 863 Communications 85 83 76 Afloat 5,000 1,723 1,686 Miscellaneous ( 1,238 1,238 Class V-7 Procurement Progm. (2,325 ( 209 209 Class V-7 for Midshipmen, USNR 5,000 1,500 1,500 (Tentative) Radio and Signal Schools 4,000 833 657 Total Men 19,050 8,101 6,318 2. Marine Corps Strength, as of November 1: 3. have been made, subject to later confirmation, to Spencer Regular Enlisted Strength 37,418 Regular Officer Strength Lense Company for 2800 Telescopes, Mark LXXIV, for in- 1,394 Regular Warrant Officer Strength 171 stallation in 3"/50 calibre gun mounts at an estimated Retired Officer Strength 117 Reserve Officer Strength 474 Reserve Enlisted Strength cost of $1,036,000 and for 119 Periscopes and 508 Tele- 358 Aviation Cadets Strength 44 scopes at an estimated cost of $1,910,061, and special Bureau of Yards and Docks, awarded contracts totaling machinery equipment at $750,000. $2,520,924.14: Contract for Housing Facilities at the Navy A preliminary award has been mude, subject to later Yard, Mare Island, California, has been awarded on a cost confirmation, to the Bausch & Lomb Optical Company for plus fixed fee basis to Cahill Brothers and Ben C. Gerwick, Rangefinders and Stereoscopic instruments at the esti- Inc., San Francisco, California. The total estimated cost, mated cost of 86,042,259 and additional equipment at including fee, of this contract is $858,000 (250 units for $912,432. enlisted men). Consul at Tampico. Nexico reports 4 German Merchant Contract for Housing Facilities in the vicinity of New- Ships (ORINOCO, IDARWALD, RHEIN, PHRYGIA) are making port, Rhode Island, has been awarded on & cost plus fixed preparation for departure and loading extra provisions. fee basis to Gilbane Building Co., Inc., and Holt-Fair- Crews have been restricted to ships. Sailing dates are child Company, Providence, Rhode Island (600 units for still unknown. civilian employees). The total estimated cost, including State Department reports 4 French submarines pre- fee, of this contract is $1,655,000. Contracts exceeding viously stationed at Dakar are returning to Toulon for $500,000 were cleared by the National Defense Advisory upkeep purposes and are being replaced by 4 others which Commission. Total contracts announced by the Navy Depart- passed Gibralter 2 days ago. Prior notification was mont today - $22,790,309.14. given by the French and no British opposition was ex- Bureau of Supplies and Accounts: Preliminary awards perienced. Additional information indicates the French 4. Admiralty has turned over approximately 20 small craft, tugs and minesweepers to Germany for use off French coast ports. Other similar craft are being con- structed at St. Nazaire, Nantes, and LeHavre by German workmen. USS KASKASKIA, SANGAMON, and SANTEE (oilers) will be ready to sail on Novémber 18 to the West Coast via the Gulf of Mexico, and will carry fuel oil to Panama for storage and emergency purposes on the way West. USS SWANSON (DD443) was launched at the Navy Yard, Charleston, on November 2. Minesweepers: Construction of four will soon be award- ed to the General Engineering and Drydock Company, San Francisco, Calif. An additional four will be awarded to the Defoe Boat and Motor Works, Bay City, Michigan. Cost-plus-fixed fee Contracts: During October addition- al work was added to existing contracts in the amount of $20,269,385. These included housing units in the follow- ing amounts: Honolulu, 1300; Kodiak, 250; Sitka, 125; Unalaska, 75; San Juan, 400; St. Thomas, 50; Guantanamo, 500; Alameda, 600; Quonset Point, 236; Dahlgren, 100; Parris Island, 50; Piney Point, 10. Confidential REPORT 10 THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY November 6, 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, November 5 174,400 Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 7,230 Other Reservists If If If 11 5,733 Retired Men If 180 Total 13,143 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 367 Aggregate Discharges If If 11 41 to Gain 326 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of Nov. 1: Line Officers 717 Staff Officers 176 Warrant Officers 57 Total 950 Naval Reserve Officers ordered to active duty for en- forcement of neutrality and the strengthening of the national defense within the limits of peace-time author- ization, as of November 5: Number Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered V(G) Officers Afloat 300 300 363 Merchant Marines Afloat 225 225 339 Aviation Instructors 248 248 102 I-V(S) Officers 125 125 160 CEC-V(S) Officers 125 125 166 Supply Corps Officers 125 125 183 Medical and Dental Officers 177 177 266 Communication Officers 100 100 186 CC-V(S) Officers 20 20 25 Administration of Reserve Midshipman Training Program 140 140 89 Organized Res.Off. (Ashore) - - 214 Organized. Res. Off. (Afloat) - 87 Miscellaneous 320 580 580 Total Estimated Number Allowed 1905 2165 2760 2. 3: Proposals for furnishing all labor and material and into Upper New York Bay. 9,200 feet of borthing space performing all work for constructing nine sets of propell- is included in this area with a channel 35 feet deep at ing machinery and Diesel engine driven generators for mean low water. Rail and road connections over a cause- Minesweepers will be received at the Navy Department until way lead to trunk rail lines and main highways. This November 20, 1940, when they will be publicly opened. A depot, when fully developed, will be of real value in deposit in the form of a certified check for $1,000 will relieving the current fleet supply load on the Havy Yard, be required as security for the safe and prompt return of New York, and East Coast yards in general. This supply the plans and specifications and other confidential depot with the one at Oakland, California, a $9,000,000 bidders' data. project, the latter to be completed by July 1, 1941, will Submarine Operating Areas have been designated in ap- give the fleet major supply bases on both coasts. The proaches to Portsmouth Harbor, New Hampshire, in the vi- Oakland Depot will provide storehouses for aviation cinity of the Isles of Shoals. Vessels have been ordered material, reserve material, and medical supplies as well to proceed with caution in these areas, as submarines will as all other materials. be operating within then from time to time. Prior notice Berlin Comment, editorially, on the American election of such operations will be brondcest by the Hydrographic said the result proved that a vast majority of the Office. American people opposed intervention in the Duropean Commandant, 10th Naval District, has left for Martin- Mar. Government spokesmen did not comment on the ique by plane for conference with officials there. election. Supply Corps: As of November 1 seventy-two retired of- Air Raid: London experienced the longest night raid ficers had returned to active duty. of the war, the all clear signal being given only at Naval Supply Depot, Bayonne, New Jersey: & 85,000,000 8 A. M. with anti-aircraft taking up again scarcely project consists of 160 acres of made land jutting out two hours later. 4. Virginio Gayda today warned the Swiss press against pro- English comment on the invasion of Greece. abthobirloni Navy Department employees who wish to greet the YOU President's. return will be excused from work until 10 A.M. tomorrow. to USS TRITON (submarine) will operate submerged off Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on November 7 and 8 in areas prescribed by the Hydrographic Office. ono Air bases:, Contracts for additional work (reported yesterday) include the Pacific Air Bases, Alaska Naval Air Stations, Naval Air Station, San Juan, Pensacola, Jackson- ville, Dahlgren, Guantanamo, Alameda, Puget Sound, Charleston, Quonset Point, New York, Philadelphia, Parris Island, and Indian Head. Besides housing units, store- houses, assembly shops, ammunition facilities, fuel stor- age, and recreational facilities were included in con- tracts. Work on all bases is still up to schedule and - proceeding to speedy conclusion. Most contracts can hardly be expected to be completed ahead of schedule as they were negotiated in as fast time limits as could reasonably be 10 expected. Additional work is embodied in twenty different contracts. Confidentia file personal REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY November 7, 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, November 6 174,812 SI-8 Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 7,230 Other Reservists If If 11 It 5,733 Retired Men If If If If 180 Total 13,143 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 470 Aggregate Discharges If If It 58 Gain 412 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of Nov. 1: Line Officers 717 110 Staff Officers 176 Warrant Officers 57 Total 950 Naval Reserve Officers ordered to active duty for en- forcement of neutrality and the strengthening of the national defense within the limits of peace-time au- thorization, as of November 6: Number Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered V(G) Officers Afloat 300 300 363 Merchant Marines Afloat 225 225 339 Aviation Instructors 248 248 102 I-V(S) Officers 125 125 160 CEC-V4S) Officers 125 125 166 Supply Corps Officers 125 125 183 Medical and Dental Officers 177 177 266 Communication Officers 100 100 186 CC-V(S) Officers 20 20 25 Administration of Reserve Midshipman Training Program 140 140 89 Organized Res.Off. (Ashore) 5 - 214 Organized Res.Off. (Afloat) - - 87 Miscellaneous 320 580 580 Total Estimated Number Allowed 1905 2165 2760 2. 3. USS HARRY LEE (Ex-Exochorda) was placed in commission the Naval Reserve Nurse Corps. in ordinary on November 5. Tin: contracts have been signed between the Metals USS S-12 (submarine) was placed in full commission at Rewerve Company and tin ore producers in Bolivia for the Navy Yard, Philadelphia, on November 4. the purchase of tin ores and concentrates sufficient to USS GREGORY (DD82) and LITTLE (DD79) were placed in full produce 18,000 tons of fine tin annually for the next commission at the Navy Yard, New York, on November 4. five years. Transport Group is being formed by the CINCUS on the War Sinkings: Large merchant sinkings reported in the West Coast, consisting of "City" boats recently pur- past two weeks seem to be due to German long-range chased from the Baltimore Mail Line. patrol planes finding convoys well off Ireland and co- Patrol Force, Atlantic, went into effect as such on ordinating their efforts with submarines. British November 1, so called because of acquisition of submarines, originally protected convoys with men o'war and then destroyers, planes, and additional training vessels, mak- thinking it unnecessary turned to armed merchantmen, ing a much larger force. It contains Compat Wings 3, 5, which were not of much help in troublesome waters as and 7, and 2 aircraft carriers. results show. Our observers in Canada believed convoys Aviation gasoline: shipments to Japan in October were of 100 vessels and less were insufficiently protected, said to be 4 times as large as any recent previous ship- at least in leaving this side of the Atlantic. Fate of ment. a British convoy attacked by a German raider in mid- Naval Reserve Nurses: By January 40 will have been Atlantic was still unknown. Raider is believed to be called to active duty, the first Reserve nurses to be of the Graf Spee Class, and to be able to attack summoned under the present National Emergency. 8 will British convoys in mid-Atlantic at her leisure. report on November 15, 12 in December, and 20 in January. German Government has refused to give safe conduct Since September, 1939, 887 nurses have been appointed in guarantees for an American ship to go to a port on 4.8 the West Coast of Ireland to repatriate American citizens. There are about 1200 Americans in the British Isles still desirous of returning home. The Reich Government claimed to be in no position to give any assurances in armed areas around Britain. nið ent't to and 000, 8£ comborq Chilean Government laid claim today to all Antarctic vii territory lying between Meridians 53 and 90 West of Green- wich. This does not include Little America, but does in- clude a small part of the area explored by the Byrd Expe- dition. delived MSLW advolle ztods Bureau of Yards and Docks awarded contracts totaling into $2,275,465 which were cleared by the National Defense nied Advisory Commission, as follows: To Jon stew Holder Contract for Bulkhead and Fill at the Naval. Academy, 1307 Annapolis, Maryland, has been awarded to Day & Zimmerman, Inc., 620 Packard Building, Philadelphia, Pa., for the es- timated sum of $331,400; time - 180 calendar days. 11199 5 Contract for 600 housing units for the Navy Yard, Ports- mouth, New Hampshire, to be erected in the vicinity of TO Kittery, Maine, has been awarded to J. Slotnik Co., Boston, Mass. for the estimated sum of $1,944,065; time 360 calen- dar days NO two of of of na Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY November 8, 1940 File E Total Enlisted Strength, November 7 175,172 Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 7,230 Confidents Other Reservists If II = If 5,733 Retired Men If It " If 219 Total 13,182 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 489 Aggregate Discharges If If If 168 Gain 321 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of Nov. 1: E Line Officers 717 Staff Officers 176 Warrant Officers 57 Total 950 Naval Reserve Officers ordered to active duty for en- forcement of neutrality and the strengthening of the national defense within the limits of peace-time au- thorization, as of November 7: Number Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered V(G) Officers Afloat 300 300 363 Merchant Marines Afloat 225 225 339 Aviation Instructors 248 248 102 I-V(S) Officers 125 125 160 CEC-V( Officers 125 125 166 Supply Corps Officers 125 125 183 Medical and Dental Officers 177 177 266 Communication Officers 100 100 186 CC-V(S) Officers 20 20 25 Administration of Reserve Midshipman Training Program 140 140 89 Miscellaneous 320 580 580 Organized Res.Off. (Ashore) - - 214 Organized Res.Off. (Afloat) I - 87 Total Estimated Number Allowed 1905 2165 2760 2. 3, Class V-7, Reserve Midshipmen: Graduation exercises for Navy Recruiting Activities for Week Ending Nov.1: the first class of Reserve Midshipmen will be held in the Number of Applicants accepted for lst enlistment 1401 ILLINOIS on November 14. The Assistant Secretary, Mr. Number of 1st enlistment 2007 Compton, will present commissions as Ensigns in the Naval Number of reenlistments, continuous service 77 Reserve to approximately 260 graduates. With few excep- Number of reenlistments, broken service 44 tions, all are requesting active duty with the Fleet. Total 2128 This class, begihhing with 300 men, are those selected Selection: The line selection board of which Rear from 500 who took the first cruise in the WYOMING from Admiral Edward C. Kalbfus, U. 8. Navy, has been ap- July 15 to August 9, and have completed 3 months inten- pointed the president, and which will convene on sive training ashore. Over 3,000 of Class V-7 have now November 15 will be instructed to recommend not more completed the training period of one month at sea. 1,500 than 16 captains for promotion to the grade of rear are now on the training cruise to be completed on November admiral and not more than 68 commanders for promotion 23. 1,500 additional candidates will make the fifth and to the grade of captain in the line of the Navy to fill last cruise scheduled for this program. Over 6,000 men vacancies in those grades. will have completed the training cruise from whom it is This board will, in addition, be instructed to rec- hoped 5,000 will complete the entire course and receive ogmend not more than 4 captains for promotion to the commissions in the Naval Reserve. 379 reserve midshipmen grade of rear admiral to fill vacancies in that grade are now under instruction at Northwestern University. among officers restricted by law to the performance of The second class in the ILLINOIS will report on November engineering duty only. 22. Four classes are scheduled in the ILLINOIS, 4 at Naval Reserve Appropriations: Supplemental 1941 bill, Northwestern, and 1 at the Naval Academy which will begin not yet submitted to the Bureau of the Budget includes on February 14 following graduation of the first class. increased funds to retain on active duty 110 aviation 4. reserve officers following completion of 4 years minimum active duty requirements. 6,170 additional general class officers including 3,150 graduates of the Naval reserve midshipmen's training school. 12,950 additional enlisted men have been asked for which will bring this number to 18,000 on active duty by March 1, 1942. Forty Naval Re- serve nurses are also included in appropriation request. In 1942 there will be a decrease in Naval Reserve ap- propriations asked for Naval reserve aviators as 450 are expected to be transferred to the regular Navy. In 1942 Naval reserve officers on active duty are expected to total 8,236. Enlisted men should be increased up to 44,000 by June 30, 1942, and it is expected that 7,500 Naval reserve midshipmen will have been trained during the fiscal year 1942. Selection Board, Brigadier Generals to Major Generals, USMC: will convene in the Navy Department on November 15 to recommend three officers of the grade of Brigadier General, USMC, for promotion to the grade of Major General. QUEEN ELIZABETH is reported ready to leave New York on Monday for service as a tropp transport, probably to carry soldiers from Australia to the British Isles. Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY November 12, 1940 fle Total Enlisted Strength, November 9 175,959 Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 7,504 Other Reservists If If If If 5,733 Retired Men If If 11 219 Total 13,456 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) .... 354 Aggregate Discharges If II If 113 Gain 241 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of Nov. 1: Line Officers 717 Staff Officers 176 Warrant Officers 57 Total 950 Naval Reserve Officers ordered to active duty for en- forcement of neutrality and the strengthening of the Na- tional Defense within the limits of peace-time authori- zation: as of November 9: Number Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered V(G) Officers Afloat 300 300 602 Merchant Marine Res. .Afloat 225 225 347 Aviation Instructors 248 248 113 I-V(S) Officers 125 125 171 CEC-V(S) Officers 125 125 176 Supply Corps Officers 125 125 193 Medical and Dental Officers 177 177 274 Communication Officers 100 100 191 CC-V(S) Officers 20 20 26 Administration of Reserve Midshipman Training Program 140 140 89 Miscellaneous 320 610 610 Organized Res.Off. (Ashore) - - 235 Organized Res.Off. (Afloat) - - 115 Total Estimated Number Allowed 1905 2195 3142 2. 3. Bureau of Aeronautics: Admiral Towers reports that the USS ALBATROSS (minesweeper 71) was placed in full Germans, having found that it was too costly to bomb commission at Navy Yard, Boston, on November 8. England on the wholesale scale in daylight hours, because USS HEYWOOD (Ex-City of Baltimore) was placed in of the losses inflicted by the Royal Air Force fighters, ordinary commission at Portland, Maine, on November 8. have resorted to extensive bombing of merchant ships well USS GAR (Submarine) was launched at Groton, Connect- out over the sea areas where they are almost entirely free icut on November 7. from the British fighter interception. German Raider has been reported 150 miles off Rocas, The means to counter these activities of the German Argentina, on November 11 by the English who are hold- bombers lies in the long-range fighter, capable of ing ships in port. patrolling over the convoys during daylight. USS DALE (destryer) had 36 foot section of bilge USS HORNET (aircraft carrier) will be Launched about keel on the port side forward torn away apparently due December 14 at the Newport News Shipbuilding Corporation, to heavy rolling. The DALE was overhauled, leaving All Commodities: Price Index for the week ending the Navy Yard September 20. Forces afloat are cutting November 2 was 78.5 in comparison with 78.6 on October 26 off torn sections which will not restrict the DALE and 78.4 on October 19. This price index which had from carrying out operating schedule, previously showed a steadily rising trend the previous State Department reports City of Rayville is be- four weeks, seems to have flattened out. lieved by members of Australian Navy to have been Bureau of Supplies and Accounts awarded a contract for sunk by & mine in Bass Strait. A number of mines have airplanes to the Consolidated Aircraft Corporation, San been discovered there by a mine sweeper, and are said Diego, California, in the amount of $75,313,000. This to be of Italian or German origin. contract was cleared by the National Defense Advisory USS NEW YORK will be available for emergency dock- Commission. ing and repairs upon arrival at the Savy Yard, 20 4. Norfolk, and will be assigned number one priority. No dock was available at New York. Tokio: Best advices report strong possibility of 280 Soviet mediation to end Chinese hostilities. Both Germany and Russia are said to be anxious to enable B&C Japanese forces now in China to be withdrawn for opera- tions against Malaya and Netherlands Indies. There is also possibility of a Soviet-Japanese agreement under which the Soviets will stop assistance to China. Violent explosion rocked the plant of the United Rail- way Signal Corporation at Woodridge, New Jersey, this feed morning. Between 10 and 20 persons were taken to the hospital with injuries. .0S Chilean Copper: Japan has resumed heavy purchases of this commodity. Japan was also said to be purchasing large amounts of foreign copper held in bond in the United States. to Priorities Board today created a Machine Tool Prior-Imm ities Committee to coordinate National Defense needs with commercial and export demands to eliminate bottle OJ necks. Commander E. R. Henning was named a naval 220 member of this committee. JB ISVITIS Confidentiak Filepersonal REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY November 13, 1940 (08) Total Enlisted Strength, November 12 176,265 Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 7,504 Other Reservists If n II 5,733 Retired Men If If If If 219 Total 13,456 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 332 Aggregate Discharges If If If 16 Gain 316 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of Nov. 1: Line Officers 717 Staff Officers 176 Warrant Officers 57 total 950 Naval Reserve Officers ordered to active duty for en- forcement of neutrality and the strengthening of the national defense within the limits of peace-time au- thorization as of November 9: Number Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered V(G) Officers Afloat 300 300 602 Merchant Marine Res. Afloat 225 225 347 Aviation Instructors 248 248 113 I-V(S) Officers 125 125 171 CEC-V(S) Officers 125 125 176 Supply Corps Officers 125 125 193 Medical and Dental Officers 177 177 274 Communication Officers 100 100 191 CC-V(S) Officers 20 20 26 Administration of Reserve Midshipman Training Program 140 140 89 Organized Res.Off. (Ashore) - - 235 Organized Res .Off. (Afloat) 115 Miscellaneous 320 610 610 To To Total Estimated Number Allowed 1905 2195 3142 2. 3. Naval Supply Depot at Bayonne: plans and specifications construction. The other two will probably be converted are in process of preparation. Captain Stanley (sc) in into submarine tenders, though this is tentative. charge. Reserve Midshipmen, graduating as Ensigns D(V)G) in Marine Corps: total enlisted strength, November 12, the USS ILLINOIS tomorrow, nearly all have requested 37,802. active duty with the fleet and have been assigned to Regular Navy had 10,828 commissioned officers as of battleships, cruisers, and aircraft carriers. Orders November 1, including staff and warrant officers. have been issued. This active duty constitutes the Naval Reserve, as of November 1, consisted of 15,538 of- third and final phase of their training and will deter- ficers and 44,801 enlisted men. There are approximately mine their actual qualifications after a 6 month period 4,180 officers in the Merchant Marine Reserve. afloat, after which time the Bureau of Navigation can Amphibian Tractors: 200 have been ordered, capable of judge their efficiency through two quarterly fitness transporting 45 marines with their equipment in ship-to- reports from commanding officers. The Assistant Secre- shore movements. These tractors are capable of 9 knots tary, Mr. Compton, will give the graduation address. speed through the water, can run up a beach, and are Bureau of Supplies and Accounts reports a preliminary powerful enough to knock over an 8" tree. It is not (D)V award has been made, subject to later confirmation, to expected that they will displace, but rather complement the Waterbury Tool Company for Electric Hydraulic the Higgins boat in landing force operations. (8)V-DID Equipments, electric motors and controllers, and spare SS SHOOTING STAR to be converted into an ammunition parts at an estimated cost of $575,000. (Not for carrier will probably be taken over from the Maritime )V-00 release) Commission tomorrow or November 15. This is one of 3 A preliminary award has been made, subject to later ships to be acquired from the Tampa Shipbuilding Cor- confirmation, to General Motors Corporation for bles 100 poration, all of which have been in the process of SAFE sixteen cylinder, two-cycle, 1200 horsepower, light- 4. weight radial Diesel Engines and spare parts at an esti- mated cost of $10,000,000. (Not for press release) A preliminary award has been made, subject to later confirmation, to the Willys Overland Motors, Inc., for 2,000 breech housings and 2,000 recoil cylinders, with spare parts, at an estimated cost of $1,939,000. (Not for press release) A preliminary award has been made, subject to later con- firmation, to the Timken Roller Bearing Corporation, for 50 sets of 5"/38 caliber roller paths and rollers, at an estimated cost of $95,889.50. (Not for press release) Pratt and Whitney have been awarded an additional con- tract for airplane engines in the amount of $57,856,179. This contract was cleared through the National Defense Advisory Commission. Italian Fleet was struck a heavy blow by British bombers at their main base in Taranto. One battleship of the Littorio class was left with her forecastle under water and heavily listed. One battleship of the Conte di Cavour Ion class was beached. A second battleship of the Cavour class was also 001 said to be badly damaged. This is an official report of the British Admiralty. Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY November 14, 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, November 13 177,109 Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 7,504 Other Reservists If If If 6,525 Retired Men If If If If 219 Total 14,248 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 204 Aggregate Discharges If If Il 152 Gain 52 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of Nov. 1: Line Officers 717 Staff Officers 176 Warrant Officers 57 Total 950 Naval Reserve Enlisted Men ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality and the strengthening of the national defense within the limits of peace-time organ- ization: Number Number Number 20 Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered Inshore Patrol Bases 340 215 89 Naval Reserve Aviation Bases 2,300 2,300 864 Communications 85 83 80 Afloat 5,000 2,043 2,558 ( Miscellaneous 1,284 1,281 (2,325 Class Ve7 Procurem.Program ( 215 215 Class V-7 for Midshipmen, USNR 5,000 1,500 1,504 Radio and Signal Schools 4,000 1,030 958 Total Men 19,050 8,670 7,549 2. 3: Bureau Bf Yards and Docks announces the following fixed fee basis to Puget Sound Bridge and Dredging Co. awards: Contract for Power Wiring at the Navy Yard, Pearl and Rumsey and Company, Seattle, Washington. The total Harbor, T. H., has been awarded to Severin Electric Co., estimated cost, including fee, of this contract is San Francisco, Calif., for the sum of $66,900; time - 120 $2,000,000. calendar days. USS GUDGEON (88211) will be launched on January 25, Contract for Outfall Sewer for 600 Low Cost Housing Units 1941. in the vicinity of. Vallejo, California, has been awarded to Contract has been awarded to Higgins Industries, Inc. A. Teichert and Son, Inc., Sacramento, Calif., for the sum for "Eureka" type boats in the amount of $2,177,500. of $29,800; time - 120 calendar days, except Section 1 of Submarine Chasers, 454, 456, 560, and Net Tenders 33 she sewer shall be completed within 60 calendar days. and 34 departed from Guantanamo for the Canal Zone on Contract for Aviation Facilities at the Naval Reserve November 10. Aviation Base, Dallas, Texas, has been awarded on a cost USS LUDLOW (Destroyer) was launched at the Bath Iron plus fixed fee basis to Henger Construction Company, Works, Bath, Maine, on November 11. Dallas, Texas. The total estimated cost, including fee, USS RAVEN (Minesweeper) was placed in full commission of this contract is $750,000. at the Navy Yard, Norfolk, Virginia, on November 11. Contract for Receiving Barracks and Accessories at the 88 CITY OF NEWPORT NEWS was received by the Command- Navy Yard, Philadelphia, Pa., has been awarded on a cost ant 13th Naval District from the Maritime Commission at plus fixed fee basis to Henry E. Baton, Inc., Philadel- Lake Union Drydocks, Seattle, and placed in ordinary phia, Penna. The total estimated cost, including fee, of commission as the USS FULLER (transport) on Nov. 12. this contract is $450,000. Seaplane Wrecking Derricks 20, 22, and 23, keels were Contract for Construction of Pier No. 3 at the Navy Yard, laid at the Navy Yard, Boston, on November 12. Puget Sound, Washington, has been awarded on a cost plus Vessels for Conversion: As soon as practicable after 4. the Navy takes possession of any vessel for conversion into yachts, coastal patrol boats, submarine chasers, gunboats, or minesweepers, recommended conversion features will be forwarded to the Navy Department for the informa- tion of the Bureau of Ships and the Bureau of Ordnance, including cost estimates and time to complete, by Com- mandants of all Naval Districts concerned. Rumanian Oil: production for the first ten months of 1940 dropped 158,000 tons under the production for the similar 1939 period. Drilling was 22 percent under 1939 figures. During the first ten months of this year Germany imported 32 percent of over 2= million tons of Rumanian oil, England 17 percent. Since invasion by Germany the Reich is importing virtually all of avail- able Rumanian oil. British Convoy said to have been wiped out in Mid- Atlantic by a German raider, is slowly returning home. Only 8 of the 38 ship convoy are now missing according to a late British report. Japanese are withdrawing all available forces from China. There have been no air raids in Central China for two weeks. Confidential Tile REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY November 15, 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, November 14 177,542 Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 7,504 Other Reservists If 11 If " 6,525 Retired Men #: 266 Total 14,295 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 455 Aggregate Discharged If If If 69 Gain 386 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of Nov. 15: Line Officers 748 Staff Officers 182 Warrant Officers 58 Total 988 Naval Reserve Officers ordered to active duty for en- forcement of neutrality and the strengthening of the national defense within the limits of peace-time author- ization as of November 14: Number Number Number Character of Duty Allowed Obligated Ordered V(G) Officers Afloat 300 300 602 Merchant Marine Res.Afloat 225 225 347 Aviation Instructors 248 248 113 I-V(S) Officers 125 125 171 CEC-V(S) Officers 125 125 176 Supply Corps Officers 125 125 193 Medical and Dental Officers 177 177 274 Communication Officers 100 100 191 CC-V(S) Officers 20 20 26 Administration of Reserve Midshipman Training Program 140 140 89 Miscellaneous 320 610 610 Organized Res.Off. (Ashore) - 235 Organized Res.Off. (Afloat) - - 115 Total Estimated Number Allowed 1905 2195 3142 2. 3. Bureau of Aeronautics: The Chief of the Bureau, Rear fee basis to The Wadhams, May & Carey Company, Hartford, Admiral J..H. Towers, stated: "The attack by torpedo Conn. (100 units for enlisted men), The total esti planes from. British aircraft carriers upon the Italian mated cost, including fee, of this contract is $277,000. vessels in. the Harbor of Taranto was & perfect demonstra- Consolidated Aircraft Corporation was awarded a con- tionof the. effectiveness of this form of attack where tract for airplanes in the amount of $18,529,500. This targets had no. freedom of maneuver. contract was cleared by the National Defense Advisory "The torpedo plane is admittedly a weapon of opportun- Commission. ity but when that tunity is afforded its effect is USS HOBSON (DD464) keel was laid at the Charleston .00 far greater than that of & bombing attack." Navy Yard on November 14. Bureau of Yards and Docks awarded the following con- Motor Torpedo Boat, PT-11 was delivered to the Navy tracts: Contract for Receiving Barracks and Accessories Yard, Brooklyn, on November 12, This is the second of at the Navy Yard, New York has been awarded on 6. cost the Elco boats to be completed. plus fixed fee basis to White Construction Co., Inc., New USS VULCAN (Repair Ship) is scheduled to be launched York. The total estimated cost, including fee, of this at the plant of the New York Shipbuilding Corporation, what contract is $1,300,000. (0)V Camdon, New Jersey, on December 14. VAC Contract for Warehouse and Accessories at the Marine Airplane Crash: Lieutenant (jg) T. D. Cummins and Corps Depot of Supplies, Philadelphia, Penna. has been Aviation Chief Machinist's Mate, L. B. Staniewski personal awarded on a cost plus fixed fee basis to Day & Zimmer- killed instantly when their plane crashed near Pearl oor man, Inc., Philadelphia, Penna. The total estimated Harbor on November 14. Both men were members of Bomb- 20 cost, including fee, of this contract is $1,170,000. ing Squadron 5, USS YORKTOWN. OSE Contract for Housing Facilities at the Submarine Base, USS SAMPSON (DD394) will observe the following itin- New London, Conn. has been awarded on a cost plus fixed erary in carrying an Economic Mission headed by Mr. 4. Charles W. Taussig of New York City and including Lieuten- ant Colonel Kiebler, U.S.A. and Lieutenant Commander W. S. Campbell to the following: November 20-22, Barbadoes; November 23-28, Trinidad; November 29, Granada and St. Vincent; November 30-December 1, St. Lucia; December 2, Dominica; December 3-6, Antigua, including adjacent islands. The Mission will board the SAMPSON at Barbadoes. on November 20. (далад) Army-Navy Munitions Board: Preliminary discussion on priority of contracts was held in the Navy Department followed by a meeting of the joint board this afternoon. High Speed Tankers scheduled to be taken over by the Navy on December 1 from the Maritime Commission will re- main in service with the Standard Oil Company and the Keystone Oil Company during the winter months to supply winter heating requirements on the East Coast. These tankers, the ESSO ANNAPOLIS, ESSO NEW ORLEANS, ESSO RALEIGH, and MARKEY are similar to the CIMARRON in con- struction and speed, and are readily. convertible to Naval auxiliaries. They are subject to call by the Navy at any time on immediate notice. (seeaa)