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Report 39
NATIONAL WAR PROGRAM
MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT
December 31, 1943
Prepared by
Bureau of the Budget
Executive Office of the President
DECLASSIFIED
E.O. 11852. Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) and (E)
OMB letter, 11-27- 1.72
By SLR NARS Date JAN 22 1973
Report 39
NATIONAL WAR PROGRAM
MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT
December 31, 1943
Prepared by
Bureau of the Budget
Executive Office of the President
DECLASSIFIED
E.O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and S(D) and (E)
MB letter, 11-27-72
By SLR NARS Date JAN 2 2 1973
CONTENTS
Page
I. Summary
1
II. Aeronautical Program
2
III. Army
9
IV. Navy
15
V. Merchant Shipping
28
VI. Review of Production in Selected War Industries
31
VII. Stockpile and Public Purchases of Basic War Commodities
34
VIII. War Housing
36
IX. Agriculture and War Food Administration
37
X. Economic Stabilization Program
40
XI. War Finances
41
XII. Manpower
43
XIII. Administrative Developments
45
CHARTS
1. Monthly Acceptances of Military Airplanes
3
2. Army Air Forces Military Personnel
6
3. Army Military Personnel
13
4. Construction Progress on Battleships and Aircraft Carriers 18
5. Construction Progress on Aircraft Carriers, Escort
19
6. Construction Progress on Large and Heavy Cruisers
20
7. Construction Progress on Light Cruisers
21
8. Destroyers, Escort Vessels, and Submarines Construction
Program
22
9. Total Active Duty Strength of Navy, Marine Corps, and
Coast Guard
27
10. Gains and Losses of Merchant Ocean Vessels Available to
the United Nations
29
11. Deliveries of Ships by U.S. Merchant Shipbuilders
30
12. Status of Selected Critical and Strategic Materials
35
13. Receipts, Expenditures, and Public Debt
42
I. SUMMARY
Aircraft Production: 84.0 million pounds of military airframes were ao-
cepted in December, making & total of 742 million pounds for 1943. The
number of aircraft accepted in December totaled 8,802, of which 1,224
were four-engine bombers.
(Pages 2-3)
Army Air Forces: 23,817 first-line combat planes were on hand on December
31. Active duty personnel of the Army Air Forces totaled 2,383,000 on
December 1, and 83,500 were pilots.
(Pages 4-6)
Navy Aeronautical Program: The Navy had 15,349 combat airplanes on hand
on December 23. Navy and Marine Corps military aeronautical personnel
totaled 273,680 on December 1, and 36,184 were pilots.
(Pages 7-8)
Active Military Strengths:
Total All Classes
Date
Army
7,471,000
Dec. 31
Havy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard
2,910,000
Dec. 15
The Army reported 2,490,000 overseas
Dec. 31
(Pages 12-13, 26-27)
Selected Ordnance Production
October
November
Torpedoes, submarine
872
794
Medium tanks
1,245
1,186
Guns, 90mm antiaircraft
93
44
Guns, 155mm (field)
60
56
Carbines
411,357
530,245
(Pages 9-10, 25)
Navy Ship Construction: Preliminary reports indicate that 570 combatant
vessels were completed in 1943: 2 battleships, 15 aircraft carriers,
51 aircraft carrier escorts, 4 heavy cruisers, 7 light cruisers,
129 destroyers, 305 destroyer escorts, and 57 submarines.
(Pages 15-22)
Merchant Shipping: During 1943 the United Nations built 21.6 million dwt.
of merchant vessels, while losses reported were 5.4 million dwt. Decem-
ber gains were 2.4 million dwt. and losses 310,000 dwt.
(Pages 28-30)
2
II. AERONAUTICAL PROGRAM
December Aircraft Production
Preliminary reports indicate that 84 million pounds of airframes
(spares included, gliders excluded) were accepted in December, bringing
the total for 1943 to 742 million pounds - 19 percent below the 911 mil-
lion pounds scheduled last May for 1943. The weight accepted in December
increased 4 percent over November.
There were 8,802 military aircraft accepted in December, making a
total of 85,903 for 1943, as compared with 47,873 for 1942 and 116,525
scheduled for 1944. 1,224 four-engine bombers were accepted, including
35 B-29's. Two plants had initial acceptances of B-29's in December -
Bell at Atlanta and Martin at Omaha.
Aircraft Acceptances
Dec.
Total
Total
Scheduled
Type
1943
1942
1943
1944*
Bomber, 4-engine, long-
range
35
o
92
1,384
Bomber, 4-engine, other
1,189
2,618
9,524
14,885
Bomber, 2-engine
1,042
7,288
10,472
13,438
Bomber, 1-engine
923
2,768
9,380
12,094
Fighter
3,008
10,994
24,276
41,333
Reconnaissance
27
1,245
449
244
Total combat
6,224
24,913
54,193
83,378
Transport, 4-engine
18
70
183
961
Transport, 2- & 1-engine
746
1,910
7,090
10,214
Total tactical
6,988
26,893
61,466
94,553
Trainer
1,332
17,646
19,569
13,787
Liaison
460
3,149
4,358
4,060
Rotary wing
1
1
17
1,124
Target and drone
21
184
493
3,001
Grand total
8,802
47,873
85,903
116,525
*W-8 schedule as revised through December 30, 1943.
3
CHART I
MONTHLY ACCEPTANCES OF MILITARY AIRPLANES
WEIGHT
NUMBER
MILLION POUNDS
THOUSANDS
430
12
JAC
WORKING SCHEDULE, WHO
NOV.1943
125
10
SCHEDULE
/ Including Spares)
100
8
75
6
50
4
25
2
o
o
JFMAMJJASONDJFMAMJJASOND
JFMAMJJASONDJFMANJJASOND
1943
1944
1943
1944
BOMBERS
FIGHTERS
THOUSANDS
THOUSANDS
4
JAC
4
WORKING SCHEDULE, W-8
JAC
KEY
NOV. 1943
WORKING SCHEDULE, We
NOV.1943
18 E ENGINE
BOMBERS
4 ENGINE BOMBERS
3
3
2
2
I
-
o
o
#
d
F
J
d
A
o
D
JFMAMJJASONDJ
F
,
,
0
o
1943
1944
1943
1944
4
Army Air Forces
A. Airplanes. The number of airplanes of the AAF doubled during 1943,
reaching a total of 60,601. of these, 23,817 were first-line combat planes--
over 21 times as many as were on hand at the first of the year. Fifty per-
cent of the combat planes were overseas on December 31.
A.A.F. Airplane Inventories-January 1 and December 31, 1943
Bomber
Fighter
Trans-
Other
Total
Heavy
Medium
Light
port
January 1, 1943
1,996
1,628
641
4,453
1,297
20,321
30,336
Increase, 1943
5,098
2,140
458
6,875
5,169
10,525
30,265
Dec. 31, 1943
7,094
3,768
1,099
11,328
6,466
30,846
60,601
Airplanes of the Army Air Forces on Hand
Nov. 30, Dec. 31, and Gains and Losses in December
On Hand
December
On Hand
Net
Type
Nov. 30
Dec. 31
1943
Gains
Losses*
Gain
1943
Combat
Bomber, heavy, long-range
32
44
0
76
44
Bomber, heavy, other
6,225
1,173
380
7,018
793
Bomber, medium
3,530
435
197
3,768
238
Bomber, light
983
150
34
1,099
116
Fighter
10,402
1,617
691
11,328
926
Reconnaissance
393
163
28
528
135
Total combat
21,565
3,582
1,330
23,817
2,252
Transport
Heavy
424
48
23
449
25
Medium
2,564
182
61
2,685
121
Amphibian
29
0
O
29
O
Utility
3,121
228
46
3,303
182
Total transport
6,138
458
130
6,466
328
Total combat and transport
27,703
4,040
1,460
30,283
2,580
Trainers
25,819
681
449
26,051
232
Communications
3,989
356
78
4,267
278
Total, all types
57,511
5,077
1,987
60,601
3,090
"Includes losses from enemy action, conversion, etc.
5
B. Personnel of the Army Air Forces. The active duty strength of the
Army Air Forces, including personnel assigned from other services, totaled
2,383,370 on December 1 - an increase of 27,203 during November and 97 per-
cent of the requirements for the 273-group program by December 31, 1944.
Pilots on active duty were 70 percent of required strength by the end of 1944.
Active Duty Strength of the Army Air Forces, December 1, 1943
and Minimum requirements for 273 Groups by December 1944
Minimum
Requirements
Type of Personnel
Officers
Enlisted
Total
for
273 Groups
by Dec. 1944
Pilots (includes glider
and service)
81,841
1,628
83,469
118,736
Aviation cadets
-
115,515
115,515
84,382
Pre-aviation cadets
-
136,969
136,969
-
Bombardiers and navigators
28,565
435
29,000
41,611
Observers
636
-
636
887
Engineers
7,519
-
7,519
5,926
Mechanics
-
239,682
239,682
289,244
Armorers
-
60,577
60,577
83,005
Communications
4,019
-
4,019
6,265
Radio operators
-
42,561
42,561
76,040
Other, Army Air Corps
86,862
978,431
1,065,293
1,054,708
Total, Army Air Corps
209,442
1,575,798
1,785,240
1,760,804
Assigned from other
branches
56,188
541,942
598,130
706,157
Total, Army Air Forces
265,630
2,117,740
2,383,370
2,466,961
C. Flying Training. During November, 6,527 pilots were graduated from
advanced training. Since the beginning of the war emergency, a total of
88,568 pilots have completed advanced training.
CHART 2
6
ARMY AIR FORCES MILITARY PERSONNEL
(INCLUDES PERSONNEL ASSIGNED FROM THE ASF AND AGF)
I. TOTAL STRENGTH
OFFICERS, AVIATION CADETS AND ENLISTED MEN
OVERSEAS AND CONTINENTAL U.S. STRENGTH
MILLIONS
MILLIONS
3
3
2,00
2.38
2
2
ENLISTED MEN
CONTINENTAL U.S.
I
I
67
38
AVIATION CADETS
OVERSEAS
27
OFFICERS
o
o
JFMAMJJASONDJFMAMJJASOND
1943
1944
1943
1944
2. PILOTS AND PILOT TRAINING
COMBAT, SERVICE, AND GLIDER PILOTS
GRADUATES OF ADVANCED PILOT TRAINING
THOUSANDS
THOUSANDS
150
9
SCHEDULE
8.350
100
6
50
3
o
o
#
o
,
A
A
5
o
5
0
#
0
o
1943
1944
1943
1944
7
Bureau of Aeronautics
A. Airplanes. On December 23, the Navy reported a total of 26,105
useful airplanes on hand. of these, 15,349 were tactical combat types -
an increase of 1,163 tactical combat planes since November 30.
Navy Airplanes on Hand, Nov. 30, Dec. 23, and
Acceptances and Losses, Dec. 1 to 23
On Hand
Dec. 1 to 23
On Hand
Type
Nov. 30
Accepted
Lost
Dec. 23
Tactical Combat
Fighter
4,678
733
144
5,267
Scout bomber
3,633
312
50
3,895
Torpedo bomber
2,093
172
53
2,212
Patrol bomber-boat
1,238
78
11
1,305
Bomber-landplane:
4-engine
307
9
8
308
2-engine
751
109
9
851
Observation scout
1,486
37
12
1,511
Subtotal
14,186
1,450
287
15,349
Tactical Non-Combat
Utility
551
24
1
574
Transport
777
17
2
792
Subtotal
1,328
41
3
1,366
Training
8,819
295
31
9,083
Total tactical
and training
24,333
1,786
321
25,798
Experimental and Misc.
297
17
7
307
Grand total
24,630
1,803
328
26,105
8
B. Personnel. The active duty strength of the Navy and Marine Corps
military aeronautical personnel was 273,680 on December 1, or 93 percent
of the requirement on December 31, 1943 of 293,076.
The number of aviation pilots on active duty on December 1 was
92 percent of required strength by December 31, 1943.
Navy and Marine Corps Active-Duty Military Aeronautical Personnel
December 1, 1943 and Requirements for December 31, 1943
Navy
Marine Corps
Total
Require-
Require-
Require-
ments
Actual
ments
Actual
ments
Actual
12-31-43
Dec. 1
12-31-43
Dec. 1
12-31-43
Dec. 1
Pilots
30,705
28,249
8,435
7,935
39,140
36,184
Other
Officers
24,395
24,565
3,084
3,360
27,479
27,925
Enlisted
147,457
135,984
79,000
73,587
226,457
209,571
Total
202,557
188,798
90,519
84,882
293,076
273,680
C. Pilot Training. From January 1, 1942 through November 12, 1943,
the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard commissioned 24,947 pilots -
1,477 since October 15.
Student pilots in training for heavier-than-air planes on Decem-
ber 1 totaled 43,410, and 9,883 of these were in the last stage of train-
ing prior to commissioning. The total is an increase of 975 over the
number in training on November 1.
9
III. ARMY
Status of 1943 Deliveries of Selected Critical Ordnance Materiel
(Includes International Aid and Havy Items Procured by Aray)
Undeliv-
ered
Jan. 1, 1943 to Dec. 1, 1943
Item
Nov.
Balance
in 1943
Percent of 1943 ASP*
Cumulative
A.S.P.*
0
25
50
75
100
Aircraft Gun**
20am
3,200
2,414
67,586
37m
850
2,745
6,387
175%
Antiairoraft Gun**
40m
825
735
12,708
90mm
44
E
3,431
Combat Vehicles
Light tanks
348
862
3,590
Medium tanks
1,186
1,140
20,175
Heavy Duty Truck
4 ton, 6 I 6
621
2,627
7,219
4-5 ton, 4 X 4
284
421
4,398
6 ton, 6 H 6
646
1,602
5,787
10 ton, 6 M 4
464
770
4,173
10 ton, 6 M 6
196
530
1,826
Artillery**
60 and 81mm mortar
2,174
1,558
22,111
75mm howitser (S.P.,
field, and pack)
290
62
3,894
105m howitzer (S.P.
and field)
391
155
5,360
155m howitser
170
62
1,304
155mm field gun
56
42
554
Small Arms
.30 cal. US rifle, MI
126,100
84,797
1,095,233
.30 & .303 cal. rifle
(all other U.S.)
141,840
268,932
1,492,876
.30 cal. carbine
530,245
578,775
2,439,732
.30 cal. machine gun
10,840
24,695
177,510
.50 cal. machine gun
59,208
58,635
587,086
*Arwy Supply Program as of November 30, 1943.
92%
**Proof firing may not be complete.
11 no. = 92% of year
#Cumulative production in excess of 1943 A.S.P. requirements.
10
Status of 1943 Deliveries of Selected Bombs and Ammunition
(Includes International Aid and Navy Items Procured by the Army)
Undeliv-
ered
Jan. 1, 1943 to Dec. 1, 1943
Item
Nov.
Balance
in 1943
Cumula-
Percent of 1943 ASP*
A.S.P.*
tive
0
25
50
75
100
Bombs
250 lb. G.P.
40,340
25,762
745,282
500 lb. G.P.
208,060
190,755
1,345,099
1,000 lb. G.P.
81,739
67,039
579,777
2,000 lb. G.P.
11,000
7,601
132,399
4,000 lb. G.P.
301
298
3,041
1,000 lb. semi-A.P.
4,044
18,376
281,624
1,600 lb. A.P.
1,011
1,374
9,564
Cluster, fragmentation
180,859
159,737
896,423
Fragmentation, para-
chute
302,130
418,413
528,587
Small Arms Ammunition
(Million rounds)
All .30 cal.
929
728
10,536
All .50 cal.
372
397
4,144
Aircraft Ammunition
(Thousand rounds)
For 20mm guns
16,056
9,471
159,376
For 37am guns
1,499
798
6,865
Antiaircraft Ammunition
(Thousand rounds)
For 40mm guns
2,720
2,128
23,473
For 90mm guns
635
1,847
2,904
Artillery Ammunition
(Thousand rounds)
For 60mm and 81mm
mortar
1,860
1,253
18,708
For 75mm field gun
1,919
3,293
14,812
For 75mm howitser
(pack and field)
1,189
2,945
8,344
For 105m howitser
1,990
4,247
12,619
For 155mm howitzer
174
126#
3,318
For 155m field gun
70
17#
1,426
*Army Supply Program as of November 30, 1943.
92%
#Cumulative production in excess of 1943 A.S.P. requirements.
(11 mo.)
11
War Construction Program by the Corps of Engineers
To December 1, the Office of the Chief of Engineers had authorized a
total of $10.7 billion for emergency projects under its War Construction
Program:
Construction in the United States
$10.0 billion
Construction outside the United States
.7 billion
Total
$10.7 billion
Status of War Construction Program - December 1, 1943
Estimated Cost
Work Actually in Place
Type of Facilities
Mil-
$ of
Vil-
Percent of Estimated Cost
lions
Total
lions
$ 0 25 50 75 100
War Construction Program
Air Force
$2,976
28%
$2,897
97%
Ground Force
2,710
25
2,684
99
Storage and shipping
961
9
941
98
Industrial
2,879
27
2,842
99
Outside U. S.
719
7
589
82
Other
431
4
420
97
Total, Dec. 1
10,676*
100%
10,373*
97
Total, Nov. 1
10,645*
10,237*
Increase
$31
$136
*Excluding Real Estate Program.
The status of the program of construction in the United States, covering
major projects only, on December 1 was as follows:
Status of Major Projects of the War Construction Program*
By Stages of Completion - December 1, 1943
Number of
Estimated
Stage of Completion
Percent of
Projects
Cost
Total Cost
Completed
1,974
$8,345,524,000
92.3%
Under construction
176
688,410,000
7.6
Not started
11
10,031,000
.1
Total
2,161
$9,043,965,000
100.0%
*Jobs of $500,000 and over.
12
ARMY MILITARY PERSONNEL
Military Personnel
PERSONNEL
1. Strength. The active duty strength of the Army increased about
2,138,000 during 1943. The estimated increase for December was 65,335,
bringing the total to 7,471,000 on December 31, 1943.
Distribution of the Army Active Duty Strength, by Class
November 30, December 31, and Increase
Class of Personnel
Nov. 30
Dec. 31
December
Actual
Estimated
Increase
Commissioned officers
609,836
616,136
6,300
Warrant and flight officers
25,736
25,965
229
Enlisted men and selectees
6,676,669
6,734,866
58,197
W.A.C.
56,945
57,367
422
Subtotal
7,369,186
7,434,334
65,148
Army Nurse Corps
36,479
36,666
187
Total
7,405,665
7,471,000
65,335
During December, the Army active duty strength overseas increased
179,188 to a total of 2,490,307 or 33 percent of the total Army strength.
Disposition of Army Active Duty Military Personnel
By Assignment - November 30, December 31, and Increase
Assignment of Personnel
Nov. 30
Dec. 31
December
Actual
Estimated
Increase
Army Ground Forces in U.S.
1,840,419
1,757,431
-82,988
Army Air Forces in U.S.
1,631,631
1,559,903
-71,728
Army Service Forces in U.S.
1,276,483
1,220,361
-56,122
In defense commands in U.S.
165,899
165,899
0
In staging areas
123,401
133,597
10,196
In ships
56,713
143,502
86,789
Overseas
2,311,119
2,490,307
179,188
Total
7,405,665
7,471,000
65,335
On December 31, the total active duty military personnel was distri-
buted as follows: Ground Forces, 3,081,989 or 41 percent; Air Forces,
2,291,431 or 31 percent; and Service Forces, 2,097,580 or 28 percent.
13
CHART 3
ARMY MILITARY PERSONNEL
OFFICERS AND ENLISTED PERSONNEL
WILLIONS OF MEN
8
7.47
6
4
ENLISTED
2
68
OFFICERS
0
di
a
o
1940
1941
1942
1943
1944
PERSONNEL IN U.S. AND OVERSEAS
MILLIONS OF MEN
8
7.47
6
IN U.S. AND
EN ROUTE OVERSEAS
4
2.49
2
OVERSEAS
0
o
1940
1941
1942
1943
1944
14
B. Casualties. To December 1, 96,686 battle casualties have been
reported by the Army - 13,472 or 14 percent were officers.
Battle Casualties Reported
Dec. 7, 1941 Through Nov. 30, 1943
Total to
November
Nov. 30
Increase
Killed*
15,334
2,298
Wounded
35,049
4,531
Missing
23,725
-1,002
Prisoner of war
22,578
1,699
Total
96,686
7,526
*Includes deaths from wounds.
C. Separations and Transfers. Physical disqualifications accounted
for 78,075 separations from the enlisted ranks of the Army during October.
Total deaths, separations, and transfers for the month were 91,296 as com-
pared with 103,933 in September.
Enlisted Personnel Deaths, Separations, and Transfers for October 1943
(Based on Number of Cases Completely Processed)
Air Corps
Infantry
Other
Total*
Casualties:
Battle
2,029
1,460
446
3,935
Other
407
147
447
1,001
Retirement
16
23
115
154
Honorable Discharge:
Physical disqualification
10,014
16,794
51,267
78,075
Over 38 years of age
397
103
1,532
2,032
Deportant to national
interest
245
243
752
1,240
Other discharges
309
388
1,447
2,144
Under conditions other than
honorable
287
476
1,553
2,316
Dishonorable discharge
0
0
399
399
Total
13,704
19,634
57,958
91,296
"Includes 2,078 transfers to inactive status.
15
IV. NAVY
Preliminary Summary of 1943 Accomplishments
The total of 3,800,000 tons of all types of naval vessels completed
in 1943 was about 21 times that of 1942. This sharp increase was reali-
sed even though there were several shifts of emphasis in the program as
to types of vessels. At the beginning of the year much emphasis was
being placed on the Destroyer Escort Program, but later this program was
reduced to make way for additional landing craft. In addition, mine and
patrol craft programs were cut back. However, in July additional com-
batant tonnage of 1,900,000 was authorised.
Combatant Vessels: During the year, the production of combatant
ships totaled over 1,590,000 tons-nearly three times that of 1942 and
greater than the tonnage on hand at the beginning of the defense program.
Included in the year's production were two 45,000-ton battleships, the
IOWA and the NEW JERSEY; six 27,100-ton ESSEX-class aircraft carriers;
nine 11,000-ton INDEPENDENCE-class carriers; and 51 "baby flat-tops",
aircraft carrier escorts.
Preliminary Statement of Completions of Combatant Vessels, 1943
2 - 45,000 ton battleships
7 - Light cruisers
6 - 27,100 ton carriers
129 - Destroyers
9 - 11,000 ton carriers
305 - Destroyer escorts
51 - "Baby flat-tope"
57 - Submarines
4 - Heavy cruisers
570 Total
Patrol and mine craft completions totaled 1,090 units, including
286 motor torpedo boats - an increase of 51 percent over 1942.
Auxiliary vessels completed in 1943 totaled 390 vessels aggregating
940,000 tons-almost twice the number and half again the tomage of 1942.
16
Landing craft: Over 16,000 landing ships were completed in 1943, in
addition to 5,600 rubber boats, 7,600 other small boats, and 500 district
craft.
Aircraft production under Navy cognizance for 1943 reached 23,400 air-
planes as compared with 9,796 in 1942, an increase of 139 percent. of these,
20,385 were for its own use. Dn terms of total airframe weight, the increase
is even more striking-143 million pounds, excluding weight of spare parts,
as against 40 million, or 258 percent. On July 1, 1940 Navy air strength
was 1,744 planes, of which 1,197 were combat; by December 31, 1943 it was
approximately 26,000 planes, of which about 15,350 were combat.
Ordnance production amounted to $2.1 billion in value compared with
#893 million in 1942-135% increase. Percentage increases of selected
items were: antiaircraft guns, 79%; antiaircraft ammunition, 191%; surface-
fire ammunition, 374%. The value of monthly production rose from $133
million in January 1943 to about $220 million in December. Some notable
production increases were: 5"/38 Mk 37 merchant-type assemblies, from 27
in January to 125 in December or 363%; torpedoes, from 633 in January to
approximately 2,000 in December or 216%; high capacity ammunition, from
9,000 rounds in January to 50,000 in December or 456%.
Active military personnel of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard
increased 81 percent from 1,638,000 at the end of 1942 to 2,969,000 on
December 31, 1943. This increase was distributed as follows: Navy
1,129,000, Marine Corps 171,000, and Coast Guard 31,000.
Aviation cadet pilots numbering 20,550 were trained and added to the
Navy and Marine Corps during 1943 - an increase of 9,770 over the number
trained in 1942.
17
Status of Construction of Selected Naval Vessels
of 1,015 combatant vessels on order on December 20, 19 percent had
been Launched, 23 percent were on the ways, and 58 percent had not been
placed on the ways.
Status of Construction of Selected Naval Vessels, Dec. 20, 1943
(Includes Land-Lease Vessels)
New Construction on Order
Con-
Type
Not Yet
Launch-
Add'l
On
vert-
on Ways
Ways
ed
Total
Auth.
ing
Combatant Vessels:
Battleships
2
1
1
1s
0
o
Aircraft carrier
11
12
1
24
0
0
Aircraft carrier, escort
11
4
7
22
33
O
Large cruiser
0
1
2
3
0
0
Heavy cruiser
15
10
0
25
0
o
Light cruiser
24
16
5
45
0
o
Destroyer
153
41
32
226
0
0
Destroyer escort
209
97
115
421
0
0
Submarine
167
48
30
245
0
o
Total combatant
592
230
193
1,015
33
o
Patrol craft
96
117
184
397
82
o
Mine craft
69
83
105
257
0
o
Auxiliaries
120
74
90
284
339
170
Landing force vessels*
1,043
79
40
1,162
0
12
*LST, LSD, and LCI(L)
18
CHART 4
CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS
ON BATTLESHIPS AND AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
PROGRESS JULY I, 1940 TO NOVEMBER 1,1943
PROGRESS FOR NOVEMBER 1943
Estimated
PERCENT OF COMPLETION
Keel
TYPE AND NAME
Completion
Leid
Date
o
20
40
60
80
100
BATTLESHIPS
NORTH CAROLINA
10-27-37
7-31-41
WASHINGTON
6-14-38
7-31-41
SOUTH CAROLINA
7-15-29
3-20-42
INDIANA
11-20-39
4-30-42
MASSACHUSETTS
7-20-19
5-15-42
ALABAMA
2-1-40
0-16-42
IOWA
1-27-40
1-28-13
NEW JERSEY
9-11-40
6-30-43
MISSOURI
1-6-41
7-24-44
WISCONSIN
1-25-41
5-31-54
ILLINOIS
2-1-44
7-31-46
KENTUCKY
8-15-14
6-30-46
MONTANA
WORK SUSPENDED
OHIO
WORK SUSPENDED
MAINE
WORK SUSPENDED
NEW HAMPSHIRE
WORK SUSPENDED
LOUISIANA
WORK SUSPENDED
AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
HORNET
9-25-39
10-20-41
ESSEX
4-28-41
12-30-42
YORKTOWN
12-1-41
4-15-43
LEXINGTON
7-15-41
2-17-43
BONKER HILL
9-15-41
5-24-43
INDEPENDENCE
1-14-43
2-25-43
PRINCETON
8-2-41
2-25-43
BELLEAU WOOD
8-11-41
3-30-43
COMPENS
11-17-41
5-28-43
MONTEREY
12-29-41
6-17-43
LANGLEY
4-11-42
8-31-43
INTREPIO
12-1-41
8-16-43
CABOT
2-16-42
7-24-43
BATAAN
8-31-42
11-17-43
WASP
3-18-42
11-23-43
HORNET
1-1-12
11-29-43
SAN JACINTO
10-26-42
12-15-43
FRANKLIN
12-7-42
1-21-44
TICONDEROSA
2-1-43
6-1-44
RANDALPH
5-10-43
11-15-44
HANCOCK
1-26-43
1-1-41
BENNINGTON
12-15-42
9-15-44
BOXER
9-13-43
3-1-45
BON HOMME RICHARD
2-1-43
12-1-44
CROWN POINT
2-21-40
7-14-41
KEARSARGE
1-1-94
12-31-45
ORISKANY
5-1-99
3-1-46
REPRISAL
7-1-44
5-1-46
ANTIETAM
3-15-43
2-1-45
VALLEY FORGE
8-14-13
12-31-45
SHANGRI-LA
1-15-43
11-1-44
LAKE CHAMPLAIN
3-15-43
12-31-44
CV 40
1-1-41
12-1-45
CVB41
10-27-43
0-15-15
I
CVB42
12-1-43
10-1-45
CV843
1-1-11
7-20-46
CV 45
7-4-11
1-28-46
CV 46
10-2-14
2-1-46
CV 47
1-2-45
7-1-48
CVL48
1-1-44
12-30-45
CVL49
7-1-44
1- 1-46
CHART 5
19
CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS ON AIRCRAFT CARRIERS, ESCORT
PROGRESS JULY 1,1940 TO DECEMBER 1,1943
NUMBER
IN
PERCENT OF COMPLETION
PROGRAM
o
20
40
60
80
100
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
CONTRACT F 2e 12 VESSELS AMANDED " 4697 vite 12
PROCEFTY REPORTED.
80
90
100
36 ADDITIONAL VESSELS NEING CONSTRUCTED OF COR-
VENTED ST THE MARITINE COMMISSION. PROGRESS ON
THESE 15 NOT REPORTED type vin " SAVY
110
120
CHART 6
20
CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS
ON LARGE AND HEAVY CRUISERS
PROGRESS JULY 1,1940 TO NOVEMBER 1,1943
PROGRESS FOR NOVEMBER 1943
Estimated
Keel
PERCENT OF COMPLETION
TYPE AND NAME
Laid
Completion
Date
o
20
40
60
80
100
LARGE CRUISERS
ALASKA
12-17-41
GUAM
2-2-42
7-15-44
HAWAII
12-20-43
12- 1-45
PHILIPPINES
WORK SUSPENDED
PUERTO RICO
WORK SUSPENDED
SAMOA
WORK SUSPENDED
HEAVY CRUISERS
BALTIMORE
5-26-41
4-15-43
BOSTON
6-30-41
6-30-43
CANBERRA
9-3-41
10-14-43
QUINCY
10-9-41
12-15-43
PITTSBURGH
2-3-43
7-15-44
ST. PAUL
2-3-43
10-15-44
COLUMBUS
6-28-43
3-15-45
DES MOINES
9-9-43
5-1-45
OREGON CITY
3-15-94
7-15-45
il
ALBANY
5-1-44
8-1-45
ROCHESTER
5-15-44
8-15-45
NORTHAMPTON
1.1.44
9-1-15
CAMBRIDGE
1-1-44
9-15-15
CA127
8-15-44
11-1-45
IIIII
KANSAS CITY
10-1-44
12-1-45
CA129
11-15-44
12-30-45
BREMERTON
2-1-43
12-15-44
CAI31
4-12-43
12-28-44
0A132
(-14-4)
2-15-45
TOLEDO
9-13-43
1.1.45
CA134
5-15-45
8-30-46
LOS ANGELES
7-28-43
12-31-44
CHICAGO
7-28-43
2-1-45
CA137
3-15-44
10-31-45
CA138
3-15-44
3-31-46
CA139
7-1-46
3-11-45
CA140
7-15-46
4-1-45
CA141
7-31-46
4-15-45
CA142
8-15-46
5-1-45
21
CHART 7
CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS ON LIGHT CRUISERS
PROGRESS JULY 1, 1940 TO NOVEMBER 1,1943
PROGRESS FOR NOVEMBER 1943
Estimated
PERCENT OF COMPLETION
Keel
TYPE AND NAME
Completion
Leid
Date
o
20
40
60
80
100
LIGHT CRUISERS
6000 TONS
ATLANTA
4-22-46
12-29-41
JUNEAU
1-27-40
2-11-42
SAN DIEGO
3-27-40
1-10-42
SAN JUAN
5-15-40
2-24-42
OAKLAND
Telled)
7-17-13
RENO
1.1.11
12-24-43
FLINT
10-23-42
10-1-11
TUCSON
12-23-42
12-1-11
JUNEAU
9-15-15
11-10-25
SPOKANE
11-15-44
FRESNO
1-11-45
3-15-46
LIGHT CRUISERS
10,000 TONS
CLEVELAND
COLUMBIA
9-19-10
7-15-42
MONTPELIER
12-2-40
1-1-1,
DENVER
12-25-40
10-13-12
SANTA FE
(+ 744)
11-24-42
BIRMINGHAM
2-17-41
1-29-13
MOBILE
4-14-41
3-24-43
BILOXI
7-9-41
8-31-43
PASADENA
2-1-43
6-1-44
SPRINGFIELD
2-13-43
8-15-44
TOPEKA
4-21-43
10-1-44
VINCENNES
1-17-14
HOUSTON
Initial
11-20-43
PROVIDENCE
7-27-43
12-30-44
MANCHESTER
1-1-41
VICKSBURG
10-26-42
1-1-44
DULUTH
11-9-42
1-1-44
MIAMI
8-2-41
12-25-43
ASTORIA
9-6-41
OKLAHOMA CITY
12-
10-16-44
LITTLE ROCK
1-6-43
4-2-45
GALVESTON
2-28-46
11-1-45
YOUNGSTOWN
5-29-44
2-1-46
AMSTERDAM
1-1-41
10-14-44
PORTSMOUTH
6-28-43
12-30-44
WILKES-BARRE
12-14-42
1.13.44
ATLANTA
1-25-42
8-15-14
DAYTON
1-1-13
9-15-14
FARGO
5-23-43
3-15-45
HUNTINGTON
10-1-19
<-15-45
NEWARK
1.1.00
7-1-45
NEW HAVEN
2-1-44
3-1-45
BUFFALO
3-1-94
10-1-45
WILMINGTON
8-1-14
2-1-48
VALLEJO
9-15-94
4.1.46
HELENA
11-1-94
5-1-48
CLI14
11-1-14
6-1-46
CLIIS
1-1-45
7-8-46
TALLAHASSEE
12-20-43
5-15-45
CHEYENNE
1-21-44
0-15-45
NORFOLK
1-1-11
10-15-45
CL143
2-15-45
8-15-46
CL144
1-1-11
9-15-46
CLI45
6-15-45
12-1-46
CLI46
1-1-15
2-1-47
CL147
10-8-41
3-30-47
CLI48
3-5-45
7-1-46
CL149
6-4-15
10- 1-46
CHART 8
22
DESTROYERS, ESCORT VESSELS AND SUBMARINES
CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM
DECEMBER I, 1943
DESTROYERS
NUMBER
o
100
200
300
400
500
TOTAL IN PROGRAM
458
COMPLETED SINCE JULY 1,1940
124
UNDER CONSTRUCTION, TOTAL
140
BY STAGES OF COMPLETION
80% 99%
20
601 79%
14
40% 59%
17
BR
20% 39%
es
0%- 19%
"
CONTRACTS AWARDED, NO PROGRESS
94
AUTHORIZED, NO CONTRACT
o
ESCORT VESSELS
NUMBER
o
200
400
600
800
1000
TOTAL IN PROGRAM *
700
COMPLETED SINCE JULY 1,1940
257
UNDER CONSTRUCTION, TOTAL
330
BY STAGES OF COMPLETION
80% 99%
33
60% - 79%
42
40% 59%
57
20% 39%
48
0 % - 19%
150
CONTRACTS AWARDED, NO PROGRESS
113
AUTHORIZED, NO CONTRACT
o
SUBMARINES
NUMBER
0
100
200
300
400
TOTAL IN PROGRAM
346
COMPLETED SINCE JULY 1,1940
100
UNDER CONSTRUCTION, TOTAL
118
BY STAGES OF COMPLETION
80% - 99%
18
60% - 79%
12
40% - 59%
14
20% - 39%
17
0%-19%
57
CONTRACTS AWARDED, NO PROGRESS
128
AUTHORIZED, NO CONTRACT
o
* 205 VESSELS WERE CANCELED in SEPTEMBER AND AN ADDITIONAL 100 SINCE OCTOBER 1,
23
Change in Vessels on Hand Since June 30, 1940
The number of combatant vessels of the Navy on December 20 had in-
creased 468 since June 30, 1940 to a total of 851. These figures reflect
only publicly announced losses.
Selected Naval Vessels on Hand June 30, 1940 and December 20, 1943
(Includes Lend-Lease Vessels and Conversions)
Publicly
On
New
Announced
On
Net
Type
Hand
Comple-
Losses,
Hand
Gain
June 30
tions
Transfers,
Dec. 20
or
1940
& Reclassi-
1943
Loss
fications
Combatant Vessels:
Battleship
15
8
1
22
7
Aircraft carrier
6
17
4
19
13
Aircraft carrier, escort
0
65
32
33
33
Heavy cruiser
18
4
6
16
-2
Light cruiser
19
14
3
30
11
Destroyer
225
232
124*
333
108
Destroyer escort
0
279
58
221
221
Submarine
100
102
25
177
77
Total combatant
383
721
253
851
468
Patrol craft
36
1,259
228
1,067
1,031
Mine craft
36
765
254
547
511
Auxiliaries
138
670
164
644
506
Landing force vessels**
0
842
273
569
569
*9 reclassifications and 5 announced sinkings caused net reduction of 4
since last month's report.
**LST, LSD, and LCI(L)
24
Analysis of Losses, Transfers, and Reclassifications
Seventy-one combatant vessels have been announced as lost by the
Navy, 158 vessels transferred, and 47 vessels reclassified through Decem-
ber 31, 1943. In addition, during January the destroyer TURNER and the
submarine POMPANO were reported lost.
Publicly Announced Losses, Transfers, and Reclassifications
July 1, 1940 through December 31, 1943
Trans-
Reclassi-
Type
Lost
ferred
fied
Total
Combatant Vessels:
Battleship
1
o
o
1
Aircraft carrier
4
o
o
4
Aircraft carrier, escort
1
33
0
34
Heavy cruiser
6
o
o
6
Light cruiser
3
o
0
3
Destroyer
39
50
46
135
Destroyer escort
0
66
0
66
Submarine
17
9
1
27
Total combatant
71
158
47
276
Other Vessels:
Patrol craft
52
181
27
260
Mine craft
12
183
61
256
Auxiliaries
44
79
92
215
Landing craft*
10
252
13
275
Total other
118
695
193
1,006
Grand total
189
853
240
1,282
*LST, ISD, and LCI(L)
25
Production of Naval Ordnance Materiel
The following table shows the deliveries of selected ordnance materiel
for 1943 through November:
Deliveries of Selected Ordnance Materiel for 1943 Through November
(Includes Defense Aid and Army Items Procured by the Navy)
Scheduled
Item
October
Jan. 1 to
November
Production
(Revised)
Dec. 1
1943
Torpedoes*
Surface craft
129
205
385
612
Submarine
872
794
7,120
1/8,153
Aircraft
718
855
5,856
1/6,623
Surface Fire Guns
Heavy, 12" & 16"-turret
0
1
5
7
Medium, 8" & 6"-turret
1
9
38
45
Light, 4"
6
2
48
58
Antiaircraft Guns
Heavy, 3" & 5"-mounted
barrel
818
771
7,711
8,482
Light, 40mm and 20mm,
mounted barrel
5,078
4,704
50,639
55,864
Fire Control Equipment
Gun directors
304
330
3,288
3,621
Radar fire control
162
66
824
927
Gun sights, MK 14
2,796
2,192
20,861
23,461
Ammunition
Heavy surface fire
4,210
4,871
33,687
37,037
Medium surface fire
31,731
52,220
292,731
335,481
Light surface fire
509M
490M
3,350M
3,954M
Antiaircraft:
Heavy
499M
612M
5,056M
5,731M
Light:
20mm
38,787M
37,847M
430,531M
468,631M
40mm
3,224M
3,775M
27,03IM
30,231M
1:1
302M
316M
6,563M
6,838M
M = 1,000 rounds.
*Turned into store.
1/ Data on the British type torpedo have been omitted this month, and
the previous month's figures have been adjusted accordingly.
26
Personnel
The active duty strength of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard
increased from 2,798,885 on November 15 to 2,909,723 on December 15, an
increase of 110,838. of the total on December 15, 565,405 were regulars,
2,284,095 male reserves, and 60,223 female reserves.
Strength of the Naval Services, Nov. 15 and Dec. 15, 1943
Marine
Coast
Navy
Corps
Guard
Total
Officers
222,068*
27,734
10,338
260,140
Officer candidates
123,694
10,786
1,551
136,031
Enlisted personnel
1,994,436
359,232
159,884
2,513,552
Total, Dec. 15
2,340,198
397,752
171,773
2,909,723
Total, Nov. 15
2,244,270
384,632
169,983
2,798,885
Increase
95,928
13,120
1,790
110,838
Percent incr.
4.27%
3.41%
1.05%
3.96%
*Includes 7,076 nurses.
Note: Strengths approved by the President are:
Navy
2,912,000 by Dec. 31, 1944
Marine Corps
478,000 by Jan. 1, 1944
Coast Guard
174,000 by Jan. 1, 1944
CHART 9
27
TOTAL ACTIVE DUTY STRENGTH
OF NAVY, MARINE CORPS AND COAST GUARD
OFFICERS, OFFICER CANDIDATES, ENLISTED PERSONNEL, & NURSES
MILLIONS OF MEN
3.5
3.0
2.91
2.74
2.5
2.34
2.0
COAST GUARD
1.5
MARINE CORPS
1.0
.5
NAVY
o
J
o
F
A
o
0
1940
1941
1942
1943
1944
28
V. MERCHANT SHIPPING
Gains and Losses, United Nations
In 1943 the United Nations constructed 21.6 million dwt. of merchant
vessels, as against reported losses of 5.4 million dwt. During December
the increase was 2.4 million dwt., while reported losses were 310,000 dwt.
From December 1, 1941 through December 31, 1943, 32.4 million dwt. were
constructed, as compared with losses of 17.8 million dwt. - a net gain
of 14.6 million dwt.
Gains and Losses of United Nations' Merchant Vessels
Reported Dec. 1, 1941 Through Dec. 31, 1943
(000 Dwt.)
Dec. 1, 1941
Total
Through
Nov.
Dec.
to
Oct. 31, 1943
Dec. 31
Gains
28,155
1,915
2,370
32,440
Losses
17,305
172
310
17,787
Net gains
10,850
1,743
2,060
14,653
Merchant Ship Deliveries by U.S. Shipbuilders
During 1943, U.S. shipbuilders delivered 18.5 million dwt. of mer-
chant vessels - 98 percent of the 18.9 million dwt. programmed for the
year. The December deliveries were 171 vessels totaling 1,960,013 dwt.,
as compared with November's 137 vessels at 1,576,938 dwt.
Marchant Ship Deliveries by U.S. Shipyards
December
Total for 1943
Type
Number
Dwt.
Number
Dwt.
Dry carge
136
1,449,559
1,408
15,041,658
Tanker
35
510,454
231
3,448,794
Total
171
1,960,013
1,639
18,490,452
CHART 10
GAINS AND LOSSES OF MERCHANT OCEAN VESSELS
AVAILABLE TO THE UNITED NATIONS*
MILLIONS
CUMULATIVE GAINS AND LOSSES SINCE DECEMBER I, 1941
DEADWEIGHT TONS
50
40
32.4
30
20
17.8
10
LOSSES
GAINS
o
o
J
F
M
&
3
J
J
A
5
o
N
D
J
F
M
A
M
,
-
a
5
o
.
0
A
F
.
&
3
J
,
A
5
o
N
o
1942
1943
1944
THOUSANDS
MONTHLY GAINS AND LOSSES
DEADWEIGHT TONS
2500
KEY
GAINS
2000
LOSSES
1500
1000
500
o
D J , - A M J J A 0 . D , F M A J J A 9 0 0 . F . A . . # A . o .
D
1942
1943
1944
*
REGISTING WITH AGGUST 1943. MEDCHANT FESSELS COMMISSIONED FOR
MILITARY SERVICE are INCLUDED. LESSES ⑉ ⑉ a NOTIFICATION BASIS,
SOURCE WEEKLY REPORT OF THE COMBINED SHIPPING ADJUSTMENT BOARD
CHART II
30
DELIVERIES OF SHIPS BY U.S. MERCHANT SHIPBUILDERS
THOUSANDS
DEADWEIGHT TONS
I. DRY CARGO VESSELS (MAJOR TYPES)
ACTUAL TOTAL 6,921,856
ACTUAL TOTAL 14,895,833
SCHEDULED TOTAL 14,931,647
1600
1400
LEGEND
ACTUAL
SCHEDULED
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
o
4 F M A M J J A 9 o N D J F M A M J J A 5 o - 0 , F . A . , . A $ o M o
1942
1943
1944
THOUSANDS
2. TANKERS (MAJOR TYPES )
DEADWEIGHT TONS
ACTUAL TOTAL 998,159
ACTUAL TOTAL 3,443,624
SCHEDULED TOTAL 4,955,701
600
400
200
o
, F M A M d J A 5 o M D J F M A M , J ASONDJFMAMJJASOND
1942
1943
1944
THOUSANDS
3. MILITARY TYPES
DEADWEIGHT TONS
ACTUAL TOTAL 63,421
ACTUAL TOTAL 326,662
SCHEDULED TOTAL 454,382
60
66.5
40
20
o
J F M A M a J A 9 o 0 F - A M . . A o D di F - & # . A $ o . D
1942
1943
1944
SOURCE: MARITIME COMMISSION-SCHEDULE AS OF 8-31-43
31
VI. REVIEW OF PRODUCTION IN SELECTED WAR INDUSTRIES
(By the War Projects Unit of the Bureau of the Budget)
This review indicates that: (1) synthetic rubber output was retarded
considerably during 1943 for the principal type, Buna-S, because of short-
age of butadiene; (2) magnesium fabrication production difficulties have
now been overcome and output is up to schedule; (3) supply of most of the
principal nonferrous metals appears likely to exceed requirements during
1944.
Synthetic Rubber
The total new supply of synthetic rubber for 1943 is now estimated at
233,000 tons, as compared with 254,000 forecast in our August report.
This will be supplemented by new supplies of crude rubber amounting to
60,000 tons. Requirements for 1943 have been materially lowered. They
are now estimated at 531,000 tons, compared with 609,000 previously re-
ported. This reduction in requirements will provide a somewhat better
stock position on January 1, 1944 than was previously forecast. Total
stocks will amount to 205,000 tons. For 1944, synthetic production is
optimistically forecast at 818,000 tons, with crude imports estimated at
81,000 tons. Requirements for 1944 total 953,000 tons of synthetic and
crude, leaving a balance of only 151,000 tons for carry-over into 1945.
In the August report, a considerable lag in production of Buna-S
rubber during 1943 was forecast because of a shortage of its principal
component, butadiene. Revised estimates recently made by the Rubber
Director indicate that the 1943 production of Buna-S will amount to 183,000
long tons as compared with an estimate in May of 218,000 long tons - a
reduction of 16 percent.
During 1943 butadiens production came chiefly from those plants using
an alcohol base rather than from those using a petroleum base. The alco-
hol plants were operated in November at 136 percent of rated capacity,
and for the year furnished 82 percent of the total supply of butadiene.
Most of the remainder came from the conventional petroleum plants. Those
plants planned for quick production by conversion of refineries (under a
program of the Petroleum Administrator for War) supplied only 3 percent
of the 1943 output. Depairment of Buna-S production through the lack of
butadiens has been most serious in the Pacific Coast area, although this
region contributes a minor portion of the total Buna-S program.
Production of styrens, the other major Buna-S component, is satis-
factory, with plants running below their capacity through lack of demand.
32
of the other types of synthetic rubber, butyl has had very little produc-
tion to date, and the production difficulties are still serious. Neoprene
production is up to schedule.
Magnesium Fabrication Plants
Facilities for magnesium fabrication were reviewed in the July report.
Construction is now essentially complete, and the estimated available
capacity in October 1943 was 87 percent of the maximum capacity.
Magnesium ingot continues to accumulate at the rate of about 5 mil-
lion pounds per month. The stockpile on November 1, 1943 was 76 million
pounds, a three-months' supply at the October rate of use.
Operations in the fabricating plants are now very satisfactory, with
previous difficulties generally overcome. A comparison of current capa-
city, production, and requirements, with peak requirements and capacity
for the main types of fabrication, is shown below:
Magnesium Fabrication Performance
(Millions of Pounds per Month)
Peak Production
Performance, October 1944
Type of Product
Actual
Available
Required
Capacity
Required
Production
Capacity
Sand castings
)
15.38
8.07
6.33
12.11
Bomb castings
)
3
9.56
8.59
9.87
8.93
Other mold castings
.70
.36
.59
Die castings
)
24.96
.65
.32
.25
.50
Forgings
5
.16
.10
.03
.09
Extrusions
)
.45
.13
.18
.43
Strip and sheet
5
.81
.26
.12
.75
Powder
1.19
2.41
2.20
2.12
2.32
Total
26.15*
29.42*
20.37
19.26
25.72
* Advanced 5 million pounds per month over April 1943 estimate.
In 1943, 74 million pounds of fabricated magnesium, or 30 percent of
the total fabricated, were required for aircraft. In 1944, 119 million
pounds, or nearly 35 percent of the total requirements, will go into air-
craft. WPB established requirements, by uses, are shown on the following
page.
33
Estimated Distribution of Magnesium Requirements
For 1943 and 1944, by Use
Magnesium Requirements (Millions of Pounds)
Use
1943*
1944
Amount
Percent
Amount
Percent
Aircraft
74.4
30.5
119.2
34.0
Non-Aircraft:
Army
77.7
31.9
151.5
43.2
Navy
4.4
1.7
5.5
1.6
Export
66.8
27.4
37.7
10.8
Other
20.7
8.5
36.3
10.4
Total
244.0
100.0
350.2
100.0
*Includes nine months actual.
Principal Nonferrous Metals
A review of the supply and requirements of the six principal non-
ferrous metals-aluminum, magnesium, copper, sinc, lead, and tin-for 1943
and 1944 shows that a considerable volume of reserve stocks is accruing
and will increase in 1944 (particularly for aluminum, copper, and sinc)
under present estimates of production and forecasts of demand. The follow-
ing table summarizes the position in supply and requirements for these
metals for 1944:
Supply and Requirements for 1944 of Selected Nonferrous Metals
Aluminum
Magnesium
Copper
Zine
Lead
Tin
(Million pounds)
(Thousand tons)
Stocks Jan. 1, 1944
Working
680
40
604
397
236
31
Reserves
580
65
166
321
255
94
Total
1,260
105
770
718
491
125
New Supply, 1944
3,372
498
3,588
1,309
1,090
73
Requirements, 1944
3,038
467
3,444
1,030
1,130
86
Stocks Dec. 31, +44
Working
769
50
654
397
161
31
Reserves
825
86
260
600
290
81
Total stocks
1,594
136
914
997
451
112
In the light metals, additional margins of reserves appear possible
through further reduction in estimates of 1944 requirements. In copper,
further reduction in the ammunition program is expected to make available
additional reserve stocks. There exists a large unsatisfied demand for
copper in the form of wire for military needs, for Russian lend-lease and
for domestic comunication services. In sinc, some curtailment in- high-
cost domestic production appears feasible. Requirements for 1944 in these
nonferrous metal programs are under further review.
34
STATUS OF SELECTED CRITICAL AND STRATEGIC MATERIALS
VII. STOCKPILE AND PUBLIC PURCHASES OF BASIC WAR COMMODITIES
Strategic and critical materials are purchased by the Government:
(1) for stockpiles to be used only in case of an emergency with respect to
the specific items concerned; (2) for stockpiles to be released only by
WPB; and (3) for resale to industry currently upon receipt. The following
table shows the status of selected items as of December 15, 1943:
Status of Selected Stockpile Commodities - December 15, 1943
Recom-
Percent of Purchase Program
Unit
mended
Stockpile
Inventory
Inventory
Commodity
of
Purchase
Inventory
Increase
Increase
Measure
Program
Dec. 15
Since
Since Pearl
1943
Nov. 15
Harbor
Alcohol
1,000 gal.
185,000
23%
-8%
23%
Antimony, metal
Tons
25,914
49
0
18
Chrome ore
1,000 l.t.
2,250
35
2
22
Diamond dies
Dies
60,000
14
0
8
Manganese ore
1,000 l.t.
3,900
24
3
12
Manila fiber
1,000 bales
2,037
2
-1
-6
Mercury
Flasks
77,500
88
7
82
Mica
Tons
16,995
67
o
51
Nickel, content
of matte
Tons
1/15,000
o
o
o
Nitrate of soda
1,000 tons
2,100
0
-1
Opium
1,000 lbs.
640
101
0
101
Quarts crystals
1,000 lbs.
2,199
205
Y
137
Quinine sulphate
1,000 av.oz.
12,450
24
0
-34
Rubber
1,000 l.t.
1,900
6
-1
-12
Silk
1,000 bales
50-100
10
o
2
Tin, refined
1,000 l.t.
360
14
-1
o
Tungsten
Tons
48,000
31
2
15
Zinc concentrates
1,000 tons
1 1,500
21
4
16
Zinc, metal
Tons
430,000
33
3
33
Part or all of this amount consists of recommended purchases per annum.
2 88,770 tons stored in Chile.
Latest program recommends purchase of all available.
CHART 12
35
STATUS OF SELECTED CRITICAL AND STRATEGIC MATERIALS
(PERCENTAGES BASED ON QUANTITIES IN RECOMMENDED PURCHASE PROGRAM)
AS OF DEC. 15,1943
STATUS OF PROGRAM
RECOMMENDED
COMMODITY
%ON % HAND
%UNDELIVERED
PURCHASING
PURCHASES
PROGRAM
% RELEASED
%NOT PURCHASED
o
20
40
60
so
100
ALCOHOL
185,000,000 GAL.
ANTIMONY
25,914S.T.
149
CHROME ORE
2,250,000 L.T.
DIAMOND DIES
60,000 DIES
MANGANESE ORE
3,900,000 L.T.
MANILA FIBER
2,037,268 BALES
MERCURY
77,500 FLASKS
MICA
16,995 S.T.
128
NICKEL, Motte Content
15,000 S.T.
NITRATE OF SODA
2,100,000 S.T.
OPIUM
640,000 LBS.
QUARTZ CRYSTALS
2,199,270 LBS.
⑉
QUININE SULPHATE
12,450,000 AV.OZ.
RUBBER
1,900,000 L.T.
SILK
100,000 BALES
TIN, Refined
360,433 LT.
TUNGSTEN ORE
48,000 S.T.
ZINC CONCENTRATE
1,500,000 S.T.
ZINC METAL
430,000 S.T.
* LATEST PROGRAM RECOMMENDS PURCHASE OF ALL AVAILABLE
36
VIII. WAR HOUSING
Publicly Financed
To December 1, 1943 a total of $2.2 billion had been made available
for the construction of public war-housing projects.
Including the Home Owners' Loan Corporation conversion program, to
December 1 a total of 779,692 family dwelling units, dormiteries for
single persons, and trailers had been programmed, of which 607,554 or
78 percent had been completed.
Status of Public War Housing Program - December 1, 1943
HOLC
New Construction
Conversions
Status
Family
Dormi-
Family
Total
Dwelling
Trailers
Total
Dwelling
Program
tories
Units
Units
Completed
417,200
141,086
37,195
595,481
12,073
607,554
Under construction
75,803
20,209
4,703
100,715
18,481
119,196
Not started
22,773
574
4,950
28,297
24,645
52,942
Total
515,776
161,869
46,848
724,493
55,199
779,692
Privately Financed
Dn addition to the public war-housing program, Title VI of the National
Housing Act provides for insurance by the Federal Housing Administration on
mortgages, not to exceed $1.6 billion in the aggregate, on houses designed
for the use of war workers. To December 1, a total of 292,477 mortgages on
privately financed war housing had been accepted for insurance and 267,267
new dwelling units had been started. Approximately 396,300 dwelling units
can be insured under available funds.
37
IX. AGRICULTURE AND WAR FOOD ADMINISTRATION
Adding crops and livestock together, 1943 production exceeded last
year's by 5 percent, and it is estimated that cash farm income from
marketing will be 25 percent greater than in 1942. Parity price ratio
at 115 for 1943 was 11 points higher than for 1942.
Production
The production record of the year is one of which the country may be
proud. With less favorable weather and mounting difficulties in connec-
tion with labor, machinery, supplies, and transportation, farmers turned
out more food than in 1942, the year of the best farming weather in the
twentieth century. Crop output was down somewhat from 1942, but this was
the year of amasing livestock output. Adding crops and livestock together,
the year's production exceeded last year's by 5 parcent. In December the
market was glutted by pork and egg products. The latter circumstance,
developing in late December, was unique in that heretofore the egg supply
at Christmas time has been tight. That it should be 80 ample in this war
year indicates the stupendous size of the egg production.
Farm Income
Total cash income from marketings for 1943 is likely to be around
$19.3 billion as compared with $15.5 billion in 1942 - a 25 percent in-
crease. Including Government payments of some $600 million, a total of
about $19.9 billion is in prospect. Cash income from farm marketings in
November is estimated at $2,012 million as compared with $1,764 million
in November 1942 - up 14 percent.
Prices
The index of prices received by farmers rose 5 points from November
to December, reaching 197 (August 1909-July 1914 = 100). The index of prices
paid, interest and taxes, rose 1 point to 168. The calendar year averages
for 1943 are 188 for prices received and 163 for prices paid, interest and
taxes - parity price ratio, 115. The latter is 11 points higher than
the parity price ratio for 1942.
Support Prices for 1944
During December a WFA committee worked out a complete schedule of
recommended support prices on all major farm commodities, in consultation
with the Office of Price Administration and the Office of Economic Stabili-
38
sation. No announcement of the schedule has been made because of the
uncertain status of the Commodity Credit Corporation and its authority to
carry out the program. The schedule of price supports as set up tenta-
tively will be above the existing ceiling levels for soybeans, flaxseed,
peanuts, certain vegetables for canning, and sugar beets. It calls also
for continuance of the production payments direct to dairymen in lieu of
raising the ceilings on milk and dairy products. The total cost of pro-
viding the proposed prices or payments, and at the same time holding the
line on retail prices, would be somewhat more than $600 million.
Farm Machinery and Supplies
Because any let-up in full utilization of all farm machinery would
be undesirable, if not dangerous, WFA reemphasised during December,
through all media, the imperative nature of "caring, repairing and sharing"
again in 1944. The production of farm machinery continued to accelerate.
Some problems arese relative to tractor production, because of similar
demand for the same components in making tractors and landing craft.
With prospects that wooden centainers might be 10 to 20 percent short
of needs for fruits and vegetables, attention of growers and shippers was
again being called to this situation at year's end. Plans were made to
reemphasize the need for reuse of wooden containers.
Food Distribution
It appears that the 1944 civilian food supply will be at least as
high in nutritive value as the national diet in any recent year.
In line with WFA's policy to nake available to civilians all supplies
in contingency reserves which were not needed for emergency war purposes,
1,650,000 cases of peaches, 1,800,000 cases of tomato catsup, and 230,000
cases of apples were released during December.
To help absorb supplies of shell eggs which are increasing seasonally
and causing marketing problems, especially in the midwest, WFA will accept
all offers of dried whole eggs for February delivery. As indicated above,
supplies of eggs through the flush season of production, which is just
beginning, are expected to reach new record levels. Dn order to maintain
the support price, it may be necessary for WFA to purchase shell eggs.
To hog feeders who are sending their hogs to market now for fear they
will go beyond the support weight, more assurance has been given by extend-
ing the price support program to include good and choice butcher hogs
weighing 270 to 300 pounds. Hog marketing recently has been much more
orderly than it has been for a number of weeks.
39
Because the war services and military hospitals have been unable to
get the quantities of chickens needed, wfa has issued an order, effective
December 30, setting aside freezer stocks of chickens for purchase by the
Government. For several months the Armed Services have been unable to
obtain more than 20 percent of actual requirements from vendors and hold-
ers of storage stocks. The order does not apply to current markstings,
thereby leaving this supply for civilians.
20 aid in channeling more milk and cream into the most essential war-
time dairy products, such as cheese, evaporated milk, and butter, WFA is
considering limiting the production of special-type filled milks, creams,
and special cheeses. These products are drawing fairly large quantities
of milk away from the three major manufactured dairy products.
New Cork Substitute from Farm Wastes
& new type of cork substitute, made from farm products, such as corn-
stalks, which yield pithy particles, has been developed for use in making
discs for bottle caps.
40
I. ECONOMIC STABILIZATION PROGRAM
Temporary continuance of the Commodity Credit Corporation post-
pones Congressional action on subsidies until February. Failure of
Congress to meet the revenue requirements and uncertainty concerning
future wage controls may weaken the stabilisation program.
Prices-Cost-of-Living: A decline of 0.2 percent in the cost of living
between mid-October and mid-November, resulting mainly from seasonally
lower fresh fruit and vegetable prices, halted the rise of the two pre-
ceding months.
Prices-Farm: Prices received by farmers increased 2.6 percent to a
total of 117 percent of parity during the month ending December 15, as
prices paid rose 0.5 percent. Congressional extension of the Commodity
Credit Corporation to February 17, 1944 postponed settlement of the
subsidy issue. Announcement of 1944 support prices for war crops and
other critical commodities, needed at once if farm production is to be
properly planned, will probably await Congressional action on the CCC
bill.
Wages: Confusion over Government wage policy is mounting as a result
of the settlement in coal and railway cases. Labor pressure to upset
the Little Steel formula is evident in many basic industries, including
steel, textiles, automobiles, and clothing.
War Bonds: Net sales of war savings bonds in December amounted to
$646 million as redemptions (mainly Series E) reached a new high-$207
million or 24 percent of total sales. Plans for the Fourth War Loan
Drive, to begin January 18, include a quota on Series E of $3 billion,
no higher than for the Third War Loan Drive, when sales of Series E
failed to reach the goal.
Taxes: The Senate Finance Committee has reported a tax bill which is
estimated to yield in a full year $2.3 billion, only slightly more than
the measure passed by the House. The bill also postpones for another
year $1.4 billion of Social Security payroll collections. Extensive
amendments to the renegotiation statute contained in the bill would
cripple renegotiation, in the opinion of contracting agencies.
41
RECEIPTS, EXPENDITURES AND PUBLIC DEST
II. WAR FINANCES
WAR EXPENDITURES
Expenditures
Expenditures for war purposes during December were $7.0 billion, bring-
ing the total for the calendar year to $85 billion. For the first half of
F.Y. 1944, expenditures amounted to $43.4 billion, or 47 percent of the
revised estimate of $92 billion for the fiscal year.
6-Month Average
Nov. Dec.* for F.Y. 1944
( Billions )
Monthly rate
$7.8
$7.0
$7.2
Adjusted annual rate
93.8
84.0
86.5
*R.F.C. disbursements estimated.
Appropriations
Due largely to an increase of $3.6 billion in the estimate of appropria-
tions required after June 1944 to complete the Navy shipbuilding program,
appropriations, other Congressional authorisations, and commitments of
Government corporations for war purposes increased $4.1 billion in December
to a total of $347.7 billion. Net expenditures against this amounted to
$153.4 billion.
Appropriations and Expenditures, F.I. 1941 Through Dec. of F.Y. 1944
(Billions)
Appropriations & Authorizations
Expenditures
F.Y. 1941 Thru
F.Y.
F.Y. 1943
Total
F.Y. 1941 Thru
1944
Dec. 1943
War
$ 126.7
$59.0
$185.7
$ 84.4
Navy
47.5
28.3
75.8
43.8
Maritime Commission
11.0
.03
11.0
5.8
Govt. corpus. (commit.)
19.9
1.8
21.7
7.1
Other
32.7
3.6
36.3
12.3
Est. approp. required
beyond F.Y. 1944 for
completion of Navy
-
-
17.2
-
Total
$ 237.7
$92.7
$347.7
$153.4
CHART 13
42
*
RECEIPTS, EXPENDITURES AND PUBLIC DEBT
WAR EXPENDITURES
ANNUAL RATE
ACTUAL CUMULATIVE SINCE JUNE 30, 1940
BILLION DOLLARS
BILLION DOLLARS
100
200
TOTAL
84.0
80
160
153.4
60
120
TOTAL
ARMY
44.3
84.4
40
80
NAVY,
ARMY
24.7
43.8
20
40
RFC & OTHER
NAVY
RFC a OTHER
13.0
25.2
o
o
0
a
A
s
o
o
a
F
0
o
M
0
F
A
J
F.Y. 1943
F.Y. 1944
F.Y. 1943
F.Y. 1944
TREASURY RECEIPTS
THE PUBLIC DEBT
AND EXPENDITURES**
BILLION DOLLARS
BILLION DOLLARS
200
10.0
EXPENDITURES
165.9
8.3
150
7.5
GROSS PUBLIC DEBT.
5.9
RECEIPTS
100
5.0
50
2.5
WORKING BALANCE
11.5
o
o
,
A
D
,
,
A
J
di
0
0
J
J
0
F.Y. 1943
F.Y. 1944
F.Y. 1943
F.Y. 1944
.
**
BASED ON THE DAILY STATEMENT OF U.S. TREASURY
EXCLUDES PUBLIC DEBT ACCOUNTS
43
III. MANPOWER
Although manufacturing employment rose slightly in November as com-
pared with October, employment in all other industries except retail trade
declined. The average hours worked by factory employees also rose in
October, bringing weekly earnings to the highest levels on record. Labor
turnover in factories declined in October as compared with September,
although absenteeism in many war industries increased. More man-days were
lost from strikes in November than in October, reflecting increased labor
unrest, and it is estimated that about 14 million man-days were lost in
1943 as compared with 4 million in 1942. Trends in the labor market were
mixed; cutbacks and contract cancellations eased the situation in some
areas, but in 69 areas acute labor shortages developed or continued.
Employment*
Employment in non-agricultural establishments, as reported to the
Bureau of Labor Statistics, was 38,251,000 in November 1943, as compared
with 38,276,000 in October 1943 and 38,533,000 a year ago. Manufacturing
employment has risen slightly in the last three months, while employment
in mining, construction, transportation and utilities, finance, and miscel-
laneous industries has declined. Employment in trade rose in connection
with holiday sales (mostly part-time employment) and Government employment
rose from September to October but declined in November. Manufacturing
employment in November 1943 was 16,235,000 as compared with 15,434,000 a
year ago and 13,566,000 in December 1941.
Hours and Earnings
Average hours worked in manufacturing industries rose from 44.7 in
September to 45.4 in October 1943. Average hourly earnings declined
slightly but average weekly earnings rose from $44.43 to $44.90. This was
*The report on the size and composition of the labor force for December
and January will be delayed because of a change in the sampling procedure
which has necessitated a revision of recent estimates. Preliminary
results from the new sample indicate a slightly larger labor force (par-
ticularly of women) than the recent figures cited in this report.
44
15 percent above the level of earnings in October 1942. In the durable
goods industries, weekly earnings averaged $51.46 (for 47.3 hours of work),
in a range from $32 in brick, tile, and terra cotta products plants to
$63.51 in locomotive plants. In nondurable goods factories, weekly earn-
ings averaged $35.18 (for 42.7 hours of work), in a range from $19.20 in
mills producing cotton work-shirts to $56.49 in rubber tire factories.
Absenteeism and Turnover
Absence rates in war industries in October ranged from 3.0 in petro-
leun refining to 11.2 in bituminous coal mining. Most industries had
higher rates of absenteeism in October as compared with September 1943.
Labor turnover, on the other hand, declined in October as compared
with September, as the result of a slackening in the rate of quits. The
separation rate for all manufacturing industries was 6.91 in October as
compared with 8.16 in September. The separation rate in war industries in
October ranged from 3.75 in blast furnaces, steel works, and rolling mills
to 11.33 in aluminum and magnesium smelters and refineries. In the air-
craft industry, the separation rate was 6.43 and in shipbuilding, 9.56.
In most industries for which comparisons can be made, the rate of turnover
is considerably higher for women than for men.
Strikes
During November, there were 300 strikes involving 500,000 workers and
an estimated loss of 2,825,000 man-days of work. Preliminary estimates for
the year 1943 (calculated on the experience of eleven months) indicate
almost 14 million man-days lost from strikes this past year as compared
with slightly over 4 million in 1942. Four coal strikes are responsible
for almost two-thirds of this increase.
Stringencies in the Labor Market
of 358 labor-markst areas surveyed by the War Manpower Commission as
of December 1, 1943, 69 were classified as Group I areas with acute labor
shortages and 124 as areas of labor stringency in Group II. Mixed trends
in labor-market conditions in war industry centers were responsible for
recent changes made in classification of areas. Fifteen areas were moved
upward in classification as the result of increasing stringencies in the
labor market, and 17 areas were reclassified downward as ordnance outbacks
or contract cancellations reduced area labor requirements materially.
Controlled referral programs have been inaugurated by the War Manpower
Commission in each of the five West Coast areas.
45
XIII. ADMINTSTRATIVE DEVELOPMENTS
In administrative developments, December was relatively uneventful.
Office of Price Administration
Relations of the OPA with the supply agencies generally continue to
improve. New problems are developing, however, in determining prices for
low-cost clothing and textiles, and for consumer durable goods for which
the WPB has been able to allocate materials in limited quantities. Da
many instances, the prices which were charged for the articles when last
produced are barely sufficient to cover manufacturing costs. As recon-
version proceeds, there will be many such questions to be worked out by
the WPB and OPA with the Office of Economic Stabilisation.
Internal administrative developments during December included greater
centralisation of control of administrative services in the Rationing
Department, consolidation of the Industrial Materials Division and the
Industrial Manufacturing Division in the Price Department, and substantial
completion of rent registration in New York City.
War Production Board
Morale within the WPB continued to be less than satisfactory during
December, in part due to lack of clarity as to the agency's role in the
period of partial reconversion of industry. The top-side organization of
the Board was also confused during December by the activity of the Execu-
tive Vice Chairman, whose resignation had been submitted, in arranging
the transfer of responsibility for field operations from the old position
of Operations Vice Chairman to that of the Vice Chairman (staff), and in
establishing the position of Vice Chairman for Metals and Minerals (with
responsibility for Steel, Copper, and Aluminum Divisions and the Minerals
Bureau).
Office of War Information
During December the London Office of the Office of War Information
was in the process of being recrganised 80 as to enable it to perform
psychological warfare tasks connected with strategic military plans.
Parts of the Psychological Warfare Branch in Algiers were moved to London
as well as top policy personnel from Washington. For the second time,
the Office of War Information thus decentralised some of its operations
to the military theatre. The pattern of cooperation between the American
Psychological Warfare Branch and the British Political Warfare Executive
worked out in North Africa was applied to the northern European theatre.
46
Transportation
The War Shipping Administration's recruitment and manning organisa-
tion succeeded in supplying crews for the large fleet of new vessels placed
in service during the past several months. Very few vessels were delayed
for want of crew.
Shortages of tires, parts, and manpower were seriously impairing the
ability of the trucking industry to handle the traffic offered to it.
Effective relief was not yet in prospect.
In an effort to relieve storage congestion at ports, ODT extended
the control system on export traffic to apply to traffic moving to port
storage facilities.
Friction between ODT and ICC over the control of rail traffic
continued.
State Department-FEA Relations
December brought continued progress in clarifying the working rela-
tions between the Foreign Economic Administration and the Department of
State. A detailed communications agreement was concluded-implementing
the general accord of November ll-which promises to speed up considerably
the clearing and dispatching of FEA messages to the field. A second de-
tailed agreement defining State-FEA relations in the field is also in
process. Finally, preliminary plans were laid for a series of meetings
at which representatives of the two agencies will discuss liaison arrange-
ments and other mutual problems.
Foreign Economic Administration
The formal reorganisation of the Foreign Economic Administration was
nearly completed. The real problem is the establishment of adequate
leadership in the top levels of the organization, the activation of the
plan by the instruction of staff all down the line in their responsibilities
under the new set-up, and the revision of the internal operating methods
in accordance with the plan.
The abnormal delays in activation of the organizational plan and the
lack of competent personnel in some key positions have resulted in even
further lowered morale in certain parts of the organization and the
resignation of some top executives.
Relief and Rehabilitation
On the basis of the President's letter to the Secretary of War on
November 10, the Armed Services have been moving rapidly ahead in planning
for relief in liberated areas. The leadership now being shown by the
47
Chief of the War Department's Civil Affairs Division in coordinating the
scattered plans which have been made by many agencies is encouraging.
The Civil Affairs Division, with the assistance of the Army Service Forces
and the Foreign Economic Administration, has formulated a complete set of
over-all import requirements for all of Europe. These estimates have been
agreed to by the British; allocations will be requested of WPB and WFA,
and procurement programs will be instituted. Certain major administrative
problems remain unsettled, however, particularly in the field of military-
civilian relationships.
The War Department has officially taken the position that it should
not, as a general rule, serve as the contact point for the United Nations
Relief and Rehabilitation Administration and foreign governments with the
United States Government. This applies to the period of military control
of civil affairs. In fact, however, such contacts are being maintained
by the foreign claimants with the military. A diffusion of responsibility
for such liaison will afford foreign governments the opportunity to go to
several U.S. agencies at one time, to the disadvantage of the Government
as a whole. Every effort needs to be made to bolster the position of the
FEA as the channel for dealing with UNRRA and foreign claimants.
The resolutions passed at the first UNRRA Council Session at Atlantic
City suggest the necessity for a close integration of military plans and
UNRRA plans. Steps should be taken now looking toward a smooth transition
from military to civilian control. Since the military do not desire to
have continuous contacts with UNRRA, FEA will have to be prepared to serve
as a bridge between the two. To date it has been slow in gearing itself
for this job. It should be equipped to perform this role 80 far as the
U.S. is concerned, since it is now servicing the military in planning and
procurement and will later service UNRRA in a somewhat similar capacity.
An early transition cannot be effected unless the pipeline of sup-
plies to victims of war is kept full, regardless of whether distribution
is handled by the military or by civilians. In order for UNRRA to plan
procurement, it must be informed of total reserves required to meet future
needs, supplementing and continuing to supply the goods the Army handles.
For procurement planning purposes, the Army is assuming that it will main-
tain control over relief for a period of six months. Since the actual
period of control may be for a shorter period, the Army must have full
knowledge of the supplies it possesses for relief and must relinquish them
to civilian agencies or UNRRA when it relinquishes control in the field.
Only in this way can the pipeline be maintained at an even level. Con-
versely, civilian agencies or UNRRA must be willing to turn over supplies
accumulated for the post-six months period should the exigencies of war
require the military to continue in control. These supply problems are
being evolved but much has yet to be done.
48
The relationship between UNRRA and the Combined Boards is still not
clear. As reported last month, the UNRRA Council, on the insistence of
the U.K. and U.S. delegates, maintained that UNRRA should go to the
Combined Boards for its supplies. This procedure will continue to meet
the resistance of other supplying countries not represented on the Boards.
It has also raised organizational problems related to the internal struc-
ture of the Boards and confusion as to the respective functions of the
Boards and FEA. The latter, with responsibility for serving as claimant
for every foreign account, will be short-circuited if UNRRA goes directly
to the Combined Boards. This problem may be met, however, if FEA can be
more closely geared to the U.S. constituents of the Boards.
Coordinator of Inter-American Affairs
The CIAA program is moving forward smoothly on all fronts. Certain
areas of responsibility with FEA on economic matters still remain to be
worked out but the Coordinator is moving ahead with his program.
PRESIDENT'S SECRETARY'S FILE
Subject File
Bureau of the Budget :Progress
Rpts. Natl. Def. :Jan. -Mar. 1944
Box 96