POLICING GERMANY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 74, 17 January 1947, Page 3

POLICING GERMANY

EXPENSIVE BILL FOR U.S.A.

GENERAL’S REPORT

The American Military Government in occupied Germany has cost the United States more than 28,000,000 dollars in wages so far, plus millions more for food and supplies according to the report of General Joseph T. McNarney published in a recent issue of the Christian Science Monitor.

The American commander said that 23,349,000 dollars had been dispersed in salaries to maintain military personnel attached to the Military Government and 5,138,000 dollars to American civilians and Allied nationals working for the Government.

The dollar value of supplies shipped into Germany to support German civilians, displaced persons and civilian internees was not available.

The following tonnages, however, were issued to German civilians to date: 1,283,865 tons of grain and food, 59,219 tons of agricultural supplies and fertiliser, 118,855 tons of petroleum and petroleum products, 9418 tons of textiles, 8500 vehicles and trailers and 12 complete hospitals with related supplies. Displaced persons have received 53,475 tons of food and civilian internees 602 tons of food.

In addition, approximately 1,000,000 blankets and large quantities of clothing, footwear, soap, brooms and mops have been issued to displaced persons.

Reviewing conditions in the American zone during August, the report made the following observations: Public safety: Crime showed a general slight increase, particularly in the illegal possession of firearms and United States property. Looting of farm crops continued widespread. Industry: Industrial production continued its upward turn, averaging 5 per cent, more in August over July. The outlook for the near future, however, is not bright because

stockpiles of raw materials are dwindling and the problem of channeling an adequate and regular flow of basic materials into the zone has not been solved. Restitutions: Industrial restitutions in an estimated value of 21,000,000 dollars have been made to date to 11 Allied nations.