CALL FOR MATERIALS

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 6, 2 October 1943, Page 5

CALL FOR MATERIALS

Cannot Have Too Much Too Soon

PRODUCTION CHIEF’S VIEW (British Official Wireless.) IiUQBY, September 30. “Considering Britain’s handicaps, what she has accomplished iu mass production has been miraculous,” said the United Sfates war production chief, Mr. Donald Nelson, when reviewing his visit to Britain. He stressed the fact that he had been greatly impressed by British production, which, he said, was good even by the highest standards. The. United States had supplied munitions equivalent to adding one-third to British production. Cunadiaii»productiou had been a remarkable achievement, particularly in shipbuilding, aud the Canadian launehiugs at present were equal m tonnage to the British. Mr. Nelson said that we no longer had any shortage of materials or manpower. What was needed now was to buckle to the job. and get on with production. The •essential factor at the moment was time. "We cannot have too much too soon,” he said. The next few months would be critical. His main impression after touring Britain and listening to the comments of the American forces was of the shortness of the time aud the immensity of the effort necessary. "We need superhuman jobs from workers and management in the next few months. We have our materials and facilities all in shape. Now we must act like a real lighting champion who redoubles his efforts for a kill when he sees his opponent groggy. “The great lesson which we have learned from recent battle experience is that the more material we have the more lives we save. There is safety in numbers iu battle, whether air or military. The more who go out the more who will come back.” Mr. Nelson emphasized that the present problem was to convert recent battle experience into production of the munitions demanded by the changing necessities of military operations. Particularly immense quantities of certain types of aircraft and landing craft and transport of all varieties were now urgently and immediately required. The United States had profited greatly by British experience and help in its own munition production. Regarding the main material, Mr. Nelson declared that rubber was no longer a problem iu itself and adequate supplies of synthetic rubber were now in sight. The tin position was now in good shape, likewise the wool position. Ihe latter was due partly to British cooperation ami largely to the removal ot large stocks from Australia to the United Stales for a central pool.