Indianapolis Times, Indianapolis, Marion County, 29 March 1944 — Page 10

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"PAGE 10 Wednesday, March 29, 1944

polis Times

in Washington

ROY W. HOWARD WALTER LECKRONE = MARK FERREE

»

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By Peter Edson =

. in Washington of late —find out what the score is on|

planes which he and

»

mand, who would have no part it. : First of the Kaiser-Hughes planes was to be completed last Disember, the other two by this May, The KH-1 isn’t completed yet and the two haven't been begun. >

IS THE ITALIAN CAMPAIGN A FLOP?

FAILURE of the third Cassino offensive, following the long stalemate ‘on the Anzio beachhead, is- provoking widespread criticism in this country and England of the

Italian campaign.

We agree that the mistakes should be stressed. Unless

the allied high command profits by the Italian experience to correct weaknesses as they show, the gamble in the coming decisive western invasion will be greater than necessary. . Nevertheless, it would be unfair and dangerous to ‘morale on the eve of the supreme allied test to distort the record in Italy into a flop. It is not that. On the debit side, there is complaint that some of our captains and majors are inadequate in the use of composite combat teams. Both charges are apparently true. But there is no short cut to finding good combat officers. They must be battle-tested, and the poor ones eliminated. That is being done. The lack of flexibility is more difficult to measure, But the overall is what counts. Are the allies achieying their major purpose at a reasonable cost?. We believe the answer is, yes. » s 5 » 8 » MOST OF the extreme. discouragement over the campaign comes, in our judgment, from a misunderstanding of the objective and of tMe size of allied forces. Actually, Northern Italy was not the original objective, and capture of Rome and Central Italy is of only secondary, military importance. So far the Italian campaign has been a shoestring operation for limited objectives, and as such has been exceedingly successful. Salerno was taken and Anzio was held by allied forces fewer in number and shorter of supplies than the enemy, despite the fact that the enemy had all the natural advantages. The allied purpose was to clear the Mediterranean and get the Italian fleet, to hold the great port of Naples; to win the Foggia network of bomber bases, and to force Hitler to divert more divisions and air squadrons.to Jugoslavia and Italy. All this has been done and at relatively little cost. : If the allies had concentrated their main strength in Italy instead of England, they would have Rome and Florence today—but only Hitler would be pleased, for he would be safe behind the Alps and safe from western invasion. Hitler is hard pressed today because the allies have forced a diversion front in Italy, which weakens him and thereby strengthens the Russian drive from the east and the coming Eisenhower offensive from the west,

HOW ABOUT THAT “FIGHT PAY”?

EVERAL members of congress have voiced approval of Ernie Pyle’s suggestion that our men in the front lines be given special recognition in the form of a little extra “fight pay.” No one has yet offered a good argument against the idea. Co Rep. Weiss of Pennsylvania has introduced a bill providing the extra “fight pay,” and members of the house military affairs committee have assured him that his measure will receive “sympathetic consideration.” So far, so good. But when do we get action? Soldiers ducking bullets at Cassino and on the Anzio beachhead probably aren’t thinking of extra pay, or even regular pay, and no doubt would be only too happy to surrender all pay if they could just swap jobs a few days with men who are back ‘of the lines out of range and sound of enemy fire. But we'd bet that if those fellows ever found time to hold a caucus on this issue, in a foxhole while munching their K-rations, they would be hard put to understand Washington’s deliberative processes.

THE OIL INQUIRY

ENATOR MALONEY of Connecticut is generally esteemed in Washington as a man of ability, He will need all of it in his new capacity as ehairman of the 11-man senate committee investigating oll matters. “I enter this job without much knowledge, but with an open mind,” Mr, Maloney said. This is a promising start. People who profess to a thorough knowledge of the oil industry and of oil diplomacy —but who show few symptoms of open mindedness—have so confused public thinking with their statements and counter-statements that the clarity of a fresh and unprejudiced approach is needed. We are told that our domestic oil reserves. are good only for a dozen or so years. We are told in-other quarters that this is a rank exaggeration, We are told that the proposed government-built pipeline across Saudi Arabia is vital to our interests, both military and civil. Others say the petroleum of the Carib bean would serve us just-as well, and without involving us in the complex power politics of the Middle East. The American oil industry is divided on the pipeline issue. - International repercussions ‘have begun—in the house of commons, for instance—and will certainly continue, Oil is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, of commercial and strategic commedities. It is time that congress informed iself -on the subject and took a leading ~ part in the formation of American oil policy, now only in embryo. ' . : rear ————————— GLASS HOUSE ROBERT E. HANNEGAN, chairman of the Democratic national committee, challenges the ‘Republican party to bring its prospective presidential nominee out into the open to discuss current questions. Ye Le That's a fair challenge. And now to put ¢he shoe on the other foot, Mr. Hanneg

an, who are the prospective

A) SE

yr, WiCY

in Washington. Submarines were wholesale. Boss man Kaiser blew in from the west, dramatizing the need for more and mere cargo demanding the contracts. When he couldn't get anything from the army or navy, war production board stepped into the picture and asked the Defense Plant Corporation to give him the contract he finally got. : : Progress on KH-1 Has Been Tough

TODAY THE Kaiser-Hughes Aircraft Corporation has a letter from WPB Chairman Donald M. Nelson saying that he has asked the Defense Plant tion to cancel that contract on the strength of a December investigation by a local board of engineers and their mid-January report to WPB's aircraft production board, headed by Charles E. Wilson, Progress on the KH-1 has been tough right from the beginning.” When the army and navy refused to give the builders any strategic materials or even let them use any aircraft engineers otherwise employed, it was necessary to build the plane of wood. Planes of 320-foot wingspread designed to carry 60 tons of cargo had never been built before, and wooden construction turned out to be heavier than had been calculated, thus lessening the potential load carrying power.

Engineers Okay, Work Goes On

WORK ON the first model is still going on. Four of the WPB engineers who inspected the project are reported to have recommended continuation without condemning the plane, while two were in doubt. .The most that can be hoped for is completion of the first wooden plane as a test model, with re-engineering on the two other planes to build them of metal, of which there now seems to be no shortage. What has happened to the Kaiser-Hughes project is typical of what has happened to the entire cargo plane building program in the last year and a half. Practically all wooden plane projects have been abandoned.

huge in comparison to pre-war quantity standards, is still subject to serious delay, according to the Senate Truman committee’s third annual report on aircraft. Full credit 1s given to army and navy for building up their 90,000 miles of transport route, without which successful operations could not have been carried out at Guadalcanal, New Guinea, North Africa, Burma and over the hump to China.

DC-3 Is Top Transport Now

IT IS pointed out, however, that more transport work has been done with army versions of the 10-year-old Douglas DC-3—the workhorse of the air— than with all other types of cargo and transport planes put together. And while thousands of these planes have been built, even their production is not up to original schedule.

In heavy planes, production of both the four-en-gined Douglas Skymaster C-54 and Consolidated Vultee C-87 version of the Liberator Bomber are reported behind schedule. Production of the Lockheed Constellation was stopped because of the need for Lightning P-38 fighter planes, All combat aircraft get highest priority, but the need for cargo planes.-in all theaters is still considered great, and it is also considered important that planes be returned to the airlines as fast as that can be done, consistent with success of military operations.

(Westbrook Pegler is on vacation. His column will be resumed when he returns.)

We The People

By Ruth Millett

A REAL obstacle to married happiness today is the sheer weariness of workers, thousands of whom are toiling harder and longer than they ever did in their lives. When either a husband or a wife takes on extra hours of tiring, work, the other partner in the marriage is all too likely to become selfishly resentful. In one divorce case, the suing wife actually listed among her complaints the fact that her husworking in a war plant—was always too tired to take her out dancing. . That was an extreme example, of course, but it does highlight a problem of the times.

Wife May Expect Too Much .

A HUSBAND used to a desk job goes into a war factory—and in addition to the work being harder than anything he has done in years, he finds that he ‘is putting in a lot of over-time. If his wife expects him to take her outeas often as he used to, or to do as much “hired man” work around the house and yard as he once did—they are sure to run into trouble, Or, it may work the other way. A wife, who has done nothing but keep house since she was married goes out and gets a job or perhaps becomes a nurse's aid. If her husband expects as much waiting on as he used to get, or if he isn't willing to make allowances for her being a little less ready to placate and baby him than she was when he was all she had to think about—their marriage is headed for trouble. But—like any problems—there is more than one solution. The husband or wife can consciously make allowances for the change in the hard-working mate. Or, the one who is doing less can increase his own working hours so that he is as ready as the other to call it a day and turn in at 9 o'clock.

To The Point— KNOWING THE German and Jap diplomats, if

Ireland continues to let them stick around, our heart goes pity-Pat! > Wa

OVER 100,000 miners are on ‘strike in England. There are some American customs the British really shouldn't. adopt. * ». . THE MORE colds that clear up, the more people will find it hard to pronounce the names of cities the Russians are taking. ; * » » PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES will throw their hats into the ring and other folks will dust them off. * . * >

TEMPORARY INSANITY sounds like a good plea In defense of making an incorrect income tax report.

§ . * Ld

REGARDLESS OF how small some

- WASHINGTON, March 20 | Howard Hughes, the movie producer and globe girdler, has been to the three eight-motored super-cargo

contract to build 18 months ugo, practically over the dead bodies of. the army air force high com-

of

other In the summer of 1942 this was the hottest issue ships

Production of new model super-cargo planes, while |

. |age from better gas on fewer cou-

Jazz orchestras |

| The Road Back!

{Our Hoosiers [oy Dail Mtcney

The Hoosier Forum

"1 wholly disagree with what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it.—Voltaire.

“BROTHER, IT AIN'T OCTANE” By Jerry Taylor, Indianapolis

The OPA certainly committed themselves by outwardly accusing Indiana motorists of buying black market gas, Are they really serious with this admission of their own negligence? Are they intimating that they were unaware of certain conditions going on within these gasoline concerns? I am working at a local defense plant and I figure my gas mileage very closely. I've checked my car and the gas and found that I used from one to 10 gallons of gas over my scheduled route for the week. I've checked with about 12 gas concerns and each one varied considerably in mileage comparison. I do not travel more than my scheduled route calle for. I'll admit the octane is lower and explains less mileage, but when different types of gas vary from one to 10 gallons on the week, brother, it ain't octane!

If the OPA seriously wants to block ack marketing, JI suggest they investigate and inspect each gasoline concern and test the gasoline. Don't encourage it further by slicing the motorists’ coupons. When the motorist gets better mile-

pons, you boys won't have fo argue back and forth on the front page of the newspapers. ” s » “SERVICE MEN SHOULD HAVE SEATS” By Woodrow E. Beers, 825 N. Oxford st.

. This is my first time of writing to you. I've thought the matter over and have decided to write. My brother was home on a furlough and on his last day we took him to the Union station in order for him to catch his train to St. Louis where he was to change trains to go to Texas. The trainman told us the train would be a little late. Finally, when it did arrive he shouted, “All of you whohave reserved. tickets please step {drward.” Several people went through the door so then he told us he was sorry but that there ‘weren't any seats for anybody. The Spirit of St. Louis came in another five minutes. Again the trainman said only those with reserved tickets could go through the door. Finally, I told him my brother just had to get to St. Louis in order to get his train from there te Texas. After the trainman went

Bu Col. John H. Laughner, Chaplain,

chief of the chaplains’ branch of

extremely interested in reading a letter submitted by Mrs. F. G. and published by your paper in the is< sue dated Feb. 11, page 18.

that in no instance has a charge been made for attendance at an

(Times readers are invited to express their views in these columns, religious controversies excluded. Because of the volume received, letters should be limited to 250 words. Letters must be ‘signed. Opinions set forth here are those of the writers, and publication in no way implies agreement with those opinions by The Times. The Times assumes no responsi bility for the return of manuscripts and cannot enter correspondence regarding them.)

patrol went up the stairs, two ladies in front of .us said, “Where do we get tickets for reserved seats?” The trainman told her where to get them, they left then to get tickets. After arguing with the trainman, the S. P. came back and said no seats, but finally we took my brother up the stairs to board his train. Now I wish to know why is it that when a man in uniform is fighting for our country, why do s0 many trainmen say “no seats?” We received a letter from my brother from St. Louis and he said that across from him was an empty seat all the way to St. Louis. . . . Something should be done about this. We civilians don't even know or think that service man might have been across and somehow needs to have a seat to rest. Perhaps his wounds may still bother him somehow. And may we not be so cheap as to buy a seat, taking it’ where perhaps a service man should have had that seat. =» f J ~ “NO CHARGE MADE FOR. ARMY SERVICE”

S. A, Tehran, Iran

As one who was born, reared, and educated in Indianapolis, and as

the Persian Gulf command, I. was

First of all, let me assure you

over to talk to a S. P., the shore

army service conducted by a United

PR

Fy

are they sound like tin pieces.

“

Side Glances—By Galbraith

-|velt going to cheer our boys and

States army chaplain; second, during the month to which Mrs, FP. G. made reference, 210 religious services, including the Protestant, Catholic and Jewish faiths, were conducted by chaplains in the immediate port areas; third, on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 14 different services were conducted in the port areas. The large attendance at these services was most gratifying, and the combined efforts of members of the chaplains’ corps and other officers and men have made them effective and inspiring. Obviously, any member of marine or naval personnel on leave at any port in Iran would have had access to a service of his own denomination, had he so desired.

Fourth, in "spite of considerable physical hardship and almost unbearably high temperatures, the chaplains of this command have with great self-sacrifice made a significant and deeply appreciated contribution to the spiritual welfare and morale of all personnel of the command, : For well over a year, in the extreme heat of the desert and gulf summer and the cold of the mountain passes in the winter, and in spite of various difficulties peculiar to our situation here, the chaplains have consistently carried out their duties in a highly commendable manner. I trust you will do the Persian Gulf command the courtesy of making these facts known. Icannot but question the wisdom of a policy in a first class newspaper such as yours which permits the choice of such obviously unverified and improbable material for publishing. It is recognized that such a department expresses only the personal opinions of the writer and does not reflect the editorial policy of the paper; however, have you considered how 'much wholly unjustifiable and unfounded anxiety and unrest may well have been kindled in the minds and hearts of the loved ones of those men who serve here and in other theaters of operation? Let me assure you that such a consideration is not unimportant; indeed, the enemy considers it a rather important one. ? Let it be clear that I do not question the sincerity in whith Mrs. F. G. wrote to you. However, would you not render far grea rvice to her and to all your ers by voluntarily securing the facts which would either confirm or disprove the implications inherent in such a letter? y

8 ” . “SEE HOW MUCH GOOD SHE DOES” By Mrs. T. J, Indianapolis : I read so much about Mrs. Roose-

lift their morale. Well, I have a nephew just back from South Pacific and he was there when Mrs.

Roosevelt visited there, said they were all lying around resting when she landed on their island and when they were told to go up and get in-shape, some kid. said, “Oh, h—, who wants to see old Eleanor,” and he was heard by his officer

WASHINGTON, - March “Wendell Willkie rides again” is the title of an article on the cafe

Author of the Willkie article is L. T. Merrill, de« in The Progressive, as “a professor of Amere ican history and former Wisconsin and Washington newspaperman.” i . 1

Had) Any Parallel Spectacle’

“All the more surprising are these highly orgariized

hard-boiled air of assurance -last fall when he laid down his policies at:Washington with a take-it-ore leave-it air.” The latter reference is to the speech Mr. Willkie made to freshmen Republican congressmen which many who attended called “truculent.” The Progressive article continues:

“All the subsequent traveling showmanship tends to belie a sense of genuine assurance on his part that he has the nomination in the bag or that millions of those he left holding the bag last time are as willing to hold it again. “Mr. Willkie’s current foray into Wisconsin fole lows a previous lure tour last November that appare ently did nat have all the desired effects, though is was carefully organized”

Winning ‘Newspaper Decisions’ ;

MR. MERRILL concludes that Mr. Willkie is winning more “newspaper decisions than anything else.” He writes: “Mr, Willkie’s checkup agent, who came into Wise consin after he had left last fall, must have dise covered that flattered or dazzled Wisconsin editors have given him a better ‘break’ than any other G. O. P. presidential aspirant—though this would nos be the first time Wisconsin editors have climbed on the wrong horse and ridden off somewhere wi great results in pulling their readers, - “Despite the whooping and of which Mr. Willkie has been the beneficiary In somie Wiscone sin dailies, what are the results? A Gallup poll published Feb. 28 indicates that only one of five Wisconsin Republicans wanted Mr. Willkie as their standard-bearer again.” pk F——

b

Charter Question . By William Philip Simms

e importance have ing a plan ready the moment the firing ceases, They are now busy preparing one. Obviously such a plan depends on allied war and peace aims. The national objectives of Russia, Brite ain and America are of especial importance when it comes to arranging armistice terms, Temporary or provisional regimes will have to be set up in Germany, Austria, Hungary, Rumania, Bulgaria, Jugoslavia and several other countries, And the nature of these gove ernments will have much to do with the future of the countries, x

Russia Takes Frank Stand THE INTERVIEWS I have had with allied leaders

here in the last two weeks convince me of the necese

sity for an early clarification of the American position, Not that Russia's position or Britain's position with regard to their war aims is any clearer than America's, All three are signatories to the Atlantic Charter and the Moscow agreement. All three profess loyalty to the principles therein. The difference between them today is that Russia says she intends to interpret her pledges her own way and Britain indicates that she will acquiesce in whatever Russia may do. But the United States still seems to stand by her original commitments, } ’ ~~American foreign policy, therefore, is on a par with the policies of her gréat allies—they all need restating. Russia’s aims perhaps are the clearest because in specific cases—like the Baltic states and Poland—she has put forward certain claims, Not only does she seem to be acting at variance with her united nations’ commitments, but there is“the wildest speculation Here concerning her alms elsewhere in Europe,

America Must Make Position Clear

MR, CHURCHILL acknowledges that there should be a ‘reappraisement of the Charter. It could not come too soon. It is necessary to a proper considera~ tion of armistice terms and for the military occu tion of Europe afterward. . ” One of the top figures in united nations circles here told me that the United States will be blamed for wrecking the projected new peace league just as it was blamed for wrecking the old league unless it makes its position crystal clear before it is too late, Many are hoping that Mr, Stettinius will make at least one formal speech while here and that he will take occasion to do just that, ,

So They Say—

THE JAPANESE, I am sure, are hoping that they can sicken us with the war. We must expect them to be grimly tenacious and resolve that they shall not wear us down.—Air Vice Marshal Leonard M. Isitt of. New Zealand. 3 * « +» CONGRESS has been so lax ‘during recent years in its delegation of authority that we now have 33 - of government which are not audited by the

general accounting office.~Senator George D. Aiken of Vermont,

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WE MEAN to be done for good and all with the

personal forays and sorties in view of Mr. Willkie's

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