War Shipping Administration Files
Memorandum by the Deputy Administrator, War Shipping Administration (Douglas)
[Washington, June 23,
1942.]
Substance of White House Conference, June 23, 1942—11:30 a.m.
- 1.
- Everyone seems to agree that:
- a.
- Sinkings from submarine action will not diminish for several months.
- b.
- Demands on shipping will increase during next six months.
- c.
- Greatest strain on shipping during next 6 months.
- d.
- Deficiency of escort vessels.
- e.
- Deficiency should be made up.
- f.
- Escort vessels constructed now will not be delivered until February, March or April, or after period of greatest stringency has passed.
- 2.
- To reduce volume of construction of merchant vessels it
will increase stringency of shipping during
- 1,
- period prior to delivery of escort vessels and
- 2,
- period of greatest stringency, during which period
to reduce number of merchant vessels
- (a)
- need not necessarily reduce number sunk;
- (b)
- will reduce volume essential cargo carried to critical theaters of war.
- 3.
- Contrary course seems to be indicated
- 1,
- to increase or to interfere as little as possible with the volume of merchant shipping constructed during period of greatest stringency is indicated as one of most effective methods.
- 2,
- deficiency in escort should be made up from other sources.