RECONVERSION of the national industrial structure is being studied now by many farsighted congressmen and businessmen. They recognize that next to winning the war it is the most momentous task confronting the nation. An estimated 25 billion dollars worth of war production facilities consisting of plants, machinery, and materiel will have to be wisely redistributed or reconverted in order to preserve our national economy.
We have mentioned before the logic of handling redistribution of war surplus equipment through established trade channels. Congress now seems determined to keep the mechanics of this job out of the hands of the bureaucrats and it appears that some government agencies also agree on this point, knowing the excellent job that industry has done in war production.
Business, which has heretofore submitted to regulation and dictation for patriotic reasons—and for the purpose of self-preservation—is anxious to see Uncle Sam recover a maximum amount for these goods but feels it is only reasonable that the knowledge and experience of private industrial firms be employed in handling the huge task.
An equitable plan which will work the least amount of hardship on the entire population should be adopted. Congress, labor, and business are in accord on this but no workable plan will be adopted unless all three have the interest and co-operation of every American who values his stake in the great commonwealth.
