WITHIN THE PAST YEAR this publication has tried to publish as many plans for reconversion and redistribution as possible. All of them have some merit but none can possibly be so perfect as to contain the answer to every war contractor’s problem. Naturally the most equitable suggestions will come closer to solving the war surplus situation than those which are couched in terms of self-interest.
Our leaning is toward the planning which will be the least disturbing to industry as a whole. Another important factor for consideration is the preservation of our free enterprise system. We have accepted encroachment upon free enterprise only because we are at war. It is hardly necessary to mention the handicaps governmental regulation has brought to our doorstep. Every businessman, large and small, knows the answer.
In this issue appears briefly the ten-point plan of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States. This organization is composed of the leading business firms of the nation. They have had, undoubtedly, access to the most experienced business and economic brains in the land. It would be well for everyone to study this plan.
There is one point we would like to emphasize in connection with reconversion planning and this is the importance of immediate action. A recent cursory survey conducted by this publication indicated there were some who feel that this kind of thinking is premature—“Let’s concentrate on the war problems and the postwar will take care of itself.” These remarks may be inspired by sincere patriotism, but the nation must look to the future so that when our men come home they will have jobs and financial security. Security on the home front must be preserved—or what are we fighting for?
