WAR DEPARTMENT
Bureau of Public Relations
PRESS BRANCH
Tel. RE 6700
Brs., 8425 and 4860
January 11, 1945
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESS:
The Honorable Henry L. Stimson, Secretary of War was asked the following question today
at his press and radio conference.
Isn't the Army already over strength when you consider its
ceiling of 7,700,000?
Mr. Stimson replied as follows:
"Yes, but we have 450,000 wounded and sick men in Army hospitals at the present time.
These are entirely ineffective for the purpose of conducting a war but certainly no one would even
s u g g e st that we would not bear the full responsibility for these men, and that means keeping
them on the Troop List until we have done everything that can be done for them. There are also
moving in and out in the-so-called pipeline for the maintenance of the rotation policy, some
85,000 men. These again are ineffective. Measured in terms of effectivenesss the Army is under
strength. What we need are 7,700,000 highly effective men, Some seem to have the idea that the
war should be decreasing in intensity. Quite the opposite is the case. We are in the process of
completing our deployment for the maximum intensity of effort which must be continued without
abatement up to the moment of victory., I think the people will agree that in these curcial times
the effective size of the Army must be kept up to its proposed ceiling.
"I might add here some general observations on the minipower problem facing
the Army, not only within its-ranks but in industry. An examination of war needs,
directly and indirectly affecting the prosecution of the war, indicates that in
our critioal progr a m in war production, the requirements up to june 30,
1945, will necessitate some 300,000 additional workers. These programs include
production of essential war items such as heavy ammunition, heavy guns, trucks,
heavy-duty tires, cotton duck, etc., which are now lagging behind the required
rate of production. In addition we will need in war industries and War-supporting
industries, which last include for example labor requirements for transportation,
public utilities, construction, and other essential activities, some 200,000 add-
itional men.
"Further, we will require for additions and changes in our original pro-
gram which include, for instance, the requirements for the arming of some ad-
ditional French Divisions to which the President has already referred, a further
addition of 200,000 men. All of these additional workers must be secured before
June 30, 1945. .
"In the light of what I have just told you I believe that you will all agree that we must make
a statesman-like approach to our manpower needs in the proper prosecution in this greatest of all
wars in which we are such a major factor.
"In its requirements upon Selective Service, the Army has no alternative
but to ask in these calls for youth--youth v:ith its aggressiveness and its endurance. Our resources
in youth are not exhausted--but those~ resources are now almost entirely engaged in industries
which meeks some contribution direct or indirect to the war effort. If the needs of the Armies at
the front are to be met there seems to be no escape from calling into the Armed services during
this year, substanially all physically qualified men below 30 years of age from factory, farm
government, But when we do this, in order to meet the necessities of the Armed Forces for
equipment and supplies, and to meet civilian needs, the places of these young non will have to be
taken by older men, women and younger men not acceptable fern military service.
"It is only too apparent that the assignment of military nanpower: in in-
dustry must be placed on an orderly, democratic, and above all, a sure basis. '
This is no time to back away from real responsibilities. This is no time for
piecemeal or makeshift legislation. The efficient method of utilizing this
nation's manpower through a National Service Act will solve our manpower problems
and give our enemies final assurance of their defeat."
.
END