THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON MEMORADUM TO: THE PRESSIDENT FROM: MR. LUBIN SUBJECT: SHIPPING SITUATION- WEEK ENDING MAY 3, 1942 For the first time since the U.S. -U.K. shipping statistics were combined (March 8, 1942)the figueres show an actual increase in the amount of shipping available. This is due to the fact that total losses for the week ending May 3 were 108,900 DWT. New construction for the period reached a new peak of 196,600 tons. The net increase in shipping available thus became 87,700 DWT. (See Chart I). TANKERS 1.. Despite the immobilization of tankers, three United States ships were lost, aggregating 37,3OO tons during the week. 2 This lost was offset by the delivery of three new tankers totalling 44,800 DWT. This tanker production was 12,500 tons greater than that of the peak week of April 5 3. The net tanker gain (new construction minus loses) was 7,500 tons. This is the second consecutive wek showing a net gain in tanker tonnage. CARGO VESSELS 1. For the first time since the week ending April 5, cargo ship construction excceded losses. The net increase for the week was 80,200 tons. 2. New cargo ship construction reached a new weekly peak. There were 14 vessels of 152,000 tons delivered. This is 23,000 |