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