GERMAN ECONOMY

Evening Star, Issue 24012, 10 October 1941, Page 6

GERMAN ECONOMY

AFFECTED BY LANBI SHORTAGE PROBLEMS INCREASING (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, Oct. 8. The labour shortage remains one of the main preoccupations of the German authorities, and it is emphasised authoritatively in London that German economy is affected much more by the general strain consequent on a shortage of man power and the means of transport than by shortages of particular commodities. Tho mobilisation of labour resources is necessitated partly by the drive for self-sufficiency in agriculture and industry forced on Germany by the blockade, which also cuts off the main sea routes of transport. The shortage of labour and transport in turn is of importance in producing at least local shortages of commodities; therefore, efforts continue to be made to recruit labour not only from occupied territories, but also from neutral countries. An agreement is already concluded for the despatch of 100,000 Spanish workers to Germany, compulsory labour for non-Germans is now extended to the ages of 14-60 instead of 16-60, and about 50,000 Croatians have already been drafted for work in Germany. An article in the ‘ Deutsche Allgemeine Zeitung ’ discusses tho lack of man power, which, is every day becoming more pronounced, and it enumerates the measures already taken to procure additional labour —the employment of prisoners of war, foreign civilian workers, and women. ‘‘ Reserves of women workers have been exhausted, and the call now must be for rationalisation not only in trade and industry, but also in administration. The last reserve of all will be voluntary or enforced limitation of tasks.” An East Prussian newspaper writes that the job of assuring food for civilians and the fighting services becomes more difficult each year, and the ‘ Danziger Vorposten,’ in an outspoken leading article, compares the so-called rye bread with cement.

BRITISH GUN PRODUCTION

ALL RECORDS BEATEN Official Wireless.) RUGBY, Oct. 8. The Ministry of Supply states that a chart of gun production compiled bv the Ministry during the last three mouths looks 10c© a flight of aircraft in its rise during the past quarter. The production of tho majority of guns, as distinct from machine guns, had increased nearly 50 per cent, .compared with the three months ended in June. More Bofors guns were turned out in September than in. any previous month. It also beat all records, being nearly double the output in July. Last month the output of anti-tank guns of the latest type had increased over 600 per cent., and field artillery nearly 700 percent. compared with September, 1940.

AUSTRALIAN ENGINES

TO BE SENT TO IRAN TO HELP RUSSIA (Rec. 1.20 p.m.) CANBERRA, Oct. 10. The Federal Cabinet has decided to aid Russia by sending Australian stan-dard-gauge locomotives and rolling stock to Iran. Mr Curtin said: ‘‘Although there will be a severe strain on our own internal transport system, this is the proper contribution for Australia to make. It is practical proof that Australia is in the war with all her reS °Thc New South Wales Railways Commissioner (Mr Hartigan) said, the plan would involve some inconveninece and overcrowding for the travelling public and interference with tho efficient delivery of goods. Plans were in hand to make the deficiencies good as quickly as possible.

PROTECTION OF SHIPS

FIGHTER PLANES TO BE CARRIED

LONDON, October 10. New measures are being taken for the protection of British merchant shipping. A number of ships will in future carry their own fighter aircraft for dealing with enemy planes which attack the ships. The” aircraft will be launched by catapult, and if land is anywhere near they will land there, but if not they will come down on the sea near the ship and be taken aboard.