WAR SHIPPING ADMINISTRATION
Washington, D. C.
To: General Agents and Agents,
War Shipping Administration
Mobilization of America’s shipping resources for war brought
problems that were unparalleled in maritime history. Even before the
United States became a belligerent, the Nation's shipping companies were
carrying an increased burden. With establishment of the War Shipping
Administration, these companies immediately became agencies of the
Government, to give superb performances in prosecution of the war and
achieving victory. The fact that a private industry could so organize and
discipline itself to retain its free identity, yet render so great a service
to the Country and the Allied cause under governmental direction is a
tremendous tribute to the strength and power of our way of life, and
the inherent ability of America to meet an emergency.
The shipping companies that met and mastered this situation are
entirely deserving of the thanks of the Nation, and in the name of the War
Shipping Administration I extend the warmest appreciation of your
efforts.
Let us not forget, however, that the shipping industry, virtually the
first to convert entirely to war, still has a great responsibility, one that will
continue for some time. I l;now that our shipping companies and merchant
seamen will discharge this peacetime duty in the same patriotic manner
that they displayed in war
E. S. Land, Administrator
WarShlrm ? / ' -"'-'ration
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WAR SHIPPING ADMINISTRATION
San Francisco, California
To: General Agents and Agents,
War Shipping Administration
I am glad to supplement Admiral Land’s message and express to you
all the thanks and appreciation of the War Shipping Administration on
the Pacific Coast for the magnificent job you have done. Events have
moved so fast that it is easy to forget the troubled times when Alaska was
the key point on which hinged the defense of this whole Coast. The Puget
Sound Agents can take real pride in the way they met this challenge.
The Alaska Pool was one of the outstanding operations of the War. Working
always short of tonnage, it not only adequately supported the Military
activities in the Territory and on the Chain, but it also maintained the civilian
economy and kept Alaska’s prime industries going.
My thanks and good wishes to you all.
John E. Cushing
Assistant Deputy Administrator
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