"Why is the MERCHANT MARINE so important to the national interest? - Plain Truth Staff - November 1969

Plain Truth Staff

Suddenly a new crisis has hit America. Officials have become painfully aware of drastic deterioration in the U. S. merchant fleet. To bring our readers an in-depth report The PLAIN TRUTH sent one of its editors to Washington, D. C. for a personal interview with Edwin M. Hood, President, Shipbuilders Council of America. QUESTION: Mr. Hood, what is the present condition of the U. S. merchant fleet? ANSWER: The American merchant marine is in a deplorable state. This isn't just my opinion, this is the description applied to it by the Mari-time Administrator. It is the opinion of a majority of the Congress. QUESTION: Why is this? ANSWER: Primarily because ship construction over the past decade has not been equal to the creeping obsolescence of our fleet. - Information Supplied By: Herbert W Armstrong Library