MEMO FOR RECORD : (SCAPIN - 1745)
ESS/IN JZR/GEM/EPS/ms
1. Reference is C.L. O. Letter No. 2464 (CM), dated 8 April 1947, subject: Construction Plan of Fishing Vessels (Fourth Application), with one inclosure, Steel Fishing Ships Construction Plan No. 4 (c).
2. Above reference requests permission to build two hundred and fifteen (215) steel fishing vessels of various kinds, namely: a. Tuna Vessels, b. Trawlers, and c. Fish Carriers, to a total of 24, 251 gross tons.
3. Memorandum to the Japanese Government offers no objection to the construction oi twenty-two (22) steel fish carriers listed in above application, totalling 1,930 gross tons.
4. A study is being made relative to the balance of the vessels requested, some of which may be substituted for vessels to be cancelled under previously approved plans 2 and 3 of the fishing vessels program.
5. Natural Resources Section/Fisheries indicated by check sheet to ESS/IN that when the construction plans authorized by SCAP are completed, the fleets of tuna vessels and trawlers will be greater both in number and tonnage than the 1939 fleets. However, the number of fish carriers is smaller than pre-war.
6. By reason of the shortage of naterials and in particular, coal and cokes, as well as steel, it is believed to be to the best advantage to authorize at this time the construction of the requested fish carriers which will provide a better distribution of fishery products.
7. The interests of USAFIK are not concerned.
8. Concurrence: Natural Resources Section/Fisheries - Mr. Harrington.
9. Routine surveillance is necessary on this activity and will be reported in monthly Occupation Activities Reports.
10. Further questions may be directed to Mr. E. P. Sharp, ESS/IN, Shipbuilding and Harbor Development Branch, Telephone Number 26-8571.
J. Z. R.