Stand-By Laws for War

Report Outline
Advance Planning and Modern Warfare
Status of U. S. Mobilization Program
Proposals for Stand-By Legislation
Special Focus

Advance Planning and Modern Warfare

Participation of American air and sea squadrons in the defense of South Korea and the implication of the President's statement of June 27 that attempted conquest of any additional territory by international Communism will be met with military force have clearly brought the United States closer to war with Russia than at any time in the past. Recognizing this fact, Congress has extended the Selective Service Act for an additional year, with no restrictions on the President's power to order inductions, and it has granted new authority to the President to order any or ail members and organizations of the National Guard and other reserve components to active duty, without prior action by the legislative branch.

Whether additional stand-by laws for war—laws which would give the President power to order full industrial and economic mobilization upon declaration of a national emergency—are to be sought from Congress at this session will depend upon whether the present crisis moderates or becomes more acute in the immediate future.

During House debate on extension of the draft, May 24, Chairman Vinson (D., Ga.) of the Armed Services Committee expressed concern because “there has not been submitted to the Congress a complete mobilization plan.” He believed “one should be submitted and should be passed at this time, dealing with capital, labor and manpower, and be put on the shelf.” He hoped that, at the latest, a stand-by mobilization plan would be sent to Congress for enactment when it meets in January.