Work Done

At last, after weeks of debate and conferences, the nation got a bill to set up domestic control of atomic power. Between the House and Senate there had been honest differences of opinion. A majority of the Senate wanted an all-civilian atomic commission, with the military held to a liaison role. The House passed a version putting one military representative on the commission. The Senators, led by Arthur Vandenberg, held to their principles and in conference the House backed down.

Control of fissionable material, facilities, mines, research and applications will be vested in a five-man commission--civilians all. Chief amendment won by the House: the death penalty for those who give away atomic information if there is clear "intent to injure the U.S."

Last week, Congress also sent to the White House measures providing for: P: A special Medal of Honor award to aged (85) General of the Armies John J. Pershing (belatedly, for services in World War I, and for "gallant and unselfish devotion to ... the preparation for and prosecution of World War II"). P:A standard 12.5% royalty on gas & oil leases on the public domain, instead of varying rates now negotiated--assailed by ex-Secretary Ickes as "further enrichment [of the oil companies] at the public expense."

P:U.S. participation in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

P:A $75 million program to provide classrooms, laboratories and other facilities to help colleges absorb G.I.s.

P:Extension of the life of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation to June 30, 1947.

P: A $75 million RFC loan to the Philippine Republic at 2% interest.

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