TO AUTHORIZE THE CONSTRUCTION OF CERTAIN AUXILIARY VESSELS FOR THE NAVY (H. R. 10978). MR. VINSON OF GEORGIA NAVY DEPARTMENT, Washington, February 3, 1936. The SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Washington, D. C. MY DEAR MR. SPEAKER: There is transmitted herewith a draft of a proposed bill to authorize the construction of certain auxiliary vessels for the Navy. The purpose of the proposed legislation is to authorize the President in his discretion to proceed with the construction of 221,000 tons of auxiliary vessels for the Navy in order to furnish or replace those that are urgently needed for the proper maintenance and operation of a "treaty" Navy. The proposed legislation is an authorization only, without which future appropriations may not be made. The time when construction may be commenced, as well as the progress of construction, is within the discretion of the President and subject to future appropriations. A tentative program for progressive building of new and improved types of auxiliary vessels to provide for proper maintenance service to a fleet of treaty strength and to replace existing fleet auxiliaries of inadequate characteristics has been drawn up by the Navy Department and kept up to date by modification from time to time. The proposed legislation is considered by the Navy Department to be essential in character. It is in accord with the financial and policy programs of the President. The Navy Department recommends the enactment of the proposed legislation. Sincerely yours, H. L. ROOSEVELT, Acting. TO AUTHORIZE ALTERATIONS AND REPAIRS TO CERTAIN NAVAL VESSELS (H. R. 10976). MR. VINSON OF GEORGIA NAVY DEPARTMENT, Washington, February 3, 1936. The SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Washington, D. C. MY DEAR MR. SPEAKER: There is transmitted herewith a draft of a proposed bill to authorize alterations and repairs to certain naval vessels. This proposed bill is for the purpose of authorization only, so that requests for appropriations may be included in future annual budgets. submitted by the Navy Department. It does not appropriate any money. Contemplated alterations include the reengining of the Oklahoma; reengining of the New York and Texas, and the replacement of their antiaircraft batteries with modern installations; installation of modern fire-control systems in the Tennessee and California; improvement of aircraft operation and antiaircraft defense in the Lexington and Saratoga; and the conversion of the Prometheus to an oil-burning repair ship. This proposed legislation is considered by the Navy Department to be essential to the efficiency of the Navy. It is in accord with the financial and policy programs of the President. The Navy Department recommends the enactment of the proposed legislation. Sincerely yours, H. L. ROOSEVELT, Acting. 23697-36-No. 475 (2253) |