Edward Nash Hurley to Woodrow Wilson

I have some encouraging news regarding the building of ships which I know will prove interesting. I have had Lloyd's agency make a thorough investigation of the possibilities for the production of steel tonnage and you will note by the attached statement that they estimate we will produce 3,712,000 deadweight tons of steel shipping during 1918. This is a conservative estimate. In addition to this we have 1,600,000 deadweight tons of wooden ships under contract which are being built very rapidly. The entire program for 6,000,000 tons is well under way. In 1916 there were about 520,000 deadweight tons of ships built in this country, and in 1917 there will be turned out about 900,000 tons. As the labor situation in our shipyards at the present time seems most favorable, I am hopeful that our goal of 6,000,000 deadweight tons of shipping for 1918 will be reached.

Very faithfully yours,

Edward N. Hurley
Chairman.

The President,
The White House.

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