The Daily Alaska Empire

RUSSIAN OPERATIONS THREATEN ALASKA SALMON INDUSTRY
Dozen Lend-Lease Canner-ies in Use by Russians-
Arnold Urges Duty
WASHINGTON. Feb. 3.-Alaskan salmon packers declared today a dozen lend-lease floating canneries are being operated in Russian Pacific waters and constitute a threat to their industry.
The statement was made by W. C. Arnold, managing director of the Alaskan Salmon Industry, Inc., in urging the committee for Reciprocity Information to approve a continuation of the present 25 percent duty on salmon imports. The committee is gathering information for State Department use in negotiating new trade treaties.
Arnold added that Russian operators of the lend-lease canneries turned over to Russia in 1944, are using Japanese fishermen who formerly worked North Pacific waters for Japan.
"We can't compete with an importation of that kind," Arnold declared. He added: "Of course, I don't think the Canadians can either."
Arnold, who said he has spent 20 years in Alaska, described the Bering Sea, separating Alaska from Siberia, as "sitting on top of the world like a huge goldfish bowl on top of a pedestal."
"Out there, the Russian question is a living question, not an academic one." he said.
Protecting of the Alaskan salmon industry also was urged by Rear Admiral Frederick A. Zeusler (Ret.) of the Coast Guard. who said that Alaskan canneries are of military and naval importance to this country.
Before 1942. he said, salmon fishing boats were about the only patrol craft the navy had in Alaskan waters. They were responsible, he said for the sinking of the first Japanese submarine there.
"If we hadn't had these facilities which were self-supporting we would have been in a pretty bad fix." he continued. "They are of vital importance. and we feel they should be protected."