Speech #790048615

Mr. Speaker. the House yesterday. by more than a onethird vote but by less than a majority vote. may have given encouragement to some local draft boards who wish to induct agricultural workers who are not subject to induction. but to me it seems a little bit doubtful whether it is wise. when there is a shortage of food which can beproduced only by those who know how and who are capable of doing agricultural work. to continually export agricultural workers. American farm workerswe have exported agricultural machineryand import German prisoners of war and refugees. and depend on them to operate our farms and to feed us. our men and women in the service. our allies. and the hungry people wherever in the world they may be found. The Tydings amendment. notwithstanding the veto. notwithstanding the vote yesterday. is still the law of the land. and this Congress. since local boards and Selective Service officials first began to disregard it and unlawfully induct Amerlean citizens. has on at least three occasions expressed its disapproval of that maladministration. The Congress should order the release of all those who have been inducted in violation of the act. the prosecution of all those who have unlawfully inducted men not subject to draft.