A D-day for the Federation?
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The Long Delay in Unifying the Representation of the Industry is Disturbing, and a Decisive Step to Achieve This End is Advocated
By "Tantalus"
WITH the advent and subsequent passing of D-day there has been unfolded a story of wonderful achievement which provides an epic of courage, 1.5.:roism• and determination on a scale hitherto unknown. Ranking with the feats of the United Forces stands the record of those engaged in transport on land and sea. The devotion to duty of men and women during the interminable months of intensive preparation made the invasion victory possible.
Details already are available of the part played by the Royal and Merchant Navies, in which 4,000 major ships and thousands of smaller craft participated in conveying men, equipment and supplies of every description to the landing beaches. The story of what the railways accomplished also has been made known ; of the numbers of trains, both passenger and goods, which were employed to carry the troops and enormous quantities of supplies to the embarkation points. Little, however, has been related of the work accomplished by those engaged in road transport and whose part in the invasion preparations was no less important and equally necessary. These men at the wheel drove incessantly , through day and by night to deliver the goods required to feed the war factories, in order that there should be no stoppage on the production lines. They maintained, with remarkable consistency, the transport and distribution of food supplies to the Forces and civilians , alike, and have filled a niche in the war machine which, whilst being exclusive and peculiar in character, was a service both vital and indispensable.
War-time Efforts Untold The gigantic demands of D-day never could have been met without the co-operation of road transport and the services rendered by those engaged in the industry, whose work was never spectacular but frequently of a monotonous and wearisome character. Recognition of such services is seldom given generously, and words of credit or thanks expressed but rarely. It is an industry which receives more kicks than halfpence.
. This, maybe, is mainly due to the fact that a co-ordinated story of achievement cannot easily be compiled, as has been possible in respect of railways and shipping. The road-transport industry has no means by which it can record and make known to the public the story of road transport in war-time. It lacks a centralized representative organization which, had it existed, could have undertaken the task. If only the National Federation had been launched on active life before ,the advent of D-day, the important part played by those engaged in road ,transport would, no doubt, have been placed historically alongside the deeds of the Merchant Navy and the railways.
The question follows as to when the Federation will emerge from the blueprint stage of the drawing office to a practical reality. During the past 12 months hope • has ebbed arid flowed with the regularity of the tide. At some periods the sky of anticipation would seem to be clear and visibility good, whilst, at others, the clouds of doubt and depression appear to hide from view the causes of retarded progress. For causes, undoubtedly, there are, otherwise the delays would not have been necessary. Where there's a will there's a way. If some of those persons who, so consistently, have paid lip-service to the Federation had displayed the same eagerness in translating their creed into practical works, then, long ago, the„final establishing of the Federation would have been un fait accompli.
It has been stated that D-day was first planned some two years ago and all the details dovetailed together in an immense scheme for' Allied victory. There can be no failure to realize the enormity of the task involved in arranging an invasion so colossal as to reach far beyond all previous human conception or experience. Yet, all was accomplished with the most amazing degree of success. Faint-heartedness, timidity, intrigue had no place in the vast field of organization essential for an undertaking of such encirmous proportions. Doubtless there were myriads of difficulties, varying in nature, which could be overcome only by determination and singleness of purpose. The question of failure never could have entered into the scheme of things. It could not be permitted where success of accomplishment was the keynote of all preparations.
What is Retarding Progress?
Why cannot a similar spirit prevail in the industry regarding the creation of the central representative body which has been in process of development for more than two years? What are the causes obstructing the implementation of the proposals and who are the niggers in the wood-pile? An impression is becoming established in some quarters that, despite the many reassuring statements which have been made from time to time, there is an underground movement exerting an influence designed Co retard progress and to delay the establishing of the Federation. .If Lord Perry and his colleagues, who have laboured with enduring patience to place the representation and organization of the industry on a sound basis, know the persons engaged in this type of subversive activity, they should publish their names for the information of all those engaged in the industry. What is believtd to be a small minority should not be permitted to obstruct the wishes of the majority. It is a responsibility which should not be shirked by Lord Perry and his committee. In . fact, they might go further and issue a complete statement describing the factors that are ,known to be a stumbling block to the realization of the hopes of the large majority of operators.
Time is pressing and events move with incredible rapidity. Some post-war problems which vitally concern the industry are being neglected, for the reason that there is no co-ordinated body to plan, represent and negotiate with the powers that be. If this state of affairs be permitted to continue the industry is in danger of being left to the mercy of bureaucratic control, operating under Orders and regulations and with freedom but a memory. Whilst this, possibly, might be acceptable to a certain section of the haulage community, it would be resented by the major portion, which is floundering in a sea of debate and discussion with regard to the Federation. • Operators demand that an end be put to the quibbling and squabbling; they desire decisive action and an official and accredited representative body to safeguard their interests. •