Eckener for Helium

Dr. Hugo Eckener, world's foremost expert on lighter-than-air craft, arrived in the U. S. from Germany last week to try to get some helium for German dirigibles. The U. S. has practically all the helium there is, Germany has practically all the dirigibles. The National Munitions Control Board approved the export last November, but since helium is a natural resource, the Interior Department has final say. Secretary Ickes, not convinced that Germany would use the non-inflammable gas for commercial purposes only, has held up the shipment.

When reminded that the day of his arrival was the first anniversary of the Hindenburg disaster, Dr. Eckener bowed his head, closed his eyes for several seconds. Then he opened them again and said: "I cannot believe that anyone here believes we can use airships for military purposes in Germany. . . . Now is the time to sell it [helium]. In fifty years there will be no market for helium because there will be no airships. Airplanes will then supplant them."

In Washington Secretary Ickes said: "I haven't changed my mind on the subject. I haven't made it up yet." To a Washington dinner in honor of Dr. Eckener, German Ambassador Hans Dieckhoff this week invited State Department officials, Munitions Board members, Senators, but not Harold L. Ickes.

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