The U.S. Lacks--

On the Far East, now farther away than ever, the U.S. depends for six vital imports:

Rubber. About 50% of U.S. rubber imports come from the British East, 40% from the Dutch Indies. Since January 1940 the U.S. has built its stocks more than 200% to some 600,000 tons which can be stretched to cover a year's needs. Synthetic production, now at the rate of 12,500 tons a year, may be stepped up to 100,000 tons within a year.

Tin. Malaya supplies 75% of world tin; U.S. stocks total some 140,000 tons, more than a year's supply. Bolivia, source of 16% of world tin, can never quite supply all the U.S. needs.

Chrome. One-third of U.S. consumption of 800,000 tons a year comes from the Philippines and New Caledonia. Present stockpile is 400,000 tons. Smaller quantities come from Cuba and Africa, but not enough.

Tungsten. About 25,000 tons will be needed next year. Most of it used to come from China via the Burma Road. Present stockpile is 7,000 tons; U.S. output, rapidly expanding, is now close to 8,000 tons annually, and Bolivia produces about 4,000 tons. A substitute: molybdenum.

Hemp. The U.S. gets over 90% of its hemp fiber from the Philippines, especially the Province of Davao, where most of the growers and exporters are Japanese. No official figures are available of bales on hand, but estimates place reserves at six to eight months' supply.

Mica. India is the chief world source of high-grade mica splittings, indispensable in electrical equipment. The U.S. is using 8,000,000 lb. a year, practically all for defense. U.S. stocks are unknown.

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