Show SYNTHETIC RUBBER the effect of axis victories in the far east is the loss of our gubbei supply in 1940 this country imported tons and almost every pound of it came from countries now blocked off by the japs for 25 years chemists have been developing a rubber substitute but production of the product was not pushed so long as there was an a sundance bun dance of cheaper natural rubber be now the cost question has gone out of the window the united states must have rubber to win the war hence the present pressure on industry to produce a substantial quantity of a rubber substitute prior to december 7 plans were under way for producing tons pei annum of a synthetic rubber out of petroleum Sul subsequently the government raised its sights t to 0 tons a goal expected to be realized sometime in 1943 now the program is being further enlarged to tons it is said that it will take a year and a half to get plants erected and in full operation in the meantime the government has enough reserve rubber stocks to cover war needs and a little more owners of automobiles must take unusual carr make their present supply of tires lires last to the ultimate mile |