CONCERNING THE SELECTIVE SERVICE ACT THE general session a t the recent St. Louis meeting of the American Chemical Society included a discussion of the relation of the chemical profession to selective service. The speakers, Dr. Charles L. P arsons. Secretary, of the Soceity, and Major J oseph S.Battley,Chief of the Occupational Deferment Div. of the Selective Service System, discussed the application of the Act as it concerns chemists and students of chemistry. It was brought out clearly and most emphatically that the need for trained chemists and chemical engineers is so great as to make it inadvisable for any chemist or student of chemistry to leave his work or his studies to enlist in the armed forces. While there can be no general provisions for group deferment, it is clearly the policy and intention of the Selective Service System to make sure that men who are necessary for the operation of necessary industries, or who are in training for such positions, shall not be drafted for military service. Since it is the intention to interpret the implied qualifications in the most liberal sense, this statement should go far toward relieving the anxieties of many students who wonder what the immediate future has in store for them. These
were advised that the most helpful and patriotic course for them to follow is to continue their present training and, when the time comes, to apply to their local boards for occupational deferment, since their technical services will be their most valuable contribution to national defense. If local hoards refuse such deferment, they are advised to appeal to the higher authorities. While every case of deferment must be acted upon individually the very large percentage of cases which have been allowed shows that local boards have. in general, been aware of the essential nature of technically trained men, especially chemists. No chemist need feel himself in any sense a "slacker" because he chooses to serve in the capacity for which he is best suited. Industries and educational institutions, on the other hand, were urged to make every effort to support the claims of chemists and students of chemistry far occupational deferment under the Act, to the end that the industrial machinery of the country-which is so essential in the present emergency--shall not be dislocated or impeded hy the withdrawal of necessary skilled and trained workers.
