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Fraternization Babies PoseProblem for U.S. in ReichFrom The Stars and Stripes Berlin Bureau*BERLIN, Sept, 13—A high policy decision is expected in about two weeks on the question of illegitimate children born of admitted intimacies between U.S. troops and German women, The Stars and Stripes learned today.An official of the welfare department of the U.S. Group Control Council said the problem of Gf-German fraternization, including the possible legalization of children through marriage, was beingstudied following definite requests from American soldiers for permission to marry Germans.Each request, it was said, concerned the expected birth of a child resulting from fraternization with German women when the non-fraternization ban was absolute. Current liberated restrictions forbid all but public conversational contact between troops and Germans.Maj. George B. Wood, of Austin, Minn., episcopalian chaplain of the 82nd Airborne Division, said he had received several requests from soldiers wanting to marry German girls. Under present Army regulations such requests could not even be considered.Wood told a story of how a soldier with the 2nd Armored Division asked for a transfer to the 82nd when the outfits changed places as the Berlin occupation force. The ©I explained that he was in love with a Berlin girl. When the chaplain presented the request to responsible authorities, he said, he was told the application would be approved.“However, as far as pregnant German women are concerned, Wood said, “we ' are against shotgun marriages. Generally it will be tough sledding for the girl. And —even if the, soldier is deeply in love-^ regulations will have to be changed first.Two other* Army chaplains in Berlin, both Catholic, agreed that no marriages could be sanctioned simply for the sake of German women. One of them pointed out, however, that “if marriage between an American and a German girl represents true love—then it is the natural law and Army regulations will have : to recognize this.An admission of disobedience through acknowledgment of parenthood will not result in punishment, a ranking official declared, but no relaxation in regulations ‘ against marriage will be made simply for the sake of mother and child.The problem of illegitimate children would no doubt begin in January, a welfare department official pointed out, but would not become acute for another few months, when increasing numbers of children of American-German parentage are likely to be born.Officials here admitted that no attempt is being made to enforce current liberalized non-fraternization policies, although an 82nd Airborne ruling forbids officers to fraternize, even in public places.Retailers RapOP A RulingWASHINGTON, Sept. 13 (ANS)r-Despite angry dealer protests, the Office of Price Administration is going ahead with its plan for ordering new consumer goods priced at 1942 retail prices.The agency has rejected an appeal by retailers for abandonment of its “cost absorption policy, the Associated Press reported today. Under that policy retailers and wholesalers must absorb any price increase granted to manufacturers instead of raising retail prices. This is. to keep the prices the public pays from going higher than those of three years ago.The policy, in effect already for washing machines, aluminum ware and electric irons will be applied to any product for which the manufacturer is given an increase to compensate for higher labor and materials costs, AP said.Two weeks ago retailers meeting with the OPA called the cost absorption policy . “uneconomic, unsound andinequitable.lekes leaves for LondonWASHINGTON, Sept. 13 (AP)—Mr. Harold lekes, U.S. Secretary of the interior, left London yesterday to negotiate an Anglo-American agreement on the exploration and operation of Anglo-American oil resources. An international conference may also result fromthe talks.Terry and the PiratesAF2.1L AMP PYZOU A££ $UrFQ$£PLY STlll IN TH# HOt’SE — MIS ROOMS SEEM EMPTY- B»T THE FIREPLACE IS PHONEY — WHICM TALKS UK£ SECRET PA£SA6ES AMP SOCti MOM KEY BIZ...ill-'-TWWTHWUKff.41
Newspaper Details
London Stars and Stripes
London, Middlesex, GB
Fri, Sep 14, 1945
Page 2
Full Page
Clipped by
Jessica L.
USA 14 Apr 2022
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