Presidential Order Hampers Student Exchange Program

The Army has taken control of nine government-owned ships that for two summers have given thousands of students cut-rate transportation to Europe.

The action was taken under Presidential order effective today.

A high official in the Maritime Commission expressed "astonishment" last night as he announced the new move, which scuttles the Commission's Student Exchange Program.

Under the now-defunct plan, students paid $280 to cross the Atlantic. Next summer, it is estimated the least expensive accommodations--tourist-class berths on luxury liners--will be about $320.

The nine C-4 type vessels have been operated by private lines, which acted as "general agents." Since the steamship companies received pay from the government, they were able to offer transportation at cost.

600 Passengers per Ship

As part of its program, the Maritime Commission had slashed the wartime limit of 900 passengers for each ship to 600 and added recreational facilities. The nine ships are the Ernie Pyle, Marine Tiger, Marine Jumper, Marine Shark, Marine Carp. Marine Marlin, Marine Flasher, Marine Robin, and Marine Perch.

During winters, the ships transported displaced persons. It is predicted that the Army will continue this activity.