Document 4apr34YrG0zbqNNGvGGJXKp4p

In t e r n a t io n a l Sme l t in g a n d Re f in in g Co mp a n y East Chicago, Indiana G. E. JOHNSON Plant Manager August 25th, 1945 Mr. Frederick Laist, Tice President International Smeltg. and Refg, Co. F.oom 1720 - 25 Broadway New York 4, New York Dear Mr. Laiat: We have just been advised by Tooele that the next high bismuth run will not start until March or April, 1946. Due to. the present restrictions on the production of white lead and the need for metallic bismuth to meet present commitments, it is planned to continue to operate the Betts Flant until our present stock of hydrofluosilicic acid is exhausted. It is estimated that the present 3tock of acid will be consumed by September 12th. At this time the high bismuth bullion stocks at East Chicago will have been reduced to approximately 150 tons. This situation will necessitate allocating common lead bullion for the production of white lead during the next eight months. Our net stocks of white lead are now 570 tons. During the past ten days we have shipped 150. tons of white lead, indicating an increase in demand for white lead. From January 1st until August 2nd, 1945 paint manufacturers were permitted to use only 15$ of their normal, consumption. On August 2nd this was increased to 25$. All indications are that within the next few days W.P.B. will further ease the restriction on the use of white lead or: they will revoke the order entirely. It is reasonable to expect a sharp up-turn in sales and the feeling in the trade is that there may not be enough dry white lead available initially to meet the demand. Considering these market conditions and our present stocks, it would appear that we will have to meet a heavy demand during the balance of this year for white lead to: avoid jeopardizing qur position regarding dry white lead sales. We would appreciate your comments and suggestions on what the possibilities are of allocating low bismuth bullion for our use in the production of white lead. cc: Mr.C.Glass N11316 PNYC0C0065 76