George Burke Resigns As General Counsel For OPA

By Mark Foote WASHINGTON - George Burke, Ann Arbor attorney, has resigned his position as general counsel for the OPA and legal a visor to the administration, it was George J. Burke announced today, following the revelation yesterday that OPA director, Prentiss Brown, who appointed Burke, had resigned.
Burke's resignation, presented to Brown on Oct. 15, was made public today, and follows:
Washington, D. C.
Oct. 15, 1943. Honorable Prentiss M. Brown Administrator, Office of Price Administration Dear Prentiss:
It is my wish to terminate my assignment as general counsel for OPA and legal adviser to the administrator on Nov. 1, 1943. In taking this step I desire to express my appreciation of the opportunity that I have had to work with you in this very important undertaking.
The program has succeeded to an extent that will become more apparent with the passing of time. I am fully aware of the fact that you accepted this difficult assignment nearly a year ago as a public duty and responsibility and am convinced that your contribution has been of inestimable value to the nation.
Mistakes have been made and doubtless others will be made in the future, but one has only to compare the cost of living items of the present with prices of the same commodities during the last war to appreciate the effectiveness of the job which is being done. A further comparison may also be made of those items which now are subject to price control and to others which are not, to indicate what would have happened except for such regulations. By the end of 1943 the savings in public and private expenditures, according to informed experts, will amount to nearly one hundred billion dollars--not a bad record in itself.
The great majority of the American people, in my judgment, have accepted the personal sacrifices ind inconveniences incident to the operation of this vast program of orice control in the same fine spirit hat their sons and brothers in the Armed services have shown.
A small minority have not so accepted it, and doubtless will continue, for reasons best known to themselves, to oppose any effort to control rising prices and prevent unrestrained inflation.
With the organization set-up to provide for simplification of regulations and for a better public understanding of the program it is my belief that continued acceptance and improvement will follow its administration.
With personal regards, I remain sincerely yours,
George J. Burke General Counsel.