It is obvious that no large proportion of 20,000 oil wells are being drilled on lands under these permits.

Being fairly familiar with the sentiment of our Western States, I can at once refute the statement that the people of the West object to conservation of oil resources.

I saw some suggestion that the Western States might resent conservation measures on oil.

They know there is a limit to oil supplies, and that the time will come when the Nation will need this oil much more than it is needed now.

It is expected that under the present contracts the South American airmail service will be in operation some time in April or May.

In fact, there are no half measures in oil conservation.

I propose to deal with these matters in my message to Congress, and I do not care to enter into any debate on them prior to that time.

No one is more anxious for conservation of our oil resources than the Western States themselves.

I have the highest esteem for Judge Burke, and I appreciate his very long and devoted service to the country.

There are no half measures in conservation of oil.

Where holders are complying with the law, they need have no anxiety as to retrospective action, but some 34,000 permits for oil exploration by drilling have been issued since the leasing law was passed in President Wilson's administration.