CABINET MEETING, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12th, 1945
PROPOSED AGENDA
1. Strikes
2. Unemployment
3. Quebec Food Conference
THE PRESIDENT
Read memorandum with respect to Agency to take place of some functions of OWI. He instructed John Snyder to appoint interagency committee to study this problem.
SECRETARY ICKES
Said this agency or committee should be restricted to matters of policy and not permitted to edit statements of Government officials.
SECRETARY ANDERSON
Objected to procedure of $100 clerk editing speeches and changing context.
SECRETARY PATTERSON
Believed it should be a planning committee and that there should be a 24 hour clearance.
STRIKES
SECRETARY SCHWELLENBACH
Coal situation will present itself again. John L. Lewis and Ed Burke have had meetings but have arrived at no agreement. Coal negotiations have always been long drawn out and it appears to be no different now.
SECRETARY ICKES
Seizure will not do any good this time. Men will just walk out. Seizure will not break strike, but will result in successful strike against government. Miners have worked out a definite technique. There has been no period in the last two years when all of the mines have been working.
THE PRESIDENT
Said he thought it was post-war situation, but is now worried about it and is apprehensive that coal strike might be prolonged.
SECRETARY SCHWELLENBACH
Agreed with the President and said he has not seen the slightest indication of reason on either side of the dispute.
THE PRESIDENT
All of this labor situation is contrary to agreements made by representatives of both sides.
The President then suggested that Secretary Byrnes report to the Cabinet at the next meeting the situation with respect to international affairs and make a report on the proceedings at the London conference.
The President then called for a general discussion.
GENERAL DISCUSSION
SECRETARY PATTERSON
Stated the leading scientists of the atomic bomb project urged promptness in establishing civilian committee to control bomb. Said he would urge Senator Thomas of Utah and Congressman May of Kentucky to speed up action on control body.
SECRETARY ANDERSON
Discussed purposes of meeting in Quebec of United Nations Food and Agricultural organization. Felt that the Chairman of this organization should be an American.
SECRETARY BYRNES
Was opposed to Anderson's view. Said the chairman should not be an American. The British and French already think that America is attempting to hog leadership.
THE PRESIDENT
Suggested that Secretary Anderson feel out sentiment on the ground during the meeting and then make his determination later.
SECRETARY ANDERSON
Stated that the Chinese wanted the Chairman to be an American. However, the Australians have a candidate named McDougal. Stated the reason he raised the question is that he wanted to have the opinion of the Cabinet before going to Canada.
SECRETARY FORRESTAL
Suggested that with respect to the chairman, the United States might yield reluctantly.