CABINET MEETING, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15 [14], 1945
PROPOSED AGENDA
1. Labor
2. Housing
THE PRESIDENT
Asked for suggestions for the State of the Union Message.
SECRETARY ACHESON
Secretary Byrnes expects to return from Russia on the following Wednesday.
THE PRESIDENT
Discussed civil government for Germany.
SECRETARY PATTERSON
It was necessary from outset for the Amy to do the job. It is now partly civilian. The policy should emanate from the State Department and implementation by War Department is necessary. If possible, however, the policy should be actuated by civilian personnel of the War Department. He believed that by July 1, 1946, entire unit should transfer to State Department.
THE PRESIDENT
Mentioned people who have been trained in civil government by the Army during the war who might be available to conduct such services in a civilian capacity.
SECRETARY ACHESON
The situation in Germany is set up under 4 powers military government. Other powers would have to agree before a civil administration by the United States could be achieved. State Department is not equipped with sufficient personnel to take over the job. It would be necessary to greatly increase the State Department budget if this was to be done. He was of the opinion that the Army in order to be effective should put its people into civilian clothes.
SECRETARY PATTERSON
His objection to this agreement is that a man on the spot may be a civilian but he still comes under the Chief of Staff and therefore is engaged in a military function.
SECRETARY ANDERSON
Agriculture Department has problem with German. He referred to the cotton surplus and dehydrated potatoes among other things. State Department has been trying to get these items into Germany to reduce our surplus of them here and to aid in Germany relief but has had little success.
SECRETARY PATTERSON
Stated that the reason for this failure is the lack of transportation in Germany. What transportation there is is being utilized for necessary food items.
THE PRESIDENT
The President extended Christmas greetings to members of the Cabinet whereupon the Postmaster General presented a gift to the President from the Cabinet members. This was a set of filigree silver dishes. The President commented that this is one gift he will not have to put in the Gift Room for one year.
SECRETARY PATTERSON
Stated that the reason for this failure is the lack of transportation in Germany. What transportation there is is being utilized for necessary food items.
THE PRESIDENT
The President extended Christmas greetings to members of the Cabinet whereupon the Postmaster General presented a gift to the President from the Cabinet members. This was a set of filigree silver dishes. The President commented that this is one gift be will not have to put in the Gift Room for one year.