CABINET MEETING FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 1946
PROPOSED AGENDA
1. Development of material for follow-up on the seven points discussed in the President's speech on January third.
THE PRESIDENT
Opened the meeting and called upon the Secretary of Labor for a report.
SECRETARY SCHWELLENBACH
Said that if the telephone strike negotiations breaks down both sides should be called in by the President. In connection with the meat packers strike, it has been discussed to call off strike if fact finding board is set up. Negotiations recently held have been disrupted because figures furnished to the board by the OPA proved to be wrong.
THE PRESIDENT
Told Secretary of Labor to get names for fact finding board. Gave a brief review of the foreign situation. China and Rumania appear to be in good shape. Iran and Bulgaria prove to be less promising. He stated that he is going to ask General Eisenhower and Admiral Nimitz to make an intensive study of demobilization problems.
SECRETARY FORRESTAL
Suggested calling in leading publishers to the White House and explaining to them the consequences of too rapid demobilization.
THE PRESIDENT
Compared record of over three million men brought back after this war with record made in the preceding world war.
UNDER SECRETARY ROYAL [ROYALL]
(for Patterson) Army has arranged for General Eisenhower to go before Congress on next Tuesday to acquaint them with the problems being faced by the Army in the theatres of occupation.
THE PRESIDENT
Told Sec. Forrestal to have Admiral Nimitz present at that meeting with General Eisenhower.
ACTING SECRETARY ACHESON
Decried the fact that Army discipline has gone to hell. He described it as a disgraceful situation.
UNDER SECRETARY ROYAL [ROYALL]
(For Patterson) Did not think that it was so amazing. He does not feel that discipline has broken down but that is merely the impression which has been created in the peoples mind.
SECRETARY VINSON
Disagreed with Royal. Thinks the world will have the impression that the United States will not back up what it says.
SECRETARY ICKES
Stated that he did not understand General McArthur's point of view as described in a press statement he made.
UNDER SECRETARY ROYAL
Said that the statement attributed to McArthur in the press is contradictory.
POSTMASTER GENERAL HANNEGAN
Many boys overseas in the armed forces do not have any assignments and can't understand why they are being kept there.
UNDER SECRETARY ROYAL
Stated that Eisenhower has sent out a directive instructing theatre commanders to return all surplus soldiers immediately.
THE PRESIDENT
Agreed that he would start with Congress and follow Sec. Forrestal's suggestion with respect to publishers. Asked the Cabinet to hit this issue in speeches and use every effort to improve the situation.
SECRETARY ICKES
Suggests the Acting Secretary of State appear on a national hookup and tell the problems facing us in the foreign theatres.
POSTMASTER GENERAL HANNEGAN
Suggests a followup on 7 point program and for a period of 60 days to take advantage of current public reaction.
SECRETARY WALLACE
We will lose the next Congress unless the fight in members is stimulated. We must make every effort to get out a large vote.