CABINET MEETING, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 1946
THE PRESIDENT
Read a message from Ambassador Bedell Smith discussing his first interview with the President of the Soviet Union and Vishinskey [Vyshinsky]. In the message submitted, stated that the Russians were as perturbed about veterans problems as we are about our own. A striking similarity found in Russia is that the veterans returning from the front are no more inclined to go to work than are our own in this country.
SECRETARY OF LABOR SCHWELLENBACH
John L. Lewis has agreed to submit proposals in writing on this date with respect to the threatened coal strike. The Secretary is not certain that the railroad strike is finally settled but is strongly optimistic that it will be.
SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE ANDERSON
Food situation in Europe remains critical. The evidence submitted by UNRRA, Herbert Hoover and Dr. Fitzgerald, the Department of Agriculture, all support the fact of a serious shortage in Europe. Secretary stated that the copra situation is very tight. He has asked the State Department to check on the advisability of entering into British spheres of influence to tap the supplies of copra in the countries now dominated by the British.
SECRETARY OF COMMERCE WALLACE
Stated that with reference to the British, it reminded him of an inscription on the coat of arms of a certain English cavalry unit which read "Mount and ride away." This unit was converted to a mechanized unit whereby horses were replaced by automotive equipment. It was thereby deemed advisable to change the inscription to read "Screw and bolt."