CABINET MEETING, FRIDAY, MAY 3, 1946
THE PRESIDENT
Opened the meeting and called upon the Acting Secretary of State.
ACTING SECRETARY OF STATE ACHESON
Discussed the Palestine situation and suggested that frontiers be closed. He also suggested that the occupation forces be given authority to enforce blocking influx into American zones of occupation of displaced persons.
SECRETARY OF WAR PATTERSON
Agreed that this should be done.
THE PRESIDENT
The food situation in Europe is not improving very fast. Stated he had a letter from Herbert Hoover stating that the European people are not aware of what is being done for them by the United States. He said that the British are suppressing information with respect to our contributions and the average man in the countries being benefited by our shipments of food supplies is totally ignorant of such supplies.
ACTING SECRETARY OF STATE ACHESON
Situation in May looks very dark so far as wheat and flour shipments are concerned.
GENERAL FLEMING
Said that he had just traveled 5,000 miles in India during the past few weeks. He saw no evidence of famine but there is a problem of transportation. People are hoarding grains in India but the government officials have no knowledge of the amount.
SECRETARY OF LABOR SCHWELLENBACH
Paris conference story in the New York Times yesterday is a very complete description of the progress of the coal strike in the United States--no progress.
SECRETARY OF INTERIOR KRUG
Was afraid that we will have to reinstate rationing of coal at the wholesale level.
SECRETARY OF WAR PATTERSON
Stated that the Army is losing many key officers who are leaving for private industry and for more lucrative jobs.
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY FORRESTAL
Same thing applies to the Navy. The Navy is having great difficulty in getting sufficient medical doctors.
SECRETARY OF WAR PATTERSON
The Army has reduced from 1500 general officers at the end of June down to 600 general officers. He stated that this will make it possible to promote younger men.