CABINET MEETING, NOVEMBER 29, 1946
THE PRESIDENT
U. N. site being considered at San Francisco & Mass. (?) Interested in Presidio in California--if govt will make it a gift to U.N. Sen. Austin thinks it will be recommended by the U. S. organization. The President not sure he has authority to release it.
PATTERSON
Army has had it since War with Mexico. Has big hospital. They could release it if necessary. Believes that U. N. will contribute to the post.
THE PRESIDENT
If legally OK will say it is available. Will look into the legal status.
ACHESON
It will take a year or year & one half before it can be occupied.
THE PRESIDENT
Wyatt housing crisis is under discussion. Asked Steelrnan to summarize situation for Cabinet.
STEELMAN
Wyatt feels either go all out as in a war or drop the whole program. Wants RFC to authorize loans on a basis never before approved.
PATTERSON
RFC would not OK loans now demanded by Wyatt even in war time.
FORRESTAL - ANDERSON
Could not approve this request as it could not be justified.
HARRIMAN
Wyatt's program would be drastic to whole reconversion program.
THE PRESIDENT
Cited that Wyatt report was in press before the Pres. rec'd it. Must now approve or disapprove which would mean Wyatt would quit.
ANDERSON
Believes zealots in Wyatt organization are responsible.
FLEMING
Wyatt's advisers all with Tugwell--he fired them twice--but when Wyatt set up shop they wandered back in again.
ANDERSON
Should not tear up the American pattern of business.
PATTERSON
RFC is a banking operation and should be maintained as such.
HARRIMAN
In addition to the banking phase--the dislocations it would cause in steel distribution would wreak havoc.
ANDERSON
Message to Wyatt should be as carefully worked out as a veto message.
THE PRESIDENT
We all want veterans housing as much as Wyatt.
KRUG
Wyatt's own directives are breaking down-- and housing is being retarded.
THE PRESIDENT
Brought up report of A.G. in the patent situation.
ATTY GEN
This covers the ownership of patents developed by Government employees and contractors. Justice dept holds that patents developed on Govt time belong to the Govt. However it should be held open for discussion for a while.
THE PRESIDENT
Brought up question of disarmament. After last war we agreed to unilateral disarmament. Does not believe we should do this again. Is anxious to disarm only when U. N. is ready to police the world but not before and--then on a multilateral basis.
FORRESTAL
Agreed.
ACHESON
Austin does not see that this is a program to get Russia out of a jam. Russia does not want international control and inspection--particularly with respect to atomic energy.
PATTERSON
Russia's present proposal is contrary to position she took 1 year ago.
FORRESTAL
On Medals for Merit suggests Cabinet Committee to study merits of those who might warrant medal and who are being overlooked.
THE PRESIDENT
Appointed War - Navy FWA and Interior to make a study.
ANDERSON
Sugar is going to be a political football-- particularly in Russian Zone in Germany. Russia is moving sugar last and keeping out of normal channels of distribution. We are short but required to export some of our supply to Germany.
THE PRESIDENT
Demands have been made of Russia but with no success. Asked War & Navy to prepare memo on Selective Service.