CABINET MEETING, DECEMBER 6, 1946
THE PRESIDENT
...Alaska - wants relief from strike of shipping on West Coast. Abrogate tariff wall between Canada & Alaska until March 1st.
SCHWELLENBACH
Jones Act governs--Alaska has been trying to get this repealed for years. Does not think that as a long term policy it should be done. There certainly is an emergency and on a temporary basis it might be OK. And if it is done it might be a good thing to give the unions on the West Coast a slap in the face.
KRUG
Thinks it must be done --the thing has drifted too far already.
THE PRESIDENT
We can't let the people of Alaska starve. Ordered A. G. to prepare order.
ACHESON
It should not be limited to Canada. It should be broad order.
THE PRESIDENT
Sen. Wiley asked Cabinet officers to give him report on War Powers Act. Pres. asked that the Executive branch work together. Use John Steelman as clearing house on matters of this kind. Frowned on Rep. Senators blackmailing or trading with Cabinet members for favors on the basis of favors returned.
Asked Gen. Fleming to take office of Liquidation under his authority for the time being.
ANDERSON
Suggested Frank Creedon for Wyatt's job.
PATTERSON
Seconded Anderson's suggestion of Creedon who is a practical engineer. (Check on WAA resignation)
THE PRESIDENT
Agreed--says he is on top of list now.
ANDERSON
There should be no decontrol of sugar. Food Advisory Committee concurs.
If decontrolled there would be a sharp increase in sugar prices.
THE PRESIDENT
Ordered Anderson, Steelman & Fleming get together and determine where and how the control of sugar be maintained on the passing of OPA. Will have meeting next week with Anderson, State & Commerce on food situation.
Plans to go on air with coal strike speech Sunday night.
Ordered War & Navy to get ready to go into mining when ordered.
Lewis has best contract he ever had--the strike is his own making. He is out on limb. We will now saw him off.
Krug has done everything possible.
The situation now is we either have a government or we have not.
The speech will be a statement of facts --and that this is a fight to a finish.
Referred to Sen. Capehart visit of yesterday--wanted Pres. to appease Lewis as starting next Monday his company will start losing $1,000 a day.
SCHWELLENBACH
Has only one request — that no one try to appease Lewis. (Doubts wisdom of another trial in near future.)
THE PRESIDENT
That is exactly what we are going to do.
A. G.
U. M. W. put up 3 million in govt bonds this morning. Plans to file appeal with Supreme Court this afternoon. May be able to get case before Supreme Court on next Monday. There is a difference of opinion as to whether to proceed under Smith-Connally Act for criminal prosecution of Lewis and District Leaders--Some fearful this would irritate members of Supreme Court- - A. G. does not think so.
THE PRESIDENT
Says A. G. should go ahead on criminal proceedings. Wants to announce it on Sunday night.
KRUG
Thinks this should be done about Thurs of next week.
PATTERSON
Thinks that announcement of criminal prosecution will be helpful. Thinks that something will bust before trials can be held.
THE PRESIDENT
Regardless of action of the Supreme Court we should go ahead under Smith-Connally Act.
ACHESON
Warren Austin is about to marshall the Green Mountain boys and start marching on Moscow--re U. N. site--no trend has developed whether east or west--yesterday the Russians made a very offensive speech accusing Austin of lobbying for San Francisco--seems to state that Austin should make no decision.
THE PRESIDENT
Has been careful to keep out of discussion and let the matter be decided by the U. N. members themselves.
GARDNER (for Treasury)
The coal situation brings out the necessity for our government to show the people that one man can't assume the authority to overthrow the sovereignty of our government. People now think that Lewis is a criminal and the govt is pussyfooting.
SCHWELLENBACH
This is a test of the strength of the American people themselves. The govt comes from the strength of the American people.
KRUG
We are getting 2 million tons of coal a week now. In 2 weeks we will not be able to deliver coal for house heating. Raised question of strike breaking.
THE PRESIDENT
This is not