CABINET MEETING, JANUARY 10, 1947
THE PRESIDENT
Asked Steelman to discuss rubber situation.
STEELMAN
CPA thinks it would be difficult to keep synthetic rubber if we do not keep control of raw rubber.
If we turn loose synthetic plant - the industry would die.
Batt (?) and his board would propose legislation to insure maintenance of a synthetic industry.
SNYDER
It would take synthetic program 3 to 5 years to go ahead on its own. The program should be placed in Commerce Dept.
HARRIMAN
Agreed.
THE PRESIDENT
Is there any reason why inter-departmental committee (Batt) to investigate and make recommendations - Something has to be done before March 1st.
SNYDER
RFC should be instructed to buy for another month.
STEELMAN
Should be extended to March 31st - 3 months.
PATTERSON
Does not want RFC stockpile to be diverted from National Defense stockpile. From the long range security angle - our synthetic program should be continued. This would also act as brake on price rigging by British and Dutch.
STEELMAN
Industry itself (except Firestone) wants the CPA regulations kept on.
THE PRESIDENT
Ordered it continued until March 31st.
ANDERSON
Has quarantined all Brahma bulls brought to Mexico from So. America. Has refused to allow any of these bulls into U. S. (hoof and mouth disease). Present embargo is caused by epidemic of disease in Mexico caused by the importation of bulls from S. America.
THE PRESIDENT
Will send Cabinet memo from Krug re difficulty with Civil Svc regulations affecting lawyers & experts - and the difficulty in obtaining same from C. S. lists.
Asked Schwellenbach how U.S.E.S. problem in Mo. was working out.
SCHWELLENBACH
Says he has settled with the Governor.
ANDERSON
Controls of sugar should remain - otherwise prices should go up - homes would suffer.
THE PRESIDENT
Agrees.
FLEMING
Thinks statement should be made explaining the situation.
FORRESTAL
What situation re portal-to-portal pay.
THE PRESIDENT
Deferred to Atty Genl.
ATTY GENL
2 fronts - one in court proceedings.
(2) Committee to study has been appointed and is studying with view to making recommendations to Congress.
Checking probability of getting authority for govt to settle. Thinks it would be better for Govt to fight cases thru and settle on the basis of 7 minutes instead of 14 which would cut out most cases.