CABINET MEETING, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1947
Gen Fleming in civies for 1st time
Johnson for Schwellenbach
All others present
THE PRESIDENT
Nothing particular -
SECTY OF STATE
We should adhere to policy of not sending war implements to Argentina - problem about ships for Argentina Navy.
THE PRESIDENT
They have 5 billion cash. Would like to get some of it.
SECTY OF STATE
Wants more time to study problem of Security Council. Feels it takes over too much authority from State Dept.
Pauley had article in a magazine a few weeks ago. Now has a speech for Nat'l Press Club in which he claims he is personal representative of Pres.
THE PRESIDENT
He has no status now.
HARRIMAN
Pauley is best informed on reparations.
FORRESTAL
Agree.
THE PRESIDENT
Pauley's service has been satisfactory.
FORRESTAL
...Republican plan to cut 2 billion with Communist program w/o withdraw troops in occupied areas.
STATE
We can't have propaganda similar to Russia. Only way we can beat it is with long range program of dissemination of actual facts, like business man building up credit. It will take time but eventually the world will look to U. S. Govt. for the facts.
Russian system of propaganda and control of press is bound to boomerang if we keep putting out the facts.
HARRIMAN
One of the most important govt. services is Information Div. of State Dept.
ANDERSON
Sending bill to Congress on hoof and mouth disease today - Not a good bill - it is too strong but only thing which will satisfy cattle people. Stressed importance of administration farm program.
HANNEGAN
Have doubled air mail since 5¢ air mail postage was inaugurated.
STEELMAN
Maritime Commission plans to stop scheduling ships because of Congressional inaction. Thinks the Commission should be ordered to go ahead.
THE PRESIDENT
They should go ahead with scheduling of ships.
ANDERSON
It will react against Republicans if they do not move. We must take every emergency measure to keep ships moving.
FLEMING
Democrats are conspicuous by their absence at Committee meetings in Congress.
THE PRESIDENT
Will see if he can get this corrected.