CABINET MEETING, MARCH 28, 1947
Hanneg -
Schwellenbach (....Johnson in place)
THE PRESIDENT
We should fight to finish on Budget. We should make no compromises with Congress.
HARRIMAN
Commerce has followed that line. Did get hell and was told it was only dept of govt which had not cooperated with Congressional committees.
JOHNSON
Labor has been brutally cut. Are working out for Senate what... services will be eliminated if Senate sustains House cuts.
KRUG
Will have to start people on annual leave immediately if House cuts Interior appropriation.
THE PRESIDENT
That is the only thing you can do. You can't afford to run over into next year. It is better to lay off and if Senate restores funds - then hire back.
PATTERSON
War Dept. will have to close about 50 stations and lay people off.
ACHESON
Gossip is that Benton's entire operation - broadcasting, etc., will be cut off.
HARRIMAN
Civil Svc presents a problem in seeking to retain people of competence rather than those of seniority.
PATTERSON
Mitchell of C. S. Comm says in big cut you can abolish jobs and get rid of dead wood. However a man can look on down the line to another job at a lower classification - because of C. S. protection.
ANDERSON
When you eliminate people at higher grade he can appeal for lower grade - and that forces somebody out at the lower level.
We should carry out to the people such as at farmer meetings just what is going on. For the 1st time some of the farm organizations are becoming interested in personnel cuts in the Dept. of Agriculture.
THE PRESIDENT
The Congress has cut the Treasury at point where money comes from -
Labor is cut where strikes are settled.
Discussed school lunch program - Total this year 141 million dollars. States have not met their obligations — and I will not approve any arrangement unless states meet their quotas.
ANDERSON
The Senate has the matter in hand - will introduce amendment - will throw economy cuts at Rep - and make them show their hands.
THE PRESIDENT
Suggests that once a month Cabinet meet - in economic problem - with Budget Director - Economic Council in attendance where necessary.
AGREED
HARRIMAN
It might be well to have a subcommittee in Cabinet on international economic problems.
THE PRESIDENT
Thinks that this would fit into whole economic picture. Asked members to be prepared for next Friday.
FLEMING
Banking & Currency subcommittee in Senate has reported out an unworkable rent control bill.
KRUG
Discussed coal mine disaster in Illinois - 111 men have lost lives. Republicans have started to make political capital out of this.
In survey made by this office recently completed there were found only 2 mines which met Federal safety requirements. All deep pit mines would have to be closed if specifications were adhered to. It will take 2 years to bring mines up to the safety requirements set by the Govt.
In every year in past 5 - 1200 men were killed. In this year 800 (including the 111 in Illinois) - out of total employment of 400,000.
Sen. Bridges is a candidate of Lewis for membership in committee to administer the Safety Fund. This is the reason for his attacks.
FORRESTAL
The Pres. may want to set up Cabinet subcommittee to study Civil Defense in event of another war.
ANDERSON
Suggested that economic meeting be put off until 2 weeks from today on account of Jefferson Day Dinners.
AGREED
10:50