CABINET MEETING, APRIL 4, 1947
THE PRESIDENT
Asked Krug to discuss coal mine situation.
KRUG
At time contract was signed Pres told Lewis to his face that he had already blocked every safety provision in previous contracts.
At the time Lewis argued that Federal Safety inspectors could not police mine safety. It was a day to day problem and could only be controlled by mine people on the site.
The only reason Lewis wanted mine safety committees was to use it as black jack over independent mine owners.
We have no evidence that while he had authority - Lewis has not in any instance used the authority given to him to insist on mine safety.
Lewis testimony before House Committee yesterday is shot through with inconsistencies. Believes that when the govt presents its case it will make Lewis look bad.
THE PRESIDENT
Lewis has always fought safety clause in contracts. Present contract is the first in which there is a safety clause.
KRUG
Without cooperation between men and operators it is almost impossible to achieve safety standards.
THE PRESIDENT
Asked Schwellenbach about his appropriation problem.
SCHWELLENBACH
It is a tough one - Democrats are not attending committee meetings - McCarran is only one going through for the Department.
SNYDER
Treasury has not come out yet. His appropriation is still in Senate Committee. No decision reached yet.
FLEMING
House Committee is threatening to wipe out FWA.
ACHESON
Discussion in Moscow resolved into 2 things.
(1) German reparations.
(2) Austrian
Russians want reparations out of current production. The Pres. is solidly against - except when
(1) all costs of German imports (are) met.
(2) Needs of countries of Europe should not be impaired.
(3) Russians are only ones who have gotten any reparations out of Germany and Manchuria.
The only reparations in current production are certain plants which can be paid off after American & British imports received by Germany are paid for.
THE PRESIDENT
The next meeting will be a peace conference in Washington and attended by delegates not - foreign ministers - if the Pres. has his way.
ACHESON
Senate Committee reported Greek-Turkey Loan out unanimously yesterday. Vandenberg is pleased with result. Sen. George is very critical of British for not making Greek Turkish situation known sooner causing us to be forced to rush into it. He reserved the right to ask for postponement on Senate floor. May press for 100 million at this time - with provision for further study by United Nations. This is - in the mind of Acheson - a futile course of action as it would give Russia a chance to exercise their veto power which would stymie aid to Greece and Turkey.
THE PRESIDENT
Called attention to editorials in Was Post - Balto Sun - in today's paper - - re Taft getting in bed with Gromyko.
SCHWELLENBACH
Telephone strike scheduled. Does not believe that they will strike but will not negotiate until the last minute. While they have been meeting they are just sitting around but are not trying to get together. Suggested however that Atty Gen look up right of the Pres to seize.
ATTY GEN
His office has been looking into it. Is of opinion that we should not seize but leave the strike up to Congress if it occurs.
THE PRESIDENT
If strike goes forward will call a meeting Monday to discuss procedure.
ATTY GEN
On portal-to-portal case the govt has had the ground cut out from under us. Judge yesterday dismissed the case so by winning we have lost an opportunity for showdown.
THE PRESIDENT
Called next meeting for next Wednesday at which time Dr. Nourse will be present to discuss economic situation.
ACHESON
Has had wire from Ambassador to England re Henry Wallace speeches in England re Greek - Turkish situation.
Wallace theme
(1) Oil
(2) Bellicosity of America
(3) Undermining of the U.N.
Ambassador worried about how to handle the Wallace situation.
THE PRESIDENT
Thinks it better to wait and see effect of Wallace speeches before counterattack.
HARRIMAN
Is fearful that Wallace will have serious effect on British - because they believe that Wallace has greater following in U. S. than he has.