CABINET MEETING, MAY 9, 1947
THE PRESIDENT
Subcommittee on portal-to-portal to discuss bill after Cabinet. Will discuss with full Cabinet at Monday luncheon. Asked Atty Gen to discuss patent situation.
ATTY GEN
Report by Dept. of Justice covers field. Thinks report may be submitted to Congress.
SECTY OF WAR
War Dept notes some exceptions. If employee is hired to make an invention exclusively the Govt. should retain title to invention.
If an invention is incidental to employment the employee should have title and ownership of invention. Believes it will cost the govt. more money if this procedure is not continued. Particularly with reference to Research and Development Projects.
SECTY OF NAVY
Would like to have another go at the problem as the Navy is not yet completely satisfied that the present conclusion of Justice Dept. are sound.
ATTY GEN
The general rule would be that the govt. would own rights - agencies could ask and obtain exceptions.
SECTY OF TREAS
For incentive purposes we should consider flexibility. It will be difficult to get appropriations for Research and Development.
THE PRESIDENT
How about releasing the report of Justice.
SECTY OF WAR
Has no objection to release.
SECTY OF NAVY
Thinks release now would lead to assumption that Pres. approved.
THE PRESIDENT
It would be report of Atty Gen to Pres. It would not be released on basis of having Pres. approval.
HARRIMAN
If there are any assumptions that Pres. and Cabinet have approved it should not be released.
THE PRESIDENT
We will release as report to Pres.
Asked what is condition of Army & Navy budget.
NAVY
Expect to report out bill shortly but no actual facts as to extent of cut.
ANDERSON
Rep. majority action in Subcommittee on Agriculture are inclined to be drastic.
HARRIMAN
C. A. A. threatened cuts will force the cities to take over airport control towers. This will ruin civil aviation cross country operations.
KRUG
The segments of industry most affect by budget cuts will be the most active in putting heat on Congress to restore cuts - thereby making Congr