CABINET MEETING, JUNE 20TH, 1947
THE PRESIDENT
This is last day on Labor bill - has studied all opinions from Cabinet and other experts.
It is a lawyers bill.
It will create strife.
It will only cause the postponement of a coal strike for 80 days.
Then told Congress what should be done in a message on State of Union. They have not done what is requested. The Congress has put the cart before the horse. This will not cure the things we are worried about (Communism). The bill cannot be administered.
ANDERSON
The people of the country do not understand the mistakes in bill.
THE PRESIDENT
I am going on the radio tonight - to explain what this bill would do.
HARRIMAN
There is much the NLRB can do particularly with respect to Supervisory employees Unions. These decisions should be reversed.
THE PRESIDENT
New members of the NLRB are correcting the previous abuses.
FORRESTAL
Thought tanker situation should be referred to Joint Chiefs of Staff. Doubted they would approve without qualifications.
THE PRESIDENT
Directed Forrestal to go ahead and make a decision on tanker situation.
ANDERSON
Is trying to work out satisfactory balance between sugar producing areas. State Dept. last year asked for preferential treatment for Cuba. This is discriminatory to Hawaii, Philippines and sugar beet areas of the U.S. where war work absorbed plantations and workers for military needs.
Has drafted new proposal which adequately takes care of Cuban interests. It has been approved by Interior and Budget - It is now in State. It is urgent that this be acted upon at once by State Dept.
THE PRESIDENT
Instructed Acheson to expedite approval by State.
10:40