CABINET MEETING, OCTOBER 17TH, 1947
P.M.G. - absent
Marshall
THE PRESIDENT
Instructed Cabinet Food Committee to hold more frequent meetings to keep particular attention to poultry & egg controversy. Also asked to provide closer liaison with Citizens Food Committee (Luckman).
ANDERSON
Suggested launching vigorous Farm Conservation program to divert attention from poultry & egg controversy and to enlist support of farmers in all out drive. Is encouraging the farm machinery manufacturers and distributors to move into picture and whip up farm support.
THE PRESIDENT
Asked Labor about speech to CIO convention on minimum wage of 75¢. Told him that 65¢ was shot for with Congress last year.
LABOR
Figures now justify 75¢ level - due to increased living costs.
THE PRESIDENT
Wants to know what policy is to be. Does not want Cabinet members at cross purposes.
LABOR
Thinks that high should be 75¢ with machinery to provide for adjustments downward to 65¢. Industry Committee procedure will take care of the flexibility necessary to get job done.
THE PRESIDENT
Asked Labor - Commerce and FWZ (Fleming) to get together so that all are in agreement. Told Anderson he wants all Cabinet members informed on Agriculture program.
ANDERSON
Will report at next meeting.
KRUG
Proposed regular meeting for each member to inform all of current and future programs and problems.
THE PRESIDENT
Agreed. Anderson 1st, Labor 2nd, Krug 3rd.
HARRIMAN
In July alone 22 thousand tons of tin plate went to brewers. There is no reason why they can't go along on glass bottles and discontinue use of steel which is critical for beer containers. Is trying to get the cooperation of industry thru associations. l½ to 2 million tons of steel can be saved if this can be worked out.
ATTY GEN
Wherry is to blast us on steel - criticize sale of Geneva plant - failure to urge steel industry to expand production.
ANDERSON
Republicans have determined to report out no farm legislation next year. This will help us in every farm area.
10:35