CABINET MEETING, NOVEMBER 14, 1947
THE PRESIDENT
Asked Gen Marshall to give report on the foreign aid hearings in Congress.
STATE
Senate was very friendly but House Committee took him down a lot of side streets with reference to China, Communism, etc. Opposition does not take stand on what we are trying to do but how we are going to do it. Thinks Taft's fumbling is working out to our advantage.
HARRIMAN
Did not have much trouble with the Committees. Senate was not as intelligent in its questions as the House due to fact so many House members have been overseas. Had similar reaction as Gen Marshall. House was strong for buying outside of U.S. which should prove helpful. Cong. Herter has raised question as to amount of grain which can be made available. Anderson will have to answer.
ANDERSON
Can take care of that situation OK. Has called all groups inter-locked with farm economy together to get behind the drive to conserve grain - control rats, etc. - It was most promising and thinks conference will produce results.
THE PRESIDENT
Has decided to ask for price controls on fuel - food - clothing - rent - in Message to Congress. Can't go down with a half-baked program.
MARSHALL
Brought up difficulty in maintaining staff and facilities in Moscow Embassy due to restriction on imports of supplies and exorbitant cost of food & other commodities in Moscow. Cost is 10 times that in U.S. It has been recommended that Soviet representation in U. S. be reduced to same number as we have in Russia (They have 850 in U.S. We have 150 in Moscow) if Russia does not make satisfactory adjustments. Up to now our Ambassador has been able to get no relief. Question is raised as to whether Smith would do it with Molotov or whether Marshall should do it at London meeting.
THE PRESIDENT
Asked for opinions. The consensus was that Smith should do it now.
MARSHALL
Discussed problem of making public papers of Russo-German Non-aggression Pact of 1939. State Department people feel that they should be made public and not wait until 1950 which would be normal release time.
THE PRESIDENT
They should not be published until after meeting of foreign ministers in London.
STATE & COMMERCE
Both agreed - and that decision be then made and on returns achieved -
ANDERSON
In view of decision on controls - Commerce, Interior and Agriculture should get together at a high level to formulate a policy an administration of control program.
THE PRESIDENT
Directed them to get together right away.
ATTY GEN
Justice should be called into this to formulate enforcement policy.
GEN FLEMING
Had request from Gov Dewey to declare a disaster area in a town in Sullivan County, N. Y., where there has been a flood.
THE PRESIDENT
Approved.
ATTY GENL
Will have tough job in drawing line on how far the Loyalty Review Board can go in checking an organization such as Lawyers Guild, United Federal Workers Union - Should they be put on list or not, that is the question.
MARSHALL
Mentioned problem of people let out on suspicion - Should they get a letter or not.
11:06