CABINET MEETING, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 1948
10 AM
Posed for photographers. Full Cabinet present.
THE PRESIDENT
Thought Cabinet would be interested in budget message. 39.7 billion this year. 2 billion more than last year. Without ERP the budget would be about 34 billion.
In 1929 29% of budget was for Nat Defense & Foreign. In 1948 79% for Military & Foreign. 21% for all other govt functions.
KRUG
Endorsed the job done by Jim Webb. All members agreed - he was fair - and intelligent.
GEN FLEMING
Never saw previous direction.
FORRESTAL
Budget is now a part of the govt not a monastic cell.
MARSHALL
When he became Chief of Staff had 15 B-l7s and not enough money to maintain them. Yesterday approved order to destroy over 2000 B-17s.
The #1 problem of defense is to compromise a reserve of planes with the rapidity of manufacture in the event of an emergency.
THE PRESDENT
If that is all OK.
10:40