CABINET MEETING, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1948
10:00 AM
THE PRESIDENT
A GENERAL
Dept knew nothing of story re Harriman which appeared in the press this morning. When case was filed by BiddLe - Harriman was not named as a conspirator. Shall direct that nothing be done on case at all until Supreme Court decides Georgia case.
HARRIMAN
Read quote from ICC report in 1931 asking railroads to get together to reduce rates and eliminate overlapping services. Eastman was familiar with and took part in the negotiations between railroads and approved the arrangements.
THE PRESIDENT
Invited Cabinet to attend memorial service for Feb 11th at 4 PM in Interior Auditorium for Mahatma Gandhi.
ANDERSON
From here on out no holds will be barred. Investigators for Ferguson Committee going thru all files at Agriculture.
THE PRESIDENT
They should not be allowed - and have no right to go on fishing expedition. Asked Anderson how food program is coming along.
ANDERSON
Terrible - has been conducting meetings with food producers and can get no agreement from them on laying foundation for food conservation campaign. Expect some program may be had by Monday.
THE PRESIDENT
Asked Anderson to give him a formal report on the situation. Republicans said voluntary program is easy. Now we want the facts.
KRUG
Re oil situation - now have voluntary program with industry which has been approved in Dept of Justice. Should be left this way and govt should cooperate with industry but not interfere with any directives. Govt may take active part with respect to steel allocation and tankers to assist industry but should go no farther in program participation.
THE PRESIDENT
It is his understanding that if steel situation would ease up - there would not be an acute shortage.
FORRESTAL
Kiplinger Letter last week said Cabinet is dissident. Thinks it might be helpful to have Kiplinger in and explain a lot does go on in Cabinet.
THE PRESIDENT
Wants to keep Cabinet as a cohesive working unit.
MARSHALL
State is now ready on China requirements - but have not reached conclusions regarding Greece & Turkey. Vandenberg is demanding total requirements which we are not yet ready to provide factually.
SCHWELLENBACH
An G. S. T. strike in govt cafeterias. Cong Hoffman has helped the situation.
Union leaders have not been telling their people what has been going on. Understand that at meeting last night the union kicked out their Commie officers and installed new ones who will file affidavits stating they are not Commies. Think that Labor Dept can now go into negotiations toward settlement of strike.
10:55