CABINET MEETING, FEBRUARY 11, 1949*
Photo of new Cabinet.
THE PRESIDENT
Asked Webb to make statement.
WEBB
Expressed appreciation for cooperation he has received from other members of Cabinet.
BRANNAN
Made report of the break in grain market. Only speculators have been hit. The trading has been not in grain but in futures.
SAWYER
Trans-Arabian oil line is up again. We have been withholding export licenses for pipe. Situation now indicates that pipe line licenses will be issued because steel companies say there are no domestic bidders for the type of pipe Arabians want. Believes that we now have a program which will get us manganese regardless of Russia.
THE PRESIDENT
Complimented Tobin for his testimony before Congressional Committee on labor legislation.
TOBIN
We have had highest employment in January in our history despite the stories appearing in the press. Recommended central authority to release employment picture rather than piecemeal releases which distort the overall picture.
HARRIMAN
Described hearings on ECA appropriation. Sen George is the only one who indicated that program estimates were too high. George is threatening to cut appropriations.
BARKLEY
Said George has threatened 20% cut in ECA appropriation. His attitude resulted in increasing membership of committee in order to offset George’s attitude.
*Date this meeting not indicated by Connelly. From position between meetings Feb. 4 and Feb. 18, assume Fed. 11 to be correct.
10:55