CABINET MEETING, APRIL 1, 1949
10:00 AM
Webb
Chapman
All others present
THE PRESIDENT
Asked Webb to open.
WEBB
Acheson is meeting with foreign ministers today on Atlantic Pact. That accounts for his absence.
THE PRESIDENT
Asked Webb to work out intelligent arrangement for visits with foreign ministers.
SNYDER
Urged Cabinet members to clarify Congressional situation. Our program is ahead of schedule and it might be helpful.
BARKLEY
Suggested that Congress should not be put on defensive. A little bragging might be OK.
ATTY GEN
Dept has now completed Civil Rights program. Bills are now ready for introduction. Broken down into 4 separate bills.
BARKLEY
The chairman of each committee should introduce the respective bills, but we should be careful that the chairman is sympathetic. If not some other Senator should be asked to introduce. Suggested they be held up for about 2 weeks in view of present legislative log jam. Taft-Hartley will require about 2 weeks debate.
CHAPMAN
Have out of House the best appropriations bill in the last 16 years. No unfair restrictions in bill.
TOBIN
Employment has gone up in March. The unemployment trend has been stopped.
SAWYER
Concurs with Tobin’s findings.
FLEMING
House Committee reported out bill setting up Commission to supervise construction of the White House.
THE PRESIDENT
The recommendation for hospital program came from the medical division of the U. A. If they are now disclaiming responsibility they are talking contrary to the fact.
BRANNAN
Reported to Cabinet on the projected plans for our Agricultural economy. It is important to key in crop production with other phases of our economy. The program is designed to secure a fair income for the farmers by maintaining a market for farm products at reasonable prices.