CAABINET MEETING, APRIL 22, 1949
10:00 am
Chapman (for Krug)
Harriman
Donaldson absent
THE PRESIDENT
ACHESON - JOHNSON
Described appearance before Foreign Relations Committee yesterday on Military Assistance Program. There is a tug of war between Armed Svcs Comm and Foreign Relations Comm for jurisdiction over hearings on bill.
JOHNSON
If it goes to Armed Svcs Comm the bill will be killed.
BARKLEY
Will decide on the merits.
JOHNSON
Have decided to abandon plan for construction of new giant carrier. Joint Chiefs have never approved.
HARRIMAN
This will be critical year for ECA. We have to study change in program from the commodity approach. If appropriation is cut materially the program will dwindle to a relief program. If military assistance is not provided to Pact countries the momentum will be lost and solidarity will be destroyed.
THE PRESIDENT
Told Sawyer he wanted him to push for passage of St. Lawrence Seaway project.
11:25