CABINET MEETING, JULY 8, 1950
10:00 am
All present plus
Symington
Harriman
Gen Bradley
THE PRESIDENT
Asked Gen Bradley to give Cabinet briefing on Korean War.
BRADLEY
Gave description of current activities in Korea.
TOBIN
Europe has never had a greater lift with the U. S. decision on Korea. Was in Rome when the war broke out. The people were gratified with the stand taken by the U. S. The I. L.O. Convention indicated support of the Democratic world. In France there is practically no unemployment. In London employment is at wartime peak. E. C. A. has done a miraculous job for the British economy. In West Berlin there is terrific morale. They would welcome war tomorrow. In Russian sector stores are operated on black market basis. Anything can be had but the people do not have the money to buy.
THE PRESIDENT
Talked to Lutheran Bishop of Berlin yesterday. He said 70% of the Russian attitude is bluff.
JOHNSON
Offered suggested statement calling for increase in manpower of Armed Services to the extent of 100,000 more men.
THE PRESIDENT
Raised question as to whether an announcement should be made about this. Expressed wish that Armed Services Committee and other committees would not waste the time of heads of departments with appearances before committees. Told V. P. to talk to committee chairmen and tell them to lay off. Told story of Lucas objecting to sending people up for appointments which put him on the spot with Byrd (Hutcheson for Fed Trade Commission). Said he was getting fed up with our leadership on the Hill and was going to get tough.
JOHNSON
Read proposed statement about increased manpower in the Services (100,000) over 21 month basis.
THE PRESIDENT
It is very dangerous for the Pres. to issue such a statement which might indicate we are on the verge of war.
SNYDER
Feels that U. S. should let world know that we mean business - but warned of danger to our economy of such a statement.
V.P.
Thinks it is better for the Defense establishment to issue statement. It would be less alarming.
MCGRATH
Thinks the department should make release - but if "draft" is mentioned at all in statement it should not be on a deferred basis - but manpower should be drafted now - otherwise leave that language out. Suggested that say draft should be placed in nation as soon as possible.
V.P.
Agreed with McGrath.
SAWYER
Agreed with McGrath.
MCGRATH
Suggested language change in statement to bring out fact that new inductees will not be put under fire but will compensate for trained soldiers who are to be sent to Korea.
DONALDSON
Agreed.
TOBIN
Thinks world is waiting for increase in manpower.
STEELMAN
Agreed with Snyder that economic impact of statement from White House would be dangerous.
HARRIMAN
Agreed with position of Snyder & McGrath.
SAWYER
Suggested that statement be boiled down to base minimum and details should be eliminated. Suggested that Lucas & Tydings issue statement that Gen Bradley be relieved from committee hearings and allowed to run the war.
CHAPMAN
Statement should be issued from Defense establishment.
Railroad strike has shut down copper production. There is one R. R. still down and we are in drastic need of copper for stockpiling. Manganese is in even more critical shortage.
THE PRESIDENT
Asked McGrath to work out draft of order to take over the Rock Island R. R. which is still on strike (4 out of 5 of the R.R.'s on strike settled yesterday and resumed operations. The Rock Island did not settle.)
MCGRATH
The mechanics are simple - only point which has to be established is national emergency which no doubt can be determined.
SAWYER
Wherever possible we should look toward relieving the inflationary strain which will be aggravated by this emergency.