CABINET MEETING, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1950
10:00 AM
Chapman absent
GEN BRADLEY
ADM SHERMAN
GEN NORSTAD
Briefed Cabinet on Korea.
ACHESON
At North Atlantic Treaty meeting put forth a proposal to have a unified defense of Europe under a unified staff and a supreme commander. Part of this plan provided for some German units. This was not pleasing to French. After meeting of Defense Ministers and the position of Gen Marshall the British have agreed. We have not yet heard from the French but it looks like they will agree.
(2) In the meetings with Bevin and Schumann a great deal of progress was made - particularly with respect to German problems including a police unit provided with light arms. The Germans were allowed to set up a Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Agreements were reached on the allocation of German steel.
There was also created a roving commission in the United Nations which is called a Peace Patrol which will visit trouble spots thru out the world to get the facts. At the General Assembly there was strong drive by India to seat Chinese Communists. This was voted down 33-16. However it appears that at later date the Chinese Communists will be seated.
BARKLEY
Asked for lowdown on Tito and Russia.
ACHESON
The feeling is very bitter between the two.
BRANNAN
Discussed food prices - there has been no justification for any consumer price increase. This is demonstrated by market prices on wheat, corn, etc. In the area of meats pork has gone down - beef has held even - lambs have held even. Housewife prices are pencil markups and not justified. Cotton and wool show appreciable gain for producers.
SAWYER
How about substitutes for wool such as orlon.
BRANNAN
Thinks we will have to move to greater use of substitutes.
SAWYER
Employment is holding steady. There appears to be very little hoarding by housewives. Any hoarding now is at a retail level.
TOBIN
There is a serious shortage of Mexican labor in Arizona, California.
V.P.
Is going on political campaign tour in 15 states. Raised question on whether personal attacks should be made on Rep. candidates for re-election.
THE PRESIDENT
V.P. should not make personal attacks but should recite records of Democratic Party.
TOBIN
Thinks the record of the Administration in fighting Communism should be stressed - Greece - Iran - Turkey - Europe - which fight started right after Potsdam.
ACHESON
Plans are being developed to set up a commission to go into Korea and start rehabilitation. The 38th Parallel will be ignored. Korea will be used as a stage to prove what Western Democracy can do to help the underprivileged countries of the world.
11:00