CABINET MEETING, JANUARY 22, 1951
Sawyer - absent
COL -
Briefed Cabinet on Korea
ACHESON
Has been before Ways & Means Committee on trade agreement hearings all day today.
MARSHALL
Last summer we had 4 training centers for soldiers. They were soon swamped by step up of selectees who had to be processed. These centers are now nine in number in addition to 10 specialized training centers. This makes 19 training centers in all. These are expanding as rapidly as selectees become available. First trainees were started in October and will complete basic training in February. We will not be able to meet shortages in Far East Command with replacements until first of April. The great necessity at the present time is to step up training of new soldiers not alone in regular Army but also in Reserve and National Guard units.
CHAPMAN
Just returned from Puerto Rico. 180 persons arrested following Blair House shooting with 3 exceptions are still in jail as the Puerto Ricans have refused to furnish bail required for release. FBI records on the 180 were so accurate that they were uncanny. They are a great credit to the FBI efficiency.
BRANNAN
Noticed great improvement in the economy of the Virgin Islands over one year ago - due to new methods and scientific agriculture programs.
WILSON
Thinks we will have to put freeze on prices and wages this week. Prices in many lines are out of reason.
V.P.
Is any roll back contemplated?
WILSON
We will probably roll back to 1st or 2nd of January 1951. To attempt any further roll back will be impossible to administer.
SNYDER
The controls will vitally affect bond sales and taxes. Another thing is the necessity of maintaining present interest rates rather than succumb to pressure from bankers to raise rates on Govt loans and in turn be required to raise taxes to pay increased rates. Controls will definitely help the Treasury program.
HARRIMAN
Eisenhower plans to arrive in U. S. on next Wednesday plans to stop for 3 days at West Point - then goes to Canada on the following Friday. Will be in Washington a week from Thursday when he will appear before Congress in joint session.
5:07