CABINET MEETING, FEBRUARY 2, 1951
Marshall - absent
Lovett for Defense
GEN BRADLEY
Briefed Cabinet on Korea.
ACHESON
Events of the week have centered on U.N. vote branding China as an aggressor which was an overwhelming vote.
Pleven talks with President were very helpful to build up of Western Europe.
THE PRESIDENT
"Why are we in Korea?" Is a pertinent question and is planning to get the answer to the people.
V.P.
The expose must be handled in a dramatic way - maybe in a speech by the President. We must maintain the morale of our own people.
MCGRATH
If Cabinet officers could have an outline of facts - they could put the attack on forcefully against critics of our foreign policy.
BRANNAN
It would be helpful to put out a statement of "Why we are in Korea" to explain why it is necessary to step up production of food, etc.
WILSON
We must all make a contribution to re-assure the people of the rightness of our position.
V.P.
There is an eagerness on the part of the public to know the facts.
HARRIMAN
We should point up the reasons we are now staying in Korea.
STEELMAN
The railroad situation is very serious. 15 or 20 cities are now tied up by walkout of railroad workers. The real reason for the walkout is union politics. Leaders have just been elected and are afraid if they do not proceed with walkout they may be tossed out of jobs.
THE PRESIDENT
Is going to stand pat. The unions are wrong and he will not capitulate to union leaders. Will issue statement for press today.
SAWYER
St. Lawrence Seaway project is in much better shape. Public and Congress are much more favorable to project than heretofore.
P. M. G.
Read order placing embargo on bulk mail due to railroad workers walkout. The present tie-up is much more serious than we had prior to Christmas.
SYMINGTON
It is about time a Democratic Senator got up and explained our foreign policy. Rank and file of labor would not go along with R. R. union leaders if they knew the facts.
V.P.
Congress is moving slowly as it always does when it is newly convened and before committees are properly organized.
11:00