NOTES ON CABINET MEETING
August 31, 1951
1. Report by Defense officials on Korean situation.
2. The Vice President - The Senate met one hour early to work on Foreign Aid Bill. Think it will be out about as voted by Senate Committee. Republican bloc trying to cut it another billion. Will fail, but so will we fail to get it back to the President's request. Think entire matter can be settled by September 10.
3. The President called on Mr. Harriman.
(a) In Iran assassination is an accepted method of political expression and this makes it difficult for officials there to take a stand.
(b) The British have ignored the development of an extreme nationalist feeling and now are unable to cope with it.
(c) Iranians ignorant of oil business and cannot operate it themselves.
(d) I am hopeful more reasonable people will turn on Mossadegh so the Shah can fire him. This will take time.
(e) Communists very active.
(f) Stokes (British) and I agreed that the British should take provocative action.
(g) British people are aroused and there is a lot of loose talk which also makes situation difficult.
(h) Spent 5 or 6 hours with Tito who considers himself definitely a part of the West.
4. Jim Webb -
(a) Mossadegh said he has no intention of giving in.
(b) The Soviets, it appears, will. complain mainly of military provisions in Japanese treaty.
(c) Oatis case -- will soon stop Czech air travel in and out and increase pressures extremely.
5. Secretary Snyder -- No.
6. General Marshall -
(a) Appropriation Bill - some bad features being injected by Congress.
(b) Pressure to release reserves in shorter time - 12 months instead of 17.
(c) Korean situation - we are ready for an attack.
7. Mr. McGrath - Discussed the Hoover speech which he resented and believes we should plan to answer.
8. Postmaster General - No.
9. Secretary Chapman - Just returned from a month in the West, mainly Colorado. Commented on favorable press there re mobilization and Mr. Wilson (Mr. Wilson replied, "I think I will move out there where I can read some of it.")
10. Secretary Brannan - No.
11. Under Secretary of Labor (Michael J. Galvin) - No.
12. Dr. Steelman - No.
The meeting closed about 12:00 Noon.