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President's Secretary's File (Franklin D. Roosevelt Administration)
Diplomatic Correspondence
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PSF CANADA
DANIEL C. ROPER
[PSF: Can
August 24, 1936
Memorandum of European trip, July 15 - - August 20, 1936:
European travel is very heavy this year, forty-two per cent
greater in June, 1936, than in June, 1935.
I crossed eastbound on the S.S.MANHATTAN and returned on
the S.S.WASHINGTON. Notwithstanding this fact, however, I was
reported in London soon after arrival as having used the S.S.NOR
in going over and I find in the press a statement to the effect
that I had returned on a foreign vessel. Shall we ever be able
to enthuse people for truth over error and to be as industrious
in seeking constructive facts as they are in dwelling upon destri
and sensational material?
An analysis of the passenger list on the MANHATTAN going and
the WASHINGTON returning showed forty-four states represented on
the passenger lists. If travel is characteristic of good times,
and it is at least indicative, then the depression is over in th
United States.
- 2 -
These two ships of the United States Lines are excellent
and popular. They are attracting much favorable comment, both
among Americans here and the people of Europe. As a matter of
fact, I understand that the Cunard White Star Line is about to
order four ships of the same general type as the MANHATTAN and
WASHINGTON, about the same size and about the same speed. What
greater compliment could be paid them? We need a third ship to
complete this unit of three for European travel and certainly
ships of similar type in the development of our South and Centra
American trade. I believe that the financial success of the
MANHATTAN and WASHINGTON will encourage private financing, if th
government will work in this direction under a definite policy
which I feel can be set up under the new Maritime Act.
I was informed at the office of our Commercial Attache in
London that the schedule for the recent dispatch of official mai
from London to Washington does not include a single American ves
although American ships were available on the sailing dates give
Of seventeen dispatches mentioned on the attached sheet,
APPENDIX I, nine are on German ships, five on British ships
and three on French ships. I will bring this matter to the
attention of the State Department.
In connection with the administration of the ship subsidy
feature of the new act, it is interesting to note the differenc
in the cost in ship-building in England and the United States.
In the attached letter from Captain J. G. Furer, Naval Attache
at London, APPENDIX II, it is shown that the earnings per year
of the average employee in the mechanical forces in British
dockyards are about $808, covering 2,365 hours, or $.34 per hou
This compares in the Philadelphia dockyards with $1.01 per hour
This is a rate three times greater in America than in England,
but I am unable to state the comparative efficiency of labor in
the two countries.
I spent most of my time abroad in London and its environs,
but about four days in and about Berlin where I went for the
primary purpose of witnessing the opening of the Olympic Games.
- 4 -
In London I met numerous Americans and while I found violent
differences in opinion as to the political situation in the
United States I did not find enthusiastic support for Governor
Landon. Some of the Republicans admitted that they expect
Roosevelt to win in November. The Evening Standard Newspaper
of London stated that in interviews which they had conducted wi
some American business Republicans they found that while they a
not for Roosevelt they feel that Landon's election would bring
unrest in labor groups and probably give business men greater
trouble than may be expected under Roosevelt. Some Republicans
give me as the reason for opposing Roosevelt the fear of labor
activities in the future under John L. Lewis. My reply was tha
Roosevelt has the confidence and support of labor, while Landon
has not. Hence, labor troubles would be expected to be less du
the next four years under Roosevelt than under Landon. The fear
was expressed by this person that Lewis would be developed as a
leader of a new party movement by 1940.
I stated, and with I feel some success, that labor agitation
under such a leadership would naturally be greater under Landon,
whom they opposed, than under Roosevelt, whom they approved, and
that therefore a vote for Landon would under this analysis be a
vote for Lewis and other labor leaders in 1940.
I feel it would be helpful when opportunity is offered to
say that now as the depression is over the plan of the President
for the immediate future will be to consolidate gains made in the
recovery program and plan for a normal condition of business for
the future. A statement to the effect that research was going
to be made to find out the best way of accomplishing this in the
interest of business and all other classes of our citizens would
be helpful.
I was told in London by persons from Paris that agents from
the United States are canvassing in Paris for money contributions
to the anti-Roosevelt campaign. Representatives of the Liberty
League were cited.
Would it not be well to let it be known that foreign countries
are thus being enlisted to fight the Washington Administration,
emphasizing that in politics Americans at home and not those
living abroad as parasites on this country should govern this
country?
Business conditions in southern and central England are
good, but influenced to a considerable extent by war preparations
and tourists, consequently not as general throughout the country
and not of as lasting character as many citizens would have us
believe. In fact, one prominent citizen remarked to me that the
recognized that our recovery is more general in America and of a
more lasting character than theirs. Unemployment is still a ver
troublesome problem in England. The influence of the dole linge:
and the unemployed do not eagerly seek private employment.
Especially is this true in domestic lines. However, I was told
that many of the unemployed are really unemployable. To what
extent, I was unable to ascertain.
- 7 -
In many areas there is not sufficient work for the workers
resident on account of the spotted condition of recovery and
in other districts there is more demand than employables are
available. Under English democratic procedure it has been
impossible to shift more people from one area to another for
employment. Many of the unemployed prefer to sit at home and
draw the dole rather than to be moved into other localities
where employment might be secured.
Agricultural crop conditions in England, Germany and Holl
as I saw them, are good. The man power needed on the farm in
instances is being drawn into activities incident to war or de
preparations. This will soon be felt in reduced food supplies
war conditions continue much longer.
The conditions abroad and the persistent drought conditi
in our country impress me with the necessity of our studying P
for national and local warehousing of our surplus food commodi
- 8 -
An announcement that such studies will be launched for our
country would appeal, in my opinion, to everybody.
I inspected the home-building programs in England and
Germany which are employing many persons. While I got suggestio
from each country, the German program seems more nearly to appro
our needs. In England the building program is managed very
frequently under industrial leadership for industrial purposes,
the houses being built often in rows and with inadequate ground
plots to attach the occupants to the soil. In Germany there is
a more definitely controlled plan to connect the tenant or owner
with the soil. It, however, must be kept in mind that their
military control is more effective in changing attitudes of
thought and action among the people than in the more democratic
- 9 -
In Germany the title to the home and the plot of land attached
thereto do not pass to the occupant until it is demonstrated
to the satisfaction of those in control that the land is being
cultivated as directed in vegetables, fruit trees and flowers.
The homes are constructed in groups, say, ten, twenty, or fifty
house groups, usually employing the heads of the families who
are to be attracted from the cities, but no person knows which
house is to be his while it is under construction. This is
intended to protect against the possibility of preferential
treatment to one's own house. After the group of houses is
completed, the workmen draw lots for their individual houses.
The rural home in Germany consists of a plot of ground of about
one-sixth to one-fourth of an acre with & detached house.
-10-
In England there is probably from one-sixth of an acre to one-
eighth, with mostly row houses. In Germany the house is generally
constructed of concrete and consists of about four rooms, usually
without running water and stove heat, the house costing about
$1200. The rate of interest is about four per cent or five per
cent under an amortization of thirty to forty years. In England
the same type of home now being built for correspondingly conditioned
persons consists of about the same number of rooms as Germany, but
with running cold and hot water, meagrely heated by electricity,
and costs about three thousand dollars when bought, or rents for
about twenty-two to twenty-five dollars per month. Brick or stucco
material is more generally used here.
There is plenty of money available for the construction of
homes in both of these countries, but greater caution is exercised
in providing money for industrial building as every effort is made
to safeguard against over-building in industry.
- 11 -
From the best information I could get, the need is such that
the home-building program in England will probably last about
eighteen months longer. Money is somewhat easier in England,
the rate of interest being as low as 3% per cent. Builders
get it at the banks for 3½ per cent and lend it at 3% per cent.
This, however, does not carry an amortization feature.
The cost of living is high in England and while it is less
in Germany I was told that it was there rather rapidly increasing.
For instance, the cost of electric light and power in London
averages from twenty-five to fifty per cent higher than in
Washington, D. C. Food averages up to eighty-five per cent higher.
Men's clothing is nine per cent higher; women's clothing thirty-
three per cent higher. Rent is forty per cent higher and the
all-round burden if taxation, direct and indirect, substantially
higher in London as compared with Washington. For confirmation
of these figures, see APPENDIX III, being a memorandum on this
subject furnished me in London by our Commercial Attache, Mr.
Lynn W. Meekins.
- 12 -
A casual study of the mechanics of British trade credits
convinces me that there is here an important lesson for us. In
London we find banking facilities for easy and quick credit
discounts for trade in and with all of their dependencies. I
am wondering whether a service to our business people cannot be
rendered by accumulating in the Bureau of Foreign and Domestic
Commerce a reference library of credits information through the
activities of our commercial attaches in the countries with which
our business people desire to trade. This could be associated with
efforts to prompt our banking houses to enter more extensively
into the field of credit discounts. I am aware that this service
is being rendered to some extent through the banking institutions,
such as the Chase, the National City and Guarantee Trust, but more
information for a more general distribution among the people is
necessary.
The British government through its Department of Overseas
Trade and its Export Credits Guarantee Department, both of which
are allied with the Board of Trade, corresponding to the Department
of Commerce in the United States, maintains an exceptionally
complete information service covering foreign buyers.
- 18 -
This information is kept up-to-date and any sign of deterioration
in the standing of a foreign concern is speedily detected and
brought to the attention of those concerned. One advantage of
the British system of direct contact between the Export Credits
Guarantee Department and the British exporter over the system of
indirect contact through private banks is the greater ease with which
credit information on foreign firms can be centralized. The same
purpose is facilitated under the comprehensive guarantee contract
by the requirement that exporters shall divulge details of their
experience with all foreign firms with whom they do business.
This would seem to be quite in contrast with the situation in
Germany and with which our government has been recently acquainted.
It seems to me that we might start this credit work with
Canada and Mexico and reach out as quickly as possible into Latin
America, the idea being that our business people would secure an
up-to-date service in this way. I take it that we would not wish
to list any credit information for any person or concern of a
credit standing less than in the class of five to ten thousand dollars.
- 14 -
We certainly should not encourage shoe-string credits, but
assist in finding a substantial basis for our business people.
In line with & broadening commercial service, I feel that
we might consider grouping the service of the Department of
Commerce in the great cities abroad, like London, Paris, Berlin,
Rome, Madrid, etc., and place such concentrated Department of
Commerce service under highly qualified men who would be given
adequate compensation and be allowed sufficient travel funds to
enable them, with the approval of the State Department, to
develop the proper commercial connection with the consular servi
of that Department. This would be effected by commissioning suo
officers for both the State and Commerce Departments and then
having these men trained in commercial thinking and commercial
contacts through the general medium of the officer of the Depart
of Commerce. In this way the Department should get a consolidat
and well analyzed report from our central representatives, avoid
duplicating reports and misunderstandings and confusion among th
officers of the two Departments.
- 15 -
It is my conviction that too many representatives of the
Departments in Washington are traveling over Europe. Much of
the information which they are seeking could be better secured,
in my opinion, and more safely analzed by our own resident
representatives in those countries. Not so to use them is to
reflect upon them. It is calculated to influence the people
in these countries to think that our representatives are not
adequate for their duties. Furthermore, duplicating inquiries
as they visit from office to office is not in the interest of
the best service or for the best results.
Would it not be well to endeavor to correct this by seeki
through the President's Executive Council or through some othe
agency a review from month to month of the needs on the part d
the various departments of the government for foreign informat
with a view to seeing whether such information could not be be
obtained through existing agencies abroad or, when travel is
necessary, by coordinating under as few travelers as possible
- 16 -
The office of the American Commercial Attache in London
is excellently run by Mr. Lynn W. Meekins, who has a splendid
staff. In 1931-32, the last complete fiscal year before the
present Administration, the staff of that office consisted of
ten Americans and sixteen local employees. The cost of operation
was $85,317. The number of reports sent to Washington that year
was 814. The number of inquiries answered was 2,975. The number
of trade opportunities transmitted was 58. In the fiscal year
1935-1936, the staff consisted of four Americans and eight local
employees. The cost of operating the office was $36,902. The
number of reports submitted to Washington was 1,366. The number
of inquiries answered was 2,500. The mumber of trade opportunities
transmitted was 97. These figures show that the London office is
currently performing the same amount of work with half the number
of employees of four years ago. I feel, however, that we have
reduced this office too much.
It is interesting in this connection to observe that the
present salary of the Commercial Attache there is $8,000
compared with $9,800 for the Consul General in London and also
with $13,530 for the British Commercial Counselor in Washington
who has also allowances to the amount of $6,000 per year.
APPENDIX IV sets forth the comparative salaries and allowances
in the British Commercial Diplomatic Service and in the
corresponding United States Foreign Commerce Service at
comparable European posts during the past fiscal year, 1935-193
At my request Commercial Attache Meekin submitted to me
recommendations with regard to the increase in salaries of the
force at London, shown in APPENDIX V. I am not at this time
recommending the approval of these suggestions because I do not
know how such would fit into the scheme of responsibilities the
serve, but I do think they should be kept in mind when we come
prepare our estimates for the next fiscal year.
- 18 -
The greatest surprise of my trip was Germany. I was in
that country eight years ago and the changes which have taken
place in the country and among its people in the meantime are
nothing short of marvelous. In contrast to the drifting, distressed
and aimless appearance of the people eight years ago, I found
this year a well organized people, perhaps I should say a well
regimented people. The sources of my information indicate that
while Hitler has not any ninety-nine per cent of the people with
him he does have from sixty to seventy per cent behind him. The
opposition is entirely unorganized and relatively inactive. I
got on this trip a better idea as to the objectives of the Hitler
program. It is in my opinion a restored Germany, bringing it
back, so far as territory is concerned, to the conditions before
the World War, and really better federated. It is today freer of
fear than any other country that I visited or of which I heard.
- 19 -
It is rapidly in this respect approaching what may be called
a central power with a definite program and with a very close
organization. The Nazi flag is now the German flag, as I saw
it flying from most of the houses in the rural districts which
I visited. Of course, it must be admitted that I was in Germany
during the Olympic Games period and when Germany evidently had
its best foot foremost. The steps which, as I gathered, were
responsible for the present organized condition of Germany may
be traceable in a measure as follows. The yielding or breaking
down of the League of Nations started with the Manchurian
incident and gave Germany hope that they had not before dared to
have with regard to their reorganized Germany. This was followed
by the failure of the British government to interfere more strongly
in the Ethiopian situation. Next, the reoccupation of the
Rhineland, I was told, was most invigorating for the hope of a
reunited Germany and greatly helped Hitler in his control.
- 20 -
The recent understanding worked out with Austria is a further
encouragement to this end. The next step in the opinion of
most of those with whom I conferred will be toward Danzig, then
to reunite the three and one-half million German-speaking people
in Czechoslovakia. The latter can be accomplished through a
Plebiscite, but I take it that a military occupation would be
necessary in order to effect a Plebiscite. It is my conviction
after numerous contacts with many persons, including Dr. Schacht,
that the German people do not really wish war, but they are very
definite in their purposes to accomplish their aims and will be
willing to go to war rather than fail in these purposes. If war
must be, then, in the opinion of those with whom I talked, some
time must be required to complete their preparations, probably
from one year to three years. Raw materials are now very scarce,
not sufficient to run their plants over a month.
- 21 -
The development of air commerce in Germany is remarkable.
I did not personally inspect their manufacturing plants, but I
talked with Colonel Charles A. Lindbergh who had just inspected
their leading aircraft manufacturing plant just outside of Berlin.
He was greatly impressed with it and told me that it wad equal
in size to a combination of any three manufacturing plants in
America. While this rapid development is probably responsible
for their great volume of accidents in recent months, it is the
opinion of Colonel Lindbergh that under their control and emphasis
on training this can be gradually overcome. I visited the Aero
Club in Berlin where I had the opportunity of meeting some of
their personnel and inspecting their training equipment. The
investment they have made in their air defense lines, housing,
training of personnel, manufacturing and war materials is most
remarkable.
- 22 -
Our trade relations with Germany were very tense over the
weekend that I was in Berlin. They were very much worked up
over our inquiries touching countervailing duties. This, however,
has, I find, been worked out since I was in Berlin. There is
one thing we must keep in mind. It is that these foreign nations
all feel that we are easy and that there is always hope of
getting us to relent in any program suggested.
Germany keeps her money in Germany and the way in which our
American business men are trying to cope with this situation is
both interesting and amusing. I was told that the Standard Oil
Company in order to get some of its money out of Germany is
accepting one thousand mouth organs, evidently thinking that the
American people are becoming quite musical, as their hope will be
to sell them here. Another company, I was told, has agreed to
accept two hundred thousand canary birds in order to entertain
the musically inclined people in America.
- 23 -
Still another one was thinking of accepting in lieu of a certain
amount of their money a considerable order of glass or false
eyes. I myself resent the idea that our people are either one-
eyed or that glass eyes are better than the eyes we have.
There is one phase of the Hitler regime that offers valuable
suggestions in connection with our youth movement. He has taken
off the streets and from the racketeer groups the youth and put
them into uniform with physical betterment, with self-control.
On the occasion of the opening of the Olympic Games I drove
through ten miles of double lines of these uniformed people, but
was told they were not soldiers, though they looked like soldiers,
but that a portion was glorified boy scouts. My study of the
objectives and results of the Olympics suggests that there may be
a place for something on this order in the C.C.C. camps of our
country.
- 24 -
It is also my opinion that it may be well to give
consideration to the prompting of the reorganization of the
effort, as we knew it in the World War, called the National
Council of Defense, using such state organizations under national
guidance as in the World War to study the various community
conditions throughout the country and place greater responsibility
on governors, mayors and others. In dealing with our general
internal defense situation, such an organization ought to be
useful in ascertaining who are worthy and needing of relief as
against imposters as well as helpful in finding local employment
and in starting new industries to this end.
We need also to prompt the educational institutions of the
country to render service more commensurate with the future require-
ments of the country. As a part of such a general program, I feel
that we need through the Civil Service Commission, assisted by
the Bureau of Education, to work out a national course of training
cooperating where possible with vocational educational programs.
For instance, we need nation-wide training for service at sea, on
highways and in the air more definitely connected with patriotism
and human betterment.
- 25 -
Such a course of study might be adopted by all schools, colleges
and universities as would cover civics and the general attitude
of those taking the course with regard to government, the fundamental
elements of character. Those persons who passed a proper percentage
could be recorded in a reserve corps list of executives and drawn
upon by governors, mayors, as well as federal officials, with safety
for public service. West Point and Annapolis are discharging
their responsibilities splendidly toward external defense. Let us
safeguard our internal defense, and increase efficienty and safety.
The sorest spot in Europe is Spain. In the early weeks of
revolt it was hoped that the conflict would remain internal without
international complications, but lately there is accumulated evidence
that several other countries may become involved. Italy particularly
is interested in increasing her power in the Mediterranean and to
that end would welcome a pretext to obtain the Balearic Islands.
- 26 -
Generally speaking, Russia and France are sympathetic to the
Spanish government or what is left of it, while Germany and
Italy seem to sympathize with the Rebels. The British attitude
is one of neutrality and the hope in Great Britain is that the
trouble in Spain will be overcome without the active intervention
of other countries. The British government can only support
the Spanish government, the duly elected representatives of the
Spanish people, but the great majority of people in the British
Isles would like to see the Rebels succeed and establish a strong
government, preferably including the restoration of the monarchy.
I found the House of Commons discussing international relations,
including the League of Nations and Spanish conditions, but most
of the time that I was present at their discussions they were
endeavoring to pass an unemployment assistance bill. This involved
the House in fifty hours of continuous discussion before it was
passed. The Labor leaders made a political issue of the Means
Test which gives the officials of the government more or less
discretion in acting upon applications for relief. The government
finally won in securing the discretion sought.
- 27 -
On the surface there are many indications of prosperity
in London, but I am told that in nearly three-fourths of the
eleven million families in the country the chief wage-earner
receives less than four pounds or about twenty dollars a week.
In about one-fifth of the families between twenty dollars and
fifty dollars a week is received and in only one-twentieth of
the families more than fifty dollars a week is received. In
other words, national wealth and income are by no means so well
distributed in Great Britain as in the United States. Further-
more, wage levels have not increased in Great Britain to an
extent comparable with the rise we have experienced, although
during the first half of 1936 the full-time wages of two million
British workers have been increased by about seventy cents each
per week as & result of conciliation.
The British government is grappling with the highway accident
problem, which is steadily becoming more serious. The comparatively
few wide streets in London and the modern highways outside are very
inadequate to handle the steadily increasing volume of motor traffic.
- 25 -
The situation is greatly confused by the fact that jurisdiction
over city streets and country highways is divided among a large
number of local authorities. This prevents any uniformity of
administration, construction and maintenance. The Ministry of
Transport, which is the government department concerned with highways
generally, will ask Parliament for legislation transferring about
four thousand, five hundred miles from local to national control
next year. Partly offsetting the diversity of control of the roads
is the supervision by the government of licensing for chauffeurs
and vehicles which are issued by the Ministry of Transports. Since
1934 all persons applying for their first driving license have been
required to pass a rigorous test of competence to drive. The Road
Travel Act passed in 1934 provides severe penalties for careless,
reckless or dangerous driving and exceeding speed limits. For
reckless or dangerous driving the maximum penalty is two years'
imprisonment; for careless driving or exceeding speed limits, fines
according to the circumstances, and upon a third conviction temporary
revocation of the license.
- 29 -
I was entertained among others by the American Chamber
of Commerce and the Society of Pilgrims. In the former, I
found many of the leading American industries well represented
and so conducting their salesmanship as to have the confidence
and esteem of the English people. The representatives of the
American Chamber of Commerce whom I met impressed me as having
a clear knowledge and appreciation of what is being done in the
United States, more than many of our business people here. The
Pilgrims in London keep in touch with the corresponding group
in New York City and likewise are building good will through
understanding. It would be well if we could, through transportation
lines, boards of trade and chambers of commerce, prompt a greater
flow of visitors to the United States from these countries,
especially in winter cruises, say, the winter climate of Florida
and California.
No thoughtful American business man can personally inspect
the conditions in Europe and seek the causes of the European economic
and social situation without reaching the conclusion that it is better
to accept the objectives of the reforms and readjustments sought by
the program of the Roosevelt Administration than to have the United
States suffer the political and social unrest apparent in Europe.
- 30 -
I venture the assertion that any American suffering from
nervous conditions brought about by fears over the conditions in
the United States will be cured thoroughly by a few weeks of
"Baden-Baden" baths in the atmosphere of any European country.
Such a person will return thankful for our institutions.
As to the foreign policy of this country in these times, I
feel that the following excerpt taken from a letter written by
George Washington to the Earle of Buchan, April 22, 1793, discovered
by me in the Manuscript Division of the British Museum, adequately
states our proper position:
"I believe it is the sincere wish of the United America to
have nothing to do with the political intrigues, or the squabbles,
of European nations; but, on the contrary, to exchange commodities
and live in peace and amity with all the inhabitants of the earth.
And this I am persuaded they will do, if rightly it can be done."
- o -
APPENDIX I
Future pouches for Washington during the months of August and
September, will close in the office of the U.S. Government
Despatch Agency, 6 Grosvenor Gardens, London, S.W.1 at 5 p.m.
on the following dates:
U.S. Ships
TUESDAY
August
4
S.S.QUEEN MARY
THURSDAY
If
6
S.S. NEW YORK
S.S. PRES. HARDING (6th)
TUESDAY
II
11
S.S. NORMANDIE
FRIDAY
=
14
S.S. BREMEN
S.S. WASHINGTON
(13th)
TUESDAY
If
18
S.S. QUEEN MARY
FRIDAY
If
21
S.S. EUROPA
S.S. PRES. ROOSEVELT (20th)
TUESDAY
"
25
S.S. NORMANDIE
SATURDAY*
=
29
S.S. BREMEN
S.S. MANHATTAN
(27th)
TUESDAY
Sept.
1
S.S. QUEEN MARY
SATURDAY*
"
5
S.S. EUROPA
S.S. PRES. HARDING (3rd)
TUESDAY
=
8
S.S. NORMANDIE
THURSDAY
If
10
S.S. HAMBURG
S.S. WASHINGTON
(10th)
TUESDAY
"
15
S.S. QUEEN MARY
THURSDAY
ff
17
S.S. HANSA
S.S. PRES. ROOSEVELT
(17th)
TUESDAY
If
22
S.S. EUROPA
THURSDAY
If
24
S.S. DEUTSCHLAND
S.S. MANHATTAN
(24th)
TUESDAY
=
29
S.S. QUEEN MARY
* Pouches close at 1 p.m. on the two Saturdays marked with an asterisk.
John H. E. McAndrews
U.S. Government Despatch Agent.
APPENDIX II
American Embassy
Office of the Naval Attache
London
10 August, 1936
Hon. Daniel C. Roper,
Hotel May Fair,
Berkeley Street,
London, W. 1.
My dear Mr. Secretary:
Following our conversation of yesterday I give you below
the figures on the cost of labor in British dockyards and in
United States Navy Yards. These figures are based on the average
earnings of the mechanical forces in the respective establishments
and do not include the while-collar workers.
The earnings per year of the average employee in the mechanical
force in British dockyards is about $808.00 per year, assuming the
pound to be worth $5.00. For this compensation the employee works
2.365 hours per year. The compensation includes pay for 87 hours
during the year when he does not work. These 87 hours are made up
of five holidays at 8 hours each and the 47 hours of Navy Week
when the dockyards are closed. The normal time worked in British
dockyards is 47 hours per week. The average pay per hour worked in
the mechanical forces of British dockyards is therefore about $.342.
In the Philadelphia Navy Yard the average earnings per year of
the employees on the mechanical roll are about $1,794.00. For this
compensation the employee works 1,768 hours - assuming that he is
granted 7 days sick leave a year in addition to the seven holidays
and the 26 days days of annual leave with pay. The experience with
while-collar workers is that they are granted on the average 7 days
of sick leave a year. It is assumed that the average will be about
the same for the mechanical force. The average pay per hour worked
of the mechanical force in the Philadelphia Navy Yard is therefore
about $1.014. There are slight differences in the pay of the
employees of the various Navy Yards in the United States, but the
figure for the Philadelphia Navy Yard is believed to be about the
average. In other words, the pay per hour worked of the average
employee in the mechanical force at the Philadelphia Navy Yard is
about three times the pay of the average employee in a British
dockyard. The comparison is necessarily approximate within a few
per cent.
- 2 -
The above information is contained in a report which I
made to the Navy Department a short time ago in connection with
an inquiry for comparative data of the cost of construction of
ships in Great Britain and in the United States. The comparison
applies only to workers on the Government payrolls in the
respective countries and not to the private industry. In both
Great Britain and in the United States the annual earnings and
the pay per hour worked of shipyard workers are less than for
Government workers, but it is believed that the difference is not
so great in Great Britain as it is in the United States.
It was & great pleasure to see you and Mrs. Roper and I trust
that our paths will cross again.
With many best wishes for a pleasant trip back to the United
States,
Very sincerely,
(signed) J.G. Furer
Captain (cc), U.S.N.
APPENDIX III
COST OF LIVING
1. Rent
The difference in cost between Washington and London is illus-
trated by the following figures showing actual payments by three
members of the staff of the Commercial Attache for similar quarters
in the two cities:
Accommodation
Washington
London
Difference
6 room house
$1,200
$1,680
$480
6 room house
720
950
230
Apartment (2 rooms,
kitchen and bath)
690
910
220
The average of the above shows that London rents are 36 per cent
higher than those in Washington.
2. Food
The monthly budgets of the members of the Commercial Attache's
staff who have lived in Both Washington and London are from 50 per cent
to 70 per cent larger for food, the average being 60 per cent.
Below are is shown comparative prices on 24 articles of foodstuffs
for London and an average in 51 large cities in the United States. The
London prices are current, compiled from actual retail prices asked
at the grocery stores compared with actual expenditures by members of
the staff; being current the prices for fresh fruit and vegetables
are considerably lower than they range in the fall, winter and spring
months. The American prices were as of April 21, 1936 when certain
items such as eggs, fresh fruit and vegetables would be at
levels:
(Prices in U.S. cents)
Item
London
U.S.A.
Cream, quart
72
60
Milk, If
14
11.6
Butter, pound
32
37.5
Bread,
"
8
8.2
Flour,
11
5
4.7
Beef,
11
40
37
Bacon,
If
36
37.5
Ham,
n
44
30
Lard,
"
24
16
Chicken, If
52
33
Eggs, dozen
54
30
Potatoes, pound
4
3.2
Cabbage,
11
6
4.3
Spinach,
"
30
7
Tomatoes,
11
16
9.3
II
Lettuce,
10
8
Apples,
If
20
5.5
Oranges, dozen
48
30
Lemons,
If
48
28.4
Bananas, 11
36
20
Sugar, pound
5
5.5
Coffee, If
60
30
Tea,
"
54
67.8
Salad 011, pint
36
25
The average restaurant lunch in Washington is around
London comparable meals cost $1.25 or 66-2/3 more.
A careful analysis of retail prices of comparable merchandise in
New York and in London shows these differences for men's and women's
clothing and accessories:
Men's Wear
New York
London
Difference
Average for 7 classes
$68.75
$74.87
9%
Women's Wear
Average for 7 classes
$28.24
$37.48
33%
Men's shirts are approximately 30 per cent higher in the medium
priced grades. Athletic underwear sells at 15 per cent to 25 per cent
higher, garters about 25 per cent more, hats about the same, shoes
slightly more, but to obtain an equally good fit the much more expensive
custom made shoes are required. Woolen materials and tailorings are
generally cheaper in the better ranges of suits, but in ready-made suit
there is nothing comparable to the American values and the cheaper tail
is greatly inferior to ready-made clothes in the United States.
Women's clothing, compared directly in quality and style, is genera
higher in price in London than it is in New York and other large cities
the United States. Readymade cotton frocks, when obtainable in London i
sizes, cut and material comparable to the American counterparts, are
anywhere from 20 per cent to 30 per cent higher in price. Evidence of t
fact appears in the large volume of ready-made cotton frocks which are
imported from the United States; they pay the duty, landing charges,
transportation and insurance (usually totalling 30 per cent to 33-1/3 per
cent) and still undersell British frocks in the actual centers of
-4-
production. Silk dresses, although not so strikingly so, are in a
similar position. Silk stockings of an equal grade of quality (high
grade) are as much as 25 per cent to 40 per cent higher. In women's
shoes the comparison is difficult, as British lasts and styles are not
suitable for the American woman used to American weights, sizes and
lasts. Consequently imported shoes costing about 40 per cent more than
they do in the United States are purchased. It should be noted that
both clothes and shoes are subjected to much greater climatic tests
in London and consequently fail to give as long service. Silk hosiery
appears to be especially perishable. Almost all ladies' wear, accessories
handbags, etc., are substantially higher in price.
There is in both women's and men's clothing a large quantity of
cheap low-grade merchandise on sale which often leads the casual shopper
in London to erroneous conclusions about average prices. There is a
relatively larger cross-section of low-paid, small income persons in
London to which the shops cater and for which local manufacturers produce.
That merchandise tends to reduce the general price average, but in the
classes of merchandise which the U. S. Government officers must purchase,
the price average is generally higher than that for similar merchandise on
sale in the United States.
One striking feature of the cost of household merchandise in London
is the comparatively higher cost of certain cotton goods such as sheets.
At a recent sale of sheets at a local department store a sheet selling
-5-
retail in the United States for $1.10 (weight for weight) was selling
for 6s. 6d. ($1.62) - and this the "home of cotton goods manufactures."
4. Electric light and power
In view of the wide variety of electricity charges in London, not
only by districts and types of service, but also in proportion to the
size of the residence served, an exact comparison with Washington is not
possible. In general, however, it may be fairly estimated that
electricity charges in London average approximately 25 - 50 per cent
higher than in Washington.
Typical of the variation in the amount and method of London charges
is the attached memorandum detailing the rates prevailing in the districts
in which the members of our staff now reside. You will note that a
resident in Chelsea is estimated as paying $23.75 per quarter, and the
four districts listed average roughly $14.50 per quarter, exclusive of
water heating. Insofar as we can determine from the experience of
officers in this office who have lived in Washington, the corresponding
total charge there would be from $10 to $12. It should be pointed out
that climatic conditions necessitate greater use of electricity in London.
5. Taxes
The taxes which members of the staff of the Commercial Attache
are required to pay in London are in addition to the United States income
tax: approximately 4/9ths. of the local taxes for "rates" imposed upon
dwellings; this means an outlay of from $75 to $100 annually.
Automobile licence tax of $3.75 per horsepower. On a small car
such as the "Plymouth" this amounts to $ 90 a year as compared with
$1 a year in Washington. The tax on larger cars is correspondingly
higher.
Gasoline tax 8 pence per Imperial gallon, equivalent to about
13 cents per American gallon as compared with generally lower taxes i
the United States.
Radio receiving set licence $2.50 annually: none in the United
States.
6. Other items:
One member of the staff has to pay from $27 to $33 per month for
gas and coke which is used for cooking and heating.
Schools: It is necessary to send children to private schools in
England. The annual cost for a child between the ages of 9 and 13,
at an ordinary small, moderately good school, as a day student, is
approximately $400 for tuition and necessary extras and incidentals.
younger and older children the cost is proportionately lower or higher
For the person of moderate means who would normally send his children
public school in America, at relatively negligible expense, this
represents a substantial additional item, especially where there are t
or more children in the family.
7. Investigation by the Consul General of the comparative cost of
living in London and in Washington, January 23, 1934:
"Foodstuffs average at least 85 per cent higher in London than in
Washington. The most important factors in cost of living - food and
shelter - are incomparably more expensive in London, as are also doctors,
dentists, the purchase price and maintenance cost of automobiles, lunches
in restaurants and telephones.
"It is the conviction of the writer, and of the other officers at
the Consulate General, that a salary of $250 per month, for example, will
go as far in Washington as $350 per month in London; with other salary
brackets in proportion. In other words, it is believed that the cost of
living in London is around 40 per cent higher than in Washington."
TYPICAL ELECTRICITY CHARGES IN THE LONDON AREA
The figures listed below are for three months, based on an
"average consumption of a middle-class householder" during that
period of approximately:
Light
50 units (kilowatt hours)
Heating *
250 units
Cooking
250 units
* Exclusive of water heating.
CHELSEA (Chelsea Electricity Supply Co.)
Light
42d. per kWh
Power
1sd. per kWh
or "all-in" fixed rate (calculated on
amount of floor space) and gd. per unit:
Example
Fixed charge
L3:0:0
Light
3:0
Heating
16:0
Cooking
16:0
L4:15:0 per quarter
HAMPSTEAD (Hampstead Borough Council)
Light
23d. per kWh
Power
2d. per kWh
Example
Light
10:0d.
Heating
10:0
Cooking
10:0
L1:10:0 per quarter
- 2 -
SURBITON (Surbiton & District Electricity Supply Co.)
Light
5d. per kWh
Power
23d, 2d, 12d, or 1d. per kWh
or "all-in" fixed rate and Jd. per unit in summer
and fd. per unit in winter:
Example Fixed charge Ll: 5:0
Light
3:0
Heating
16:0
Cooking
16:0
L3 :0:0 per quarter
HARROW WEALD (North Metropolitan Electric Power Supply Co.)
Light
32d. per kWh
Power
1 1/8d. per kWh
or "all-In" fixed rate and dd. per unit:
Example Fixed charge L1: 5:0
Light
2:0
Heating
10:6
Cooking
10:6
L2 : 8 :0 per quarter
APPENDIX IV
The salaries and allowances in the British Commercial
Diplomatic Service and in the corresponding United States
Foreign Commerce Service at comparable European posts during
the past fiscal year, 1935-1936, were as follows:
Post
British
Salary and
American
Salary
Allowance
Allowance
Athens
Com.Secy.
$ 6,930
Com. Att.
$5,500
$1,200
Berlin
Com. Coun.
11,090
Act.Com.Att.
6,000
1,500
Com. Secy.
6,690
Trade Com.
5,000
1,200
Brussels
Com. Secy.
9,825
Com. Att.
6,000
1,500
The Hague
Com. Secy.
10,150
Com. Att.
6,000
1,500
* Washington
Com. Coun.
19,530
----
---
---
Com. Secy.
10,545
---
---
---
London
---
---
Com. Att.
8,000
1,700
---
Asst.Com.Att.
6,000
1,500
Madrid
Com. Secy.
8,605
Com. Att.
5,750
1,200
Paris
Com. Coun.
12,950
Com. Att.
8,000
1,700
Com. Secy.
5,500
Asst.Com.Att.
6,000
1,500
Prague
Com. Secy.
9,685
Com. Att.
5,000
1,200
Rome
Com. Coun.
11,220
Com. Att.
6,500
1,500
Com. Secy.
6,500
Trade Com.
4,000
1,200
Stockholm
Com. Secy.
7,980
Com. Att.
6,000
1,500
Vienna
Com. Secy.
9,575
Com. Att.
5,500
1,200
Warsaw
Com. Secy.
9,225
Com. Att.
5,500
1,200
* Inserted for comparison with London.
APPENDIX V
The present salaries of the members of the Commercial
Attache's office and recommendations for increases recommended
by Mr. Meekins are as follows:
American
Name
Present
Proposed
Increase
Salary
Salary
Homer S. Fox
$6,000
$7,500
$1,500
Assistant Commercial Attache
Edward B. Lawson
4,500
6,000
1,500
Trade Commissioner
Henry E. Stebbins
3,200
4,500
1,300
Assistant Trade Commissioner
Warren S. Lockwood
3,200
4,500
1,300
Assistant Trade Commissioner
British
Miss Dumoulin
2,020
2,140
120
Mrs. Beale
1,020
1,200
180
Miss Mason
1,020
1,200
180
Miss Wright
870
900
30
Mrs. Gibson
870
900
30
Miss Solly
700
780
80
Mrs. Sycamore
750
780
30
Miss Annetts
750
780
30
James Long
250
360
110
July 10, 1939.
Dear Dan:-
That is a very interesting letter of yours
and I am happy to know at firsthand of the Royal
visit to Canada. That is a delightful thought of
yours about everybody turning Scottish. I can
cap it by the following: At the pionic at Hyde
Park we had two Indian performers. At the end
the Indian man was introduced to the Queen and
she asked him what tribe he belonged to. He said
"I am a Zuni -- but I am three-quarters Scotch."
I had a delightful long letter from
Mackenzie King. It was a piece of great good
fortune that he was enabled to accompany the
King, for it made all the difference in the world
not only in the United States but also, I think,
in providing for the King himself a sort of
interpreter of the close relationship between
Canada and the United States, without detracting
in anyway from the loyalty of Canada to the
British Empire.
I am glad to have your slant on the
Waterways Treaty and also the Alaska Highway
project. I think you are right that the Water-
ways Treaty should not be pushed before the
Canadian election, but I really count on action
as soon as the election is over.
The trip of the King and Queen in Quebec
will, I think, help to remove certain opposition
from that Province. Thank you for the memorandum
on commercial problems.
I need not tell you that I am awfully
happy to have you and Mrs. Roper representing us
at Ottawa -- and, of course, it is really among
the top two or three of our Diplomatic posts,
even though the Empire's relationship prevents
it from being called an Embassy.
One thing you did not mention. How is
your health? I was worried before you left
but I take it things are going along all right
and for that I am devoutly thankful.
My best to you both,
Affectionately,
Honorable Daniel c, Roper,
American Legation,
Ottawa,
Canada.
OF COMMENT
of
THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE
STATES of STATE
WASHINGTON
September 20, 1939
Mrs. Paula Larrabee
The White House
Washington, D. C.
Dear Mrs. Larrabee:
Here is the letter from Mr. Roper which
you wanted returned for your files.
Very sincerely yours,
Mary has Meter
Mary Van Meter
Secretary to the Secretary
Enclosure
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 8, 1939.
MEMORANDUM FOR
THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE
TO READ AND RETURN
FOR OUR FILES.
F. D. R.
Ottawa, Canada.
July 5, 1939.
Dear Mr. President:
I have submitted to the State Department from
time to time since my arrival in Ottawa on May 12
reports on the very interesting and history-making
events of these seven weeks. I would like, however,
now to give to you a few impressions which I did not
regard as appropriate to include in my official reports.
To begin with, Mrs. Roper and I are very grateful
to you for the unusual opportunity you have given us
to observe the interesting developments this summer
between Canada and the United States. The visit of
Their Majesties was in plan and in execution strikingly
constructive. It gave the people a relief from war talk
and war fears. I never before have witnessed an event
of more decided effect on the psychology of a people.
It will prove to be very far-reaching for the two
countries and for the world. The democratic attitude
The Honorable Franklin D. Roosevelt,
The White House,
Washington, D.C.
U.S.A.
- 2 -
of the King and Queen captivated all and emphasized the
practical value of faith and confidence in human affairs.
At the conclusion of the Canadian journey at Niagara
Falls and just before crossing the international border
into the United States, Their Majesties again referred
to the pleasure they were anticipating in their visit to
the United States. There was some hesitation that
evening over changing police forces, Their Majesties
thinking that the persons who had become well acquainted
with their habits and their requirements could hardly be
satisfactorily supplanted by persons unacquainted with
them. However, this very soon disappeared for they
became quite impressed with and enthusiastic over the
remarkable service of the American police force.
Their Majesties were most gracious in having Mrs.
Roper and myself as their honor guests at dinner just
before crossing the St. Lawrence. When I remarked to
the Queen on that occasion that they would receive a most
enthusiastic welcome and that they would be impressed
with the similarity in sentiment and in cooperation of
the Canadian and American people the Queen replied: "Do
you really think so?". My answer was that the relationship
between the peoples of Canada and the United States has
proceeded beyond the trade treaty stage, that there is a
- 3 -
definite feeling of understanding and cooperation which
amounts to a spiritual undergirding in the relationship
between the two peoples. To this the Queen replied:
"That is what the world needs." My answer was that
"It may easily be that the visits of Your Majesties will
prompt definite progress to that end for the world." She
then remarked: "Great responsibility rests upon the
English-speaking people for world safety." I replied
that it was fortunate that the Queen was making the visit
with the King for great responsibility rested upon women
to inspire and guide the needed leadership in bringing
people to understand and appreciate the far-reaching im-
portance of human understanding as a means to needed co-
operation. So attractive was the Queen to all people
that Mrs. Roper and I were found joining a long procession
in asserting our Scottish lineage. The King is said to
have remarked after a few days in Canada that it seemed
to him that practically all Canadians had turned Scottish.
This was interestingly illustrated by an incident on the
western end of the Canadian journey when a Canadian
asserted to Their Majesties in the hearing of an old
Indian that he, the Canadian, was thankful that he was a
Scotsman. The Indian "chimed" in, "Me too, me too."
I was impressed by the remark of the King at dinner
- 4 -
at Niagara Falls when he spoke as follows: "Why did
the people of the United States permit President Wilson
to go to France in 1919? We are all still suffering
from it.' The answer was "No one could stop that."
This view with regard to Wilson recalled a talk I had
had at Government House with the Leader of the Government
in the Senate several days before, when he referred to
the great world responsibility the United States assumed
when our people failed to support the League of Nations.
At the recent Conference on Canadian-American Affairs at
St. Lawrence University which I had the pleasure of
attending some days ago, one of the speakers referred to
the fact that great power in a nation like the United States
must be accompanied by great responsibility for stabilizing
the world. These references further emphasized for me
the correctness of your expressions in the last year with
regard to international conflicts. You are on record
that the great power, influence and responsibility of the
United States can be preserved only through the exercise
of its peaceful offices to world society, economically
and socially.
Prime Minister King and all other officials with whom
I have come in contact have extended to Mrs. Roper and
myself every possible courtesy and consideration. The
- 5 -
Prime Minister is overwhelmed with the gratifying results
of the visits, dwelling with enthusiasm on the results of
that to the United States. He expects to write you and
will tell you that the King regarded as the high point
of his entire tour his personal contact and conferences
with you. He says that the King told him repeatedly
that he had never met a person with whom he felt freer
in talking and whom he enjoyed more. He said that his
Ministers at home were so guarded in their conference
relationships with him that he especially enjoyed the
democratic freedom you accorded him. The Prime Minister
was especially impressed with the closeness of that re-
lationship when, at 1:30 o'clock in the morning, you put
your hand upon the King's knee and said: "Young man, it's
time for you to go to bed.'
I wish to say here also that Mrs. Roosevelt left a
profound impression. The musical concert at the White
House was a great success, and the fact that Their
Majesties desired above all things a copy of the record
of that concert is convincing evidence of this.
There may be, and no doubt is, opposition to the
American New Deal in Canada, but I have not yet found it.
In fact, the people with whom I have come in contact would
- 6 -
seem to be reaching that old-time condition in South
Carolina when we could borrow folks for the election
polls from across the lines for election results. One
enthusiastic lady at a reception some evenings ago came
up to me and said: "You are talking about a third term
for your President. If I and my family had our way we
would elect him for life."
At the St. Lawrence University Conference on
Canadian-American Affairs I was surprised that no
criticism of the New Deal appeared in any of the dis-
cussions of a political nature. On the contrary, there
were several nice approval references to the foreign re-
lations program of the American Government.
A Harvard University man returning from this year's
Commencement told me that while Republicans that he met
at the Commencement were very eager to get Roosevelt out
of the White House, they expressed themselves as glad that
he was there to receive and so graciously entertain the
King and Queen.
I have had splendid conferences with the Prime Minister
on the St. Lawrence waterways matter and have reported
officially to the State Department in connection therewith.
He is very much interested in the matter and proposed to
take it up immediately after the election this fall, pro-
vided, of course, his administration is returned. As to
- 7 -
this I have no doubt. The press of today announce the
candidacy of Honorable W. D. Herridge for Mr. King's
seat in Parliament (editorial attached). I cannot believe
Kingwill have serious opposition. However, I can see
after talking with him how a precipitation of the water-
ways matter at this time could be seized upon by the
opposition as a political issue.
Superficial inquiry has convinced me that this is
not the time to bring forward the Alaska highway project.
This must wait awhile.
Operations of the trade treaty between our two
countries appears to be fairly satisfactory. We had a
very interesting ceremony on June 17 when the exchange
of ratifications took place in the office of the Prime
Minister. The Prime Minister was most gracious on that
as well as on other occasions and said that he greatly
regretted that he had not been able to write you and thank
you for the courtesies extended to him and Their Majesties
on the recent trip and said that he was in hopes that he
would not thereby lose your friendship. I told him that
in my opinion it would take nothing short of a war to
separate two personalities that understood each other 80
well and whose objectives 80 substantially harmonized in
maintaining constructive relationship between our two
peoples.
- 8 -
As to the French-Canadian situation, with which you
are thoroughly familiar, there are two recent developments
which I think may be of interest to you. The first is
the apparently dwindling influence of the Quebec fascist
group movement led by Adrian Arcand. This movement has
been considerably publicized in the United States during
recent months, but I find from sources in Ottawa that its
influence seems to be on the wane just now. The other
development is the extraordinary response of the French
Canadians to the Royal visit. This group seemed to vie
with all other sections in their enthusiastic reception
of the King and Queen. Even the most die-hard Quebec
nationalists frankly admit the success of the tour.
I am being constantly impressed with the similarity
of the problems of Canada and the United States. For
instance, in this morning's Ottawa newspapers (July 5) I
find references to the following which could easily have
appeared in the press of our country as engaging American
thought: - Unemployment; agricultural problems, involving
policy of scarcity and plenty; reduction of taxes to
help promote business recovery; charges that relief has
not been equitably administered, etc. Frequent exchanges
of experiences in working out these problems between the
two Governments might be helpful.
- 9 -
I am favorably impressed with the program and equip-
ment of the National Research Council of Canada which I
have enjoyed visiting and inspecting under the guidance
of its splendid director, General A. G. L. McNaughton.
On the lines of research for the benefit of industry
and for the conservation of health I can see how the
present good cooperative understanding between this
Council and our Bureau of Standards could be made much
more effective in the solution of problems as well as in
furthering the common interests of the two countries. I
am attaching hereto a memorandum which, at my instance,
has been prepared by the Commercial Attache of this Legation
for such consideration as you may find it worthy.
This Legation is much more important than I had
expected before coming. It has a splendid personnel, in-
telligent, active and enjoying the confidence of all the
Canadian officials. Trade and human relations are being
well cared for.
I trust that I have not wearied you with this long
communication and hope you and Mrs. Roosevelt have the
consciousness of having rendered in connection with the
King and Queen's visit to the United States a service to
the United States, to Canada, to Great Britain, and to
the entire world.
- 10 -
With apologies for the length of the letter,
I am,
Very sincerely yours,
Enclosures.
The Citizen
Published daily at Ottawa
In The Citizen Building, Sparks St., by
The Citizen Publishing Company, Limited
The Citizen aims to be in independent clean
newspaper for the home, devoted
to public service
WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 1939
Saskatchewan for New Democracy
Prince Albert constituency, at present
represented in the House of Commons by
Mr. Mackenzie King, may produce one of the
surprise results in the next general election.
There is no certainty that the Liberal party's
leader will be elected again. He has never
been near the constituency since 1935.
At that time. some people were saying
that their member of parliament should be
seen oftener than merely in a private car
during the election campaign. Progressives
apparently believe that Hon. W. D. Herridge
would be seen oftener: he has been formally
invited to stand as the New Democracy can-
didate in Prince Albert riding.
There is more, however, than discontent
with the Liberal leader's personal inability
to visit Prince Albert behind the invitation
to Mr. Herridge. It is symptomatic of the
spirit of revolt in Saskatchewan against bar-
ren Liberal politics.
The Conservative party ceased to be a
political force in the western provinces years
ago, but Saskatchewan has been persuaded
in election after election to trust the Liberals
again. But the powerful Gardiner machine
is said to be on the decline.
The Liberals won the majority of seats
in the last provincial election, but only with
the minority of votes. There are possibilities
of the elimination of both old parties from
Saskatchewan, as they have been virtually
eliminated from Alberta. The New Demo-
cracy movement is pointing the way.
About a hundred delegates from Saskat-
chewan constituencies attended the New
Democracy conference in Regina last Mon-
day and yesterday. They represent the
widespread view that, with unity, the pro-
gressive forces can win the majority of seats.
It has been demonstrated that the C.C.F.
alone cannot win; nor can many seats be
won in `constituencies where votes are
divided between Social Credit and C.C.F.
candidates against the Liberal machine. But
people everywhere in Saskatchewan are wel-
coming the prospect of an advance against
the entrenched Liberal party interests. They
see new hope in the New Democracy move-
ment to produce results by electing a clear
majority of free members to the next
parliament.
Roper's letter never returned
Canada Roper folder
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 20, 1939.
MEMORANDUM FOR
HON. LELAND OLDS
Please let me have your
thought on this.
F. D. R.
Letter from Secretary Hull en-
closing Copy of letter to him
from Minister Roper in re
St. Lawrence Waterway Treaty.
DECLASSIFIED
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S.
By W. J. Stewart Date
Canada- Roper folder
August 4, 1939.
Dear Dan:-
I have yours of August first and accept
your resignation as United States Minister to
Canada, to take effect August twentieth.
I do this with mixed feelings because
you have done so splendidly in that post, as
in your previous posts, that I wish you and
Mrs. Roper could stay on in a Capital that is
of such great importance. At the same time,
it will be find/to have you both back here in
Washington and it will be good to see you both
again.
You must have had a wonderfully interest-
ing time. If you want to stay on a few weeks
after August twentieth, in order to avoid the
hot weather here in Washington, let me know.
Congress seems to have been hotter than
the rest of this city -- all upsot as 8. matter
of fact. You and I, as old timers, have seen
this happen before, and the curious thing is
that the world seems to go on just the same.
Affactionately,
Honorable Daniel C. Roper,
American Legation,
Ottawa,
Canada.
Ottawa, Canada.
August 1, 1939.
Dear Mr. President:
In my conference with Secretary Hull, at the time
that he acquainted me with your desire to appoint me
as Minister to Canada, it was understood that I was to
remain in Ottawa about three months.
By August 20 Mrs. Roper and I plan to complete our
season's entertaining and to be able to dispose of other
pending official obligations. I hereby tender my
resignation as United States Minister to Canada, to take
effect August 20, or at your pleasure.
Mrs. Roper and I have greatly enjoyed our mission
here and thank you sincerely for the opportunity thus
afforded us to take part in the very interesting cere-
monies incident to the visit of Their Majesties King
George the Sixth and Queen Elizabeth. We are also
grateful for the contacts we have had with these charm-
ing Canadian people.
With much respect, I am,
Very sincerely yours,
The Honorable Franklin D. Roosevelt,
The White House,
Washington, D.C. U.S.A.
3
full
DANIEL C. ROPER
DEC 28
DEC
THE
TOWER BUILDING
82
WASHINGTON
WHITE
8
December RECEIVED 27, 1939
AM
HOUSE
My dear Mr. President:
How gracious of you to again remember me
at Christmas time! How fortunate I have been to
have thus been remembered for so many years.
When I opened the package from you con-
taining the attractive and practical paper weight-
ash tray, I naturally reflected on our long personal
friendship. I am grateful to have been permitted
to have been associated with you in some "great
adventures". In these you have proved yourself
a great and constructive engineer in planning and
in executing for the people of the United States, -
yes, for the peoples of the world.
Pray do not regard me as unduly sentimental
when I use as expressive of my feeling toward you
that old saying, "Wander where you will -- North,
East, South or West, old tunes are sweetest, old
friends the best.' "
May God bless you with strength, vision
and courage to meet constructively the great
challenges which I believe await us in 1940.
Affectionately,
Daniel C. Roper
The Honorable
Franklin D. Roosevelt
President of the United States