War - Woodring, Harry, 1936-1940

PSF: War Dept. Harry Woodring '36- '40 Sec. of War Box 104 his WAR DEPARTMENT WASHINGTON. D.C. PSF: Woodring Wraner AUG 2 y 1936 The President, The White House. Dear Mr. President: Reference is made to your secret memorandum to the Chief of Naval Operations of August 10, 1936, copy of which is attached hereto. The espionage report from Hawaii to which your memo- randum referred is now being studied by The Joint Board. Two other matters not covered in that report, but which were men- tioned in your memorandum, are within the cognizance of the War Department. The Navy Department has therefore requested the War Department to give you the information you desire thereon. The plans relating to the Japanese population of the Hawaiian Islands, so far as that population would affect our defense of those Islands in war, are believed to be up-to-date and to be based on sound principles. In general, the Joint Defense Plan drawn up by the responsible Army and Navy Commanders in Hawaii assigns the control of aliens and alien sympathizers in all the islands to the Army. This control will be exercised by the Army through an organization known as the "Service Command," recently established by the Commanding General, Hawaiian Depart- ment. The Service Command is organized in time of peace in skeleton form under a senior officer on the staff of the Depart- ment Commander. In war that Command would be the link between the military and the civil control forces in the Territory. It will be charged with the control of the civil population and the prevention of sabotage, of civil disturbances, or of local uprisings. It will function on all the islands, utilizing certain National Guard units, police, other civilian organiza- tions, and units of "limited service men" when mobilized. It should be greatly aided in its control of potentially hostile Japanese by the local knowledge of its agents. It will, when necessary, receive the backing of Regular Army units. Franklin D. Roosevelt Library DECLASSIFIED DOD DIR. 5200.9 (9/27/58) Date- 2-17-59 Signature- Carl L. Spicer SECRET SECRET At the instigation of the Commanding General, Hawaiian Department, the question of the defense of the island of Hawaii and other outlying islands against landing parties has recently been studied by the General Staff. As a result of that study, the Commanding General, Hawaiian Department, has been informed that the War Department considers the garrisoning of these islands in time of peace to be impracticable from an economic standpoint and to be of doubtful value from the point of view of the defense of Oahu. It is a pleasure to note that your comment on this matter, relative to the difference between the mere occupation of the outlying islands by an enemy and their use by him as & base of operations, closely parallels a line of reasoning which led to the War Department's decision not to attempt to garrison those islands in time of peace. Should we be able, however, very materially to reinforce the Hawaiian Islands immediately before a major war in the Pacific or in the early part of such a war, 88 is contemplated in our plans for that emergency, a different situation would be pre- sented. Under this situation the War Department has informed the Commanding General, Hawaiian Department, that he may use a part of his war garrison on such of the outlying islands as the situation may warrant. Respectfully yours, Acting Secretary of War. Enclosure Copy of Memorandum to the Chief of Naval Operations, August 10, 1936. CHORIER C-0-P-Y SECRET August 10, 1936. MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF OPERATIONS In regard to enclosed memorandum of June thirtieth: 1. Has the local Joint Planning Committee (Hawaii) any recommendation to make? 2. One obvious thought occurs to me -- that every Japanese citizen or non-citizen on the Island of Oahu who meets these Japanese ships or has any connection with their officers or men should be secretly but definitely identified and his or her name placed on a special list of those who would be the first to be placed in a concentration camp in the event of trouble. 3. As I told you verbally today, I think a Joint Board should consider and adopt plans relating to the Japanese population of all the islands. Decision should be made as to whether the island of Hawaii could or should be defended against landing parties. From my personal observation I should say offhand that it would be extraordinarily difficult, as the Island is quite far from Oahu. The chief objective should be to prevent its occupation as a base of operations against Oahu and other islands. Its mere occupation, without the possibility of making it a base, would accomplish little for an enemy. As I remember it, there is only one small harbor -- large enough perhaps for a few destroyers and submarines -- and that other anchorages are merely open roadsteads. Please let me have further recommendations after studies have been made. F.D.R. C-0-P-Y THE COMPANY WILL APPRECIATE SUGGESTIONS FROM ITS PATRONS CONCERNING ITS SERVICE 1936 1201-S CLASS OF SERVICE This is a full-rate WESTERN SYMBOLS DL Day Letter Telegram or Cable- NM Night Message gram unless its de- ferred character is In- dicated by a suitable symbol above or pre- UNION (16) NL Night Letter LC Deferred Cable NLT Cable Night Letter ceding the address. R. B. WHITE NEWCOMB CARLTON J.C. WILLEVER - Ship Radiogram PRESIDENT CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD FIRST VICE-PRESIDEN) The filing time shown in the date line on telegrams and day letters is STANDARD TIME at point of origin. Time of receipt is STANDARD TIME at point PM of destination: 3 Received at 234 Main Street, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. PSF his husmal 31 NAZ185 54 DL=MI WASHINGTON DC 25 232P HON FRANKLIN D ROOSEVELT= HYDEPARK NY= Woodring PLEASE ACCEPT MY APPRECIATION OF YOUR APPOINTMENT AS CONVEYED IN YOUR MESSAGE JUST RECEIVED STOP I FULLY UNDERSTAND AND APPROVE THE TEMPORARY DESIGNATION STOP MY WISH AND DESIRE HAS BEEN THAT YOU WOULD TAKE ONLY SUCH ACTION WHICH GAVE PARAMOUNT CONSIDERATION TO YOUR BEST INTERESTS FOR NOVEMBER STOP MY LOYALTY MY SERVICE MY GRATITUDE= HARRY H WOODRING. WESTERN UNION GIFT ORDERS SOLVE THE PERPLEXING QUESTION OF WHAT TO GIVE PSF THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON May 19, 1937. MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF WAR Will you speak to me about this? F. D. R. Memorandum from the Chief of Staff in re Vacancy for Commander of Second Corps Area, together with memorandum from Colonel Watson. / FSF: Woodving THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON moodring SECRET CL 11-6- 5' May 22, 1937. MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF WAR I do not think that this report 1s satisfactory. It 1s based wholly on deductions rather than on first-hand information. Just as an example, the citation of visits of naval vessels to the coast line of lower California as evidenced is wholly absurd -- the officers and men see nothing of what goes on one hundred feet back from the beach. I should think G-2 could arrange for some individual or individuals to cover the whole of lower California and procure a careful check. It should not cost much or take any great length of time. F. D. R. Library CLASSIFIED WAR DEPARTMENT WASHINGTON, D. C. SECRET DOD DIR 5200.0 (9/27/M)) MAY 21 1937 Date- 11-6-63 31gmaters- Carl L. Spicer THE WHITE HOUSE WAY 21 1937 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT: HEORIVE. Subject: Reported Movement of Japanese to Lower California. 1. In view of a current report concerning recent movement of Japanese to Lower California in excessive numbers it is believed that the following information is of interest: Japanese immigration to Mexico, beginning in 1897, prospered until 1910 after which time it stagnated as a result of domestic disturbances following the overthrow of the Diaz regime. According to Mexican official statistics there were some 3,823 Japanese living in Mexico in 1927, 4,310 in 1930, and 4,583 in 1933. Of the 1933 total there were approximately 1,200 in Lower California. In 1934, accord- ing to a Japanese official source, the total number of Japanese in Mexico was 5,360. However, in the same year (1934) reliable information indicated that the Mexican Government computed the actual total number of Japanese in Mexico as 8,609, including those entering the country illegally. Therefore, if we include an additional 116 Japanese who were granted Mexican citizenship in 1933, it is probable that there were approximately 8,800 Japa- nese residing in Mexico in 1934. Later statistics on the subject are not available but a fair estimate, based on the assumption as to 1934, would give a total number of from 10,000 to 12,000 Japanese living in Mexico at the present time. It is known that the Japanese continue to seek colonization privileges in Mexico, and that during the last three years there has been a considerable increase in apparently legitimate fishing activities on the West Coast - particularly in the Gulf of California; however, there are no reliable indications that the Japanese are entering Lower California or any other port of Mexico in abnormally large numbers. In view of the aridity of Lower California, the SECRET MYS DESVILLATION clandestine influx of large numbers of Japanese into areas other than developed localities is not probable without an accompanying importation of foodstuffs and other materials necessary to sustain life. The movements of such materials have not been detected by the usual reliable sources of information available to the War Department. The Mexican Government is promoting a colonization plan in Lower California which contemplates a million colonists there, 100,000 to be composed of foreigners. This plan emphasizes that all foreigners must be suscepti- ble of easy assimilation by the Mexican race - 8. condition which would seem to be difficult of attainment by the Japa- nese. The plan also provides that most of the colonists are to be indigent Mexicans now living in southwestern United States and Agrarians from the densely populated re- gions of Central Mexico. Up to the present little actual progress has been made in bringing settlers to Lower California. 2. Considering the alertness of the United States Consuls on the Rest Coast of Mexico, the periodic visits of our naval vessels to the coast line of Lower California (the last one was in April, 1937), and the continued watchfulness of the Mar Department agencies both in Mexico City and on the United States -Mexico international boundary, it is believed that there are no reliable indications of any large influx of Japanese into Lower California. Respectfully yours, Atamy H.M Secretary of War. Fronklin D. Roonevelt Library DECLASSIFIED DOD DIRL 5200.0 (9/27/58) Date- 11-6-63 31ganture- Carl L.Spicer - 2 tale Personal WAR DEPARTMENT June 11- 37 OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY WASHINGTON, D.C. mr. President: l have gone ww mr. Westervelts Meard - r l am can varied he is ad mirably fetted r qualified as to business ability tothe aset, duy. was as to palitical-etc- l have not investigated - Stany JAMES L. HOUGHTELING 141 W.JACKSON BOULEVARD CHICAGO H.H.W. WABASH 2992 your Thank 7 June 7, 1937 FOR To the President, The White House, Washington, D. C. Dear Franklin: I read in last Friday's edition of the New York Times an editorial about the position of Assistant Secretary of War. Immediately I "knew the answer". On Saturday I tele- phoned Jim about Good Neighbor League matters and in the course of the conversation asked him to suggest to you the name of General William I. Westervelt, now vice-president of Sears, Roebuck & Co., one of the clearest thinkers and one of the most ardent New Dealers that I know. General Westervelt is a West Pointer with a brilliant war record. He retired shortly after the War and went to Sears, Roebuck & Co. with General Wood. He lives in Winnetka and is a close friend of mine. He is 59 years old, a man of pre- eminent organizing abilities and great experience in purchasing and merchandising. In 1933 he was loaned by Sears, Roebuck to Secretary Wallace and helped organize the A A A. Secretary Wallace knows him well and so does Chester Davis. I know that he is about to retire from Sears, Roebuck & Co. and believe that he is available for public service. Yours sincerely, Januance file PSF Memorandum for the President From Sec.Woodring July 2, 1937. In re-Japanese Activities in Mexico, Central America and Panama. Letter from Welles to Pres. on top in re-Des Portes letter. SEE--Japan folder-(s) Drawer 2--1937 PSF X WASHINGTON WHITE HOUSE file droodring August 6, 1937. SECRETARY OF WAR Please read this letter from Congressman Clason, which I have acknowledged, especially the "amend- ment" which he states was "suggested" by the War Department. In view of the fact that it was well known to the Engineer Corps that this matter, for the past two weeks, has been in process of being worked out by the President in 00-> operation with the War Department, the Federal Power Commission and leaders in both branches of the Congress, I cannot understand the process of reasoning by which the Engineers proposed an amendment to a member of the Congress, which they have apparently worked out themselves. If this thing keeps up, I shall have to ask you to issue an order to the Corps of Engineers that no oom- munications or suggestions will be THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON -2- made by the Engineers to individual members of the Congress except through the Secretary of War and the President. The Corps of Engineers is not only under the Secretary of War and the President as a part of the admin- istrative branch of the Government, but it is also under the Secretary of War and the Commander-in-Chief of the Army, by virtue of their being part of the Army of the United States. ANR F. D. R. R. CLASON COMMITTEES: BACHUSETTS DISTRICT MILITARY AFFAIRS FLOOD CONTROL WAR CLAIMS WASHINGTON ADDRESS: (54 HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING Congress of the United States SECRETARIES LESLIE W. ATKINSON MASSACHUSETTS ADDRESS: Douse of Representatives STELLA PERREAULT 1200 MAIN ST., SPRINGFIELD' я I w THE August 5, 1937 NEORIVED 1937 HOLIER Franklin D. "oosevelt President of the United States The White House Washington, D.C. My dear Mr. President: since writing to you on August 4, 1937, relative to the Connecticut River Flood Control Compact, it has been suggested to me that the amendment proposed by the War Department to H.J. Resolution 435 for the consent of Congress to this interstate Compact might be made broad enough to include the Federal Power Commission, in such terms as to protect all rights of the Federal Government. The amendment suggested by the War Department is as follows: "AND WHEREAS, the said compact has been approved by the legislatures of each of the States as provided therein: Therefore be it RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED, That the consent of Congress is hereby given to the compact hereinbefore recited: PROVIDED that nothing therein contained shall be construed as impairing, diminishing, or in any manner affecting the jurisdiction duties, rights and powers committed to and vested in the War Depart- ment by the Flood Control Act approved June 22, 1936 , and amendments thereof, or by any other law of the United States, with respect to the matters dealt with in the compact. Sec. 2. That the right to alter, amend or repeal this joint resolution is hereby expressly reserved." R. CLASON COMMITTEES: EACHUSETTS DISTRICT MILITARY AFFAIRS FLOOD CONTROL WAR CLAIMS WASHINGTON ADDRESS: de HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING Congress of the United States SECRETARIES LESLIE W. ATKINSON MASSACHUSETTS ADDRESS: House of Representatives STELLA PERREAULT 1200 MAIN ST., SPRINGFIELD я w #2 August 5, 1937 "ranklin D. Roosevelt resident of the United States. The proviso therein contained is in effect the new matter suggested by the amendment. Letters which have already been received from the Commissioners for Vermont and Connecticut indicate clearly that the Commissioners from the various states did not intend through the Compact to abridge in any way the rights and powers of the Federal Government, its Departments and Commissions. I, therefore, believe that such a provision as suggested by the War Department, broadened to include the Federal Power Commission and any other affected body, might well be satisfactory. Realizing that this matter is of outstanding importance to the people of the Connecticut Valley, I am again writing to you on this subject, following my letter of August 4. Respectfully yours, Chales R. Cleson R. they / s à / / / I / shome our State / filling w Sept. 8, 1937. Memo from Woodring Report of status of Airplanes due under contract with the War Department. SEE--War Dept. folder-Drawer 1--1937 w PSF War Warning August 24, 1937 Letters in re-recalling of Gen. MecArthur from Phillipines by Craig. Letter from Steve Early to Sec.of War attached. SEE--War Dept. folder----Drawer 1--1937 WAR DEPARTMENT WASHINGTON. D. C. war SEP 8 1937 The President, The White House. Dear Mr. President: I have the honor to transmit herewith a memorandum containing a detailed report as to numbers of Japanese and their distribution and activities in Lower California and on the West Coast of Mexico. It will be noted that there appears to have been no recent material increase in numbers, and the total numbers in the area designated do not appear to exceed 3,200. Respectfully yours, Stary Secretary of War. withouthing 1 Incl. - Memorandum WAR DEPARTMENT WASHINGTON. D. C. SEP 8 1937 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT: Subject: Japanese Nationals in Mexico and Reported Movement of Japanese to Lower California and the West Coast of Mexico. References: a. Special Map of Mexico (Attached). b. War Department Memorandum for the President, dated 5/21/37. C. War Department Memorandum for the President, dated 7/2/37. 1. Pursuant to the indicated wishes of the President, the War Department has been engaged since June 9, 1937, in gathering factual information through its own agents, operating in Mexico, relative to the number and activities of Japanese in Lower California and on the West Coast of Mexico. The results of this investigation, conducted by three secret agents from the United States, have just been secured, and the area covered by these agents (see map) comprises Lower Califor- nia and the West Coast Mexican States of Sonora, Sinaloa, and Nayarit. In addition to the foregoing, the State Department, in compliance with a request made by the War Department on April 29, 1937, completed, as of July 14, 1937, a survey of this subject by American Consuls to in- clude the entire Republic of Mexico, but with special reference to Lower California and West Coast Mexico. This survey is referred to below. 2. As a result of the War Department secret-agent activities the following information on the number of Japanese in the below indi- cated areas has been developeds Area Investigated Verified Additional Total No. No. (Estimate) &. Lower California (less Mexi- cali Consular District) 88 118 206 b. Mexicali Consular District (1210)* 2000X 2000 C. West Coast of Mexico (States of Sonora, Sinaloa and Nayarit) 423 45 468 Total: 511 2163 2674 (plus 1210X) XAgent carried no written records therefore this number is in- definite but included in the total 2,000. SECRET The agent to Lower California (exclusive of the Mexicali Consular District) was in the field two months, covered a travel dis- tance of 3,880 miles (from Tijuana L.C. to Cape San Lucas L.C., - an air-line distance of 750 miles) of which 3,490 miles was by motor, 350 miles by mule back, and 40 miles by boat, and visited 88 localities well distributed throughout the area. The agent to the Mexicali Consular District reported that he made an exhaustive survey of that entire area by visiting most of the habitable localities and securing definite reports from the more remote places. The Agent in the West Coast of Mexico area was in the field 2½ months, traversed the entire length of the area, and visited 111 lo- calities generally distributed throughout the three states of Sonora, Sinaloa, and Nayarit. None of the three agents reported any indication of any re- cent appreciable influx of Japanese in any of the areas visited, and all reported that the general Mexican attitude toward the Japanese was hos- tile except in labor council activities. The peninsula in the vicinity of Turtle Bay (circled in red, Area 1 on Map) was not visited by the agent in that area due to its in- accessibility by means of land or small boat routes. The situation in this locality is therefore unknown, but our Navy Department has been re- quested to secure definite data on this isolated portion of Lower Califor- nia as soon as practicable. In Lower California it appears that the occupations of the 88 Japanese are as follows 31 ranchers, 1 mining engineer, 2 tanners, 12 transients (in Tijuana), and 42 sailors of whom 30 (3 believed naval officers) are at Cape San Lucas and 12 (all believed to be naval offi- cers) are at Magdalena Bay. Of the 118 additional Japanese estimated to be in this area, 100 were ostensibly engaged in fishing activities along the west coast between San Quintin and Cape San Lucas, and the re- maining 18 were engaged in pearl fishing in or near La Paz. The agent to the Mexicali Consular District reported his positive conclusion that there were not over 2,000 Japanese in that area and that the large majority of these live in the irrigated portions of the Mexicali Valley where most of them are engaged in agricultural pur- suits; some few are shopkeepers in Mexicali and Tijuana, and some are engaged in fishing along the Gulf of California coast. The agent to the West Coast of Mexico area reported that very few of the Japanese residents there are farmers (due to the Mexican Agrarian Movement) and that, in general, they are engaged in such occupa- - 2 - SECRE SECR tions as barbers, doctors of medicine and of dentistry, photographers, fishermen, and small shopkeepers. At Guaymas, Sonora, about 50 Japanese are engaged in a fishing activity. 3. Although the War Department's secret agents have confined their activities to investigating Lower California and the Western Coastal States of Mexico, the American Consul General in Mexico reported on July 14, 1937, that the estimated total number of Japanese in all of Mexico is 5,300 (1,650 in Lower California and 1,000 along the west Coast of Mexico proper) and that the total number of Japanese immigrating to Mexico between January, 1931, and November, 1936, was 689. Also, this estimate indicates that during the past two years (1935-36) only 215 Japanese have entered Mexico (155 of these entered Lower California). Incidentally, in this connection, neither War Department agents nor our Consuls in Mexico have found any indications of recent clandestine entry into Mexico by the Japanese. In his report, the Consul General calls attention to the fact that it was impossible for all Consuls to obtain accurate figures, but that the stated totals (see Inset on Map) were considered to be fair- ly accurate. Due to the fact that the Consul General's 1937 report gives the total number of Japanese in Mexico 88 nearly 700 less than the 1930 Census (5,967) of the Japanese Consul General in Mexico, the 1937 report of the former is considered to be too small. However, since the estimate is the result of a survey of the past 90 days (the data in each Consular District being developed independently), it is believed to be a fairly reliable indication that no large increase in numbers of Japanese has 00- curred in any portion of Mexico during the past two years. The reports of the three War Department secret agents confirm this estimate. 4. Undoubtedly there has been a considerable increase, during the past three years, in the apparently legitimate Japanese fishing activities in Lower California and in the Gulf of California (especially at Guaymas, Sonora). Also, there are indications of Japanese activities in Labor Councils; of their recent attempts to secure concessions of various kinds (one being an unsuccessful attempt to get control of a can- nery near Magdalena Bay; another an attempt now being made for a salt-bed concession at Scammon's Lagoon (near Turtle Bay)); of their entering the harbors along the Pacific coast of Lower California, - ostensibly survey- ing fish cannery sites; and of such activities as were reported (but un- confirmed by the War Department agent) in the Mexicali Consular District to the effect that a Japanese Man-of-War anchored near the mouth of the Colorado River two years ago (1935?) and sent landing parties ashore, the members of which studied the terrain through field glasses and made writ- ten notes on their observations. It is indicated that the areas bordering the Gulf of Califor- nia are frequently subjected to the usual Japanese trait of gathering - 3 - SECRET SECRET information of actual (or assumed) military value. It is also indicated that there are frequent circulating visits among West Coast Japanese residents by individuals who appear to be "floaters" from one community to another and have no known occupation. Since the Sino-Japanese armed conflict began, all Japanese nationals on the West Coast of Mexico appear to have been canvassed by agents collecting funds "for the war in China.' In general, however, the bulk of information gathered by the War Department agents conducting this investigation, and the survey of the American Consul General as well, indicate that there are no recent concentrations of Japanese nationals in any particular area, that the Japanese agriculturists are hard pressed by the present Mexican Agrarian Movement, and that those Japanese who live in the towns are engaged in vocations such as doctors, dentists, photographers, and small shopkeepers, with a certain amount of circulation which may or may not be of a busi- ness nature. 5. In view of the facts gathered during the past three months by the secret agents of the War Department, and also from the recent survey of the American Consul General in Mexico, it is believed that there has been no recent large Japanese influx in any part of Mexico and that at the present time there are probably not more than 2,200 Japanese in Lower California and 1,000 along the West Coast of Mexico. It is further believed that the War Department estimate of from 10,000 to 12,000 Japanese in Mexico is a liberal one and that this number, ac- cording to the American Consul General may be as low as 5,300. 6. This subject will continue to have the special attention of the War Department and, in addition to the liaison which now exists with the State Department, the cooperation of our Navy Department has been requested in order that the War Department may be informed as to the situation in the coastal area (Turtle Bay) of Lower California which, due to lack of facilities and natural obstacles, the War Depart- ment Secret Agent was unable to visit either by boat or by overland travel. Any material change in the situation on this subject will be reported promptly to the President. 1 encl. Havy Secretary Mary of War. I - 4 - MEXICALI CONSIN 12 DIST Amorican Consular Districts in Mexico ONA NEW MEXICO Dailes MEXICO (INSET) Principal Railways SPECIAL MAP OF MEXICO American Consulate General or SAUM Service American Consulate TEXAS Boundary of American Consular IN" 14" 325 Districts 25 / 180 Scale I 16,500,000 SONO A U C T 150 HUA Tax Diago Tijuana 1650 X 700 NOTE: Figures in Blue indi- 187 date No. Japanese in each Con- COAPUILA 8 sular District (Report of American, Consul General in S.I.N. UEVO Mexico, dated 7/14/37). Avenue = Bills 50 San DURAN 350 NO Quintin 3 3 MEXIC SECRET AMAU CATECAS Total <] 320 USAN LIMAS N° (n 40 70 5300 "TurtleBa) EAN MAYART PO 3 Guaymas e VUCATAN 468 0 0 2 to JALISC Cele 370 QUINTING 1000 noo 3 Types AMPLICHE 700 N° 1 UERRERO OAXAC 1650 to 2200 Magdalena Bay 5300 to 10000 CHIAPAS Average o GUATEMALA 15 I Receive Cape San Lucas ... HOND / Special Map to Accompany G-2 Report on Japanese - Nationals in Mexico (9/7/37). M LEGEND : Areas investigated by W. D. Special Agents. I E. - : Approximate routes followed by W. D. Special Agents. - : Area Inaccessible to Land Travel (not visited by W. D. Agent). 0 GUENN 1 : The Lower California Area. C 2 : The West Coast of Mexico Area (States of Sonora, Sinaloa, and Nayarit). : Area (Rep. of Mexico) Reported upon by American Consul General A 3 in Mexico. (Also and Inset). N SCALE SECRET. 114" 104° N/° * 1 PSF. Woodring WAR department WASHINGTON from SEP 8 1937 Director of Procurement, Treasury Department, Washington, D. C. Dear Mr. Director: In compliance with your letter dated September 8, 1937, Subject: Aeroplanes due under contract, there is attached hereto a report of the Status of Airplanes Due Under Contract with the War Department. Sincerely yours, Namey Secretary thenking of War. Incl. X was neepostment. STATUS OF AIRPLANES DUE UNDER CONTRACT Quantity Name of Contractor Contracted Price Per Estimated For Type Plane Engine G.F.E. Delivered Remaining Date of Delivery Northrop Corp. 100 Attack $22,000 $9,422 $4,400 84 16 Sept. 1937* Douglas Aircraft Co. 133 Bombers $69,197 16,408 15,617 16 117 June 2-eng. 1938 If If . 177 Bombers $59,680.38 18,860 17,241 0 177 Jan. 2-eng. 1939 Seversky Aircraft Corp. 77 Pursuit $19,250 9,598 4,189 3 74 Feb. 1938 Stearman Aircraft Company 72 Primary 6,293 2,380 2,000 6 66 Feb. Trainers 1938 North American Aviation, 85 Basic 14,445 5,263 5,094 0 85 July Inc. Combat 1938 II # . 109 Observation 28,914 7,799 6,046 0 109 Nov. 3-Place 1938 If If . 190** Basic 10,686.90 3,814 3,518 63 127 Jan. Trainers 1938 Boeing Aircraft Co. 13 Bombers 246,410 40,000***25,600*** o 13 Jan. 4-eng. 1939 Curtiss Airplane Company 13 Attack 82,497 15,690 6,747 3 10 Nov. 2-eng. 1937 # # # 210 Pursuit 17,885 10,117 7,824 0 210 Feb. 1939 Sikorsky Aircraft Co. 5 Amphibian 114,868 13,892 7,029 1 4 Oct. Observation 1937 Kellett Autogiro Corp. 7 Autogiro 34,782.42 **** 0 7 Apr. 1938 *Delivery indefinite due to strike. 172 ** 117 Regular Army, 33 Organized Reserves, 40 Navy. 1015 ***Estimated. **** Airplane Completed. This report does not include four experimental airplanes which are being purchased under secret contracts. Total amount of unobligated balance of funds available for new planes yet to be contracted for is $17,294,060, an note m neft succesding page. ADDITIONAL CONTRACTS IN PROCESS OF PROCUREMENT Estimated Name of Contractor Quantity Type Price Completed Curtiss Airplane Co. 13 Pursuit $83,835 Service Test Bell Aircraft Co. 13 Fighter 292,661 Service Test North American Aviation, Inc. 5 Bombers 2-eng. 419,040 Service Test Boeing Aircraft Co. 13 Bombers-4-eng. 280,056 Exercise Option Northrop Corporation 35 Attack 37,717 Exercise Option 36 Transport 2-eng. Circular Proposal opens 12/28/37 26 Amphibian " . # 2/24/38 13 Basic Trainers If " If 1/4/38 2-eng. Stearman Aircraft Co. 20 Primary Trainers 10,673 Exercise Option North American Aviation, Inc. 7 Observation 42,759 Exercise Option # If If If 45* 3 Place Observation 42,759 Exercise Option 3-place " # If # 95 Basic Combat 24,457 Exercise Option If II If # 34** Basic Combat 24,457 Exercise Option 355 *National Guard **Organized Reserves noti The procurement of these airplanes will leave no unobligated balance. 9-14-37 fu wordwing PSF PSF war An American National Policy that is Unqualifiedly Pro-American 1. It 18 evident that the influences which led America into the World War are again at work. The arguments used are somewhat altered. The objective is the same - to commit the United States to the employment of armed force to any extent necessary to support British policy in the present world situation. The proponents of this policy assume that the fate of America depends upon that of the British Empire. They do not know and they do not enquire what sacrifices in American life and resources will be involved. 2. The argument is, of course, fallacious. The United States are a natural economic and military entity. No nation is 80 little dependent upon the fate of others. The strategic isolation of our position combined with our continental resources give us a unique position -- one that can be defended successfully against the re- mainder of the world. The technical military improvements discussed hereinafter which have lessened our ability to intervene overseas, have increased our capabilities for defense at home. To this natural economic and military self-sufficiency, the British Empire presents a complete antithesis. It is a highly artificial structure, its elements widely dispersed about the globe. It was created, largely through force, under world conditions that no longer obtain. To assume that it can continue to survive indefinitely in its present scope, embracing a quarter of the world's land surface, is illogical. 3. What sacrifices in life and resources will America be called upon to make if it is to underwrite the British Empire in a major conflict? Under favorable circumstances they may not exceed those incurred in the World War. A result more likely in view of probable prospective alignments, will be the exhaustion of America. Conditions will differ notably from those that obtained in the World War, because of:- a. The re-alignments among military Powers and the changes in national military strengths. b. The technical developments in means of defense. These seem likely to have the far-reaching result of segregating the world into distinct strategic areas, not easily penetrable by military (including naval) force from another area. Examples (discussed below) are afforded by the immunity of Japan to armed intervention in China by any Power other than Russia, and by the situation in the Mediterranean. 4. By the fortification of the Luchu, Formosa, and Pescadores Islands, Japan has created a strong bastion enclosing the East China Sea and converting it into a Japanese lake. A penetration in force of that sea could not be undertaken until after the capture of the Japanese bases, an operation which in each case would resemble that at Gallipoli. If American forces are to be employed an earlier obstacle has to be overcome, that presented by the Mandated Islands. In brief, armed intervention in China by American, or Anglo-American, forces, would involve a war of at least several years' duration, of a magnitude such that the cost in life and money is incalculable, and one that short of the subsequent armed occupation of Japan would be unlikely to yield permanent results. 5. Until recently the control of the Mediterranean was determined by supremacy in capital ships, supported by suitable bases. British control not only sufficed to assure it for their own use, but enabled them to deny it to others. This situation has been irrevocably changed by the advent of aviation and the submarine. Any Power bordering on the Mediterranean can render that sea an unsafe highway for others. This change in the strategic aspects of the Mediterranean is one of notable significance in its bearing not only upon European but upon World developments. It accounts in large part for the comparative impotence of the British vis-a-vis the present Far Eastern situation. 6. In view of the foregoing it is relevant to point out: a. The foreign policy of every country save our own has been based solely on self-interest. In each the foreign service personnel is made up of men who are intensely realistic, motivated solely by the interests of their own country; who are historically well informed and aware of the military implications of every proposed political action; and who are not susceptible to the flattery, social or otherwise, of the nations to which they are accredited. b. Our own representatives abroad have not always shown an equal singleness of purpose in support of American interests. At times they have accepted the point of view of the nations to which they were accredited, unaware of or ignoring its bearing upon American interests. More today than in the past it is essential that all our representatives abroad be strongly American in character, distinctly pro-American in their point of view, and alert to detect in foreign proposals any feature having a tendency to involve America in war over an issue not vital to American interests. PSF THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON words November 27, 1937. MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF WAR I an sorry but it in at last necessary to out the Gordian knot relating to space for the State Department. I understand that the Director of the Budget is arranging to move out of about 40,000 square feet of space heretofore occupied by him in the Munitions building. This space should be occupied either by the Adjutant General's office or by such other space now occupied by the War Department in the State, War and Havy Building as the Secretary of War may determine. I am fully conversant with the desirability of having the Adjutant General in fairly close proximity to the office of the Secretary of War and the Chief of Staff, but something has to be done to relieve the present situation, and either the Adjutant General or other Officers of the Army should move to the Munitions building. THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON -2- As soon as this is done the State Department can occupy absolutely essential space vacated by the Army in the State, War and Navy Building. F. D. R. Copy to: The Acting Director of the Budget PSF: was Woody WAR DEPARTMENT WASHINGTON Tile persons January 24, 1938. The President, The White House. Dear Mr. President: In our conversation on the 20th instant you indicated that you would give consideration to the addition, in your Supplement- al Message to Congress on the "Needs of the National Defense", of certain matters most essential towards forwarding the readiness of the Army, as well as that of the Navy, to operate promptly and effectively. I take the liberty of pointing out that already, due to previous assumptions in the press that t he Navy only was to be con- sidered, there has been marked inquiry from Members of Congress as to why Army needs, particularly in items essential to properly support the Navy, were not also to be recommended. I believe the inclusion of certain items, vital to more rapid preparedness, not only will still these inquiries and guide the thought of the Congress in the right direction, but is truly justified under the present world situation. To present these items succinctly, I attach a suggested paragraph for inclusion in your message. The items therein total $30,000,000; however they are mentioned in priority 80 that a lesser amount could be included should you so desire. Respectfully yours, Atten Thanking Secretary of War. encl. Suggested para- graph for Presi- dent's Message. NEEDS OF THE ARMY There are certain things also necessary to be one at this time for the Army, which are not included in the estimates of the War Depart- ment for the fiscal year 1939 now before the Congress. The majority of these items contribute immediately towards the ability of the Army to cooperate with the Navy. It would be unwise not to consider these matters from the broad viewpoint of the National Defense as a whole - The fact that numerically our Regular Army is one of the weakest in the world renders it all the more imperative that in equipment and organization it be kept abreast of modern developments. To meet the more pressing deficiencies I recommend to Congress a program, which the War Department will substantiate in detail, totaling approximately $30,000,000. Such a program should include urgent deficiencies in anti-aircraft materiel, $8,880,000. It should provide authorization for and the initiation of a system of reserves which would bring the Regular Army from its peace strength of one hundred and sixty-five thousand enlisted men to its war strength in a very short time. We have many fine young trained soldiers, including many valuable technicians, annually discharged from the Regular Army, who would be glad to come back to serve their country on a moment'snotice in an emergency. A small retainer fee, once accepted, would serve to make this inclination binding, definite and immediate. Seventy-five thousand such reservists would add immeasurably to the effectiveness of the forces available in t he earliest days of an emergency. Such a system would require but $450,000 for the first year. It would stabilize in four years at $1,800,000. To enable our arsenals and factories more rapidly to produce the munitions of which there are now considerable shortages, we should employ at this time a minimum of 6,080,000 for gauges, dies and aids to manufacture. This 18 by no means the total needed for this purpose but it will 8 horten considerably the period before production matches demand. For miscellaneous ordnance equipment, exclusive of anti-aircraft materiel, but including semi-automatic rifles, machine guns and mortars, anti-tank weapons, certain new howitzers, medium tanks and fire-control equipment for field, coast and railway guns, $6,200,000. To ameliorate certain deficiencies in the ammunition situation, previously explained to the Congress, I recommend $8,470,000. While the sum of $30,000,000 is far from meeting the needs of the Army at the outbreak of en emergency, it will more adequately equip our earliest needed forces; insure more rapid production if need be; and considerably strengthen the military arm of the national defense in its ability to support the Navy. Only critical items unobtainable commercially in the time or quantity required at the outbreak of en emergency are in- cluded. -2- PSFiWooding fills mal War WAR DEPARTMENT WASHINGTON D C. The President, The White House. Dear Mr. President: With further reference to my letter of January 24, 1938. enclosing a suggested draft of a paragraph for your supplemental message on National Defense, and with particular reference to the items of the program detailed therein, the War Department estimates withdrawals from the Treasury as follows:- During the During the fiscal year fiscal year 1939 1940 For the program of antiair- craft materiel $6,800,000 $2,000,000 Enlisted Reserve 450,000 -- Gauges, dies and aids to manu- facture 5,000,000 1,080,000 Miscellaneous ordnance equipment exclusive of antiaircraft materiel 4,900,000 1,300,000 Deficiencies in ammunition 6,500,000 1,970,000 Totals $23,650,000 $6,350,000 GRAND TOTAL $30,000,000 The fiscal year 1940 withdrawals would not be completed until after six months, as a minimum, had elapsed. Respectfully yours, Ather Secretary M.Moodring of War. Feb. 29, 1938. Very Conf. From President Memo to the Secretary of War and Navy Attaches telegram for their information in re-German and Italian planes bombing in Spain. SEE--Navy folder-Drawer 1--1938 fillowed PSF. Wooding THE SECRETARY OF WAP WASHINGTON Dear mr. Prisident Christmas I received such a good booking pair of Inspenders that l had a pair made for you- by Elizabeth Hawes my designer- and when she found they were for you she sends them with her Compliments added - Cardially army Day - apr 1938- they - Bordring producing April 29, 1938. Confidential Telegram from Wilson-Germany To Cordell Hull In re-Helium Attached letter from Cordell Hull to President and copy of his letter to Sec. of the Interior, copy of Sec. Swamsons' letter to Sec. of Interior and copy of Sec. Woodring's letter to Sec. of Interior. All dealing with the exportation of helium. SEE--Hugh Wilson-Foreign file-Drawer 2--1938