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Ford Newsletter, July-Sept. 1951
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Ford Newsletter, July-Sept. 1951
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This file contains material relating to Voice of America, Reconstruction Finance Corporation, Harry Truman.
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This document scanned from Box D1 of the Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
For release July 5, 1951
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
For the past five months I have been trying to find out why the Army pro-
curement program has been so "fouled up." On May 22nd in a one hour speech before
the House of Representatives I pointed out how the Army Quartermaster Corps awarded
two contracts for slightly over 118,000 folding chairs to a company in Memphis,
Tennessee, that had never made such chairs. Western Michigan is definitely interest-
ed in this particular situation because the American Seating Company would have
gotten a substantial part of the business if this "chairless chair" company of Memphis
had not received the orders.
Prior to awarding of these contracts to the "chairless chair" company the
Army was emphatically and reliably told the Memphis concern could not possibly live
up to its contracts with the government. Despite these warnings the Army blissfully
went ahead. What has taken place so far? The "chairless chair" company was sup-
posed to deliver approximately 74,000 out of 118,000 folding chairs by April 7th and
the rest by May 8th. As of June 29th less than 4,000 chairs had been delivered.
That's a great record. It is to be hoped the Army isn't as slow and inefficient
getting delivery on tanks, guns and other military equipment.
Last Friday I testified before a special Congressional committee investigat-
ing defense orders. This committee intends to go into the "chairless chair" company
deal. The committee by such investigation should find out what's wrong with the
Army's defense procurement program.
In the two and one half years this column has been written there has been
very little mention of partisanship or even the words Democrat or Republican. This
week there must be an exception. A few days ago, the Democratic Party members of the
House of Representatives really steamrollered through a "gag" rule resolution. It
was a most important issue principally because it involved the pocketbooks of the
American taxpayers and the fundamental issue of freedom of debate. From my point of
view the wording of the resolution was bad enough but worst of all was the gag rule
tactics used by my Democratic friends on the other side of the aisle.
Here's what happened. Congress is supposed to have the ten or more appro-
priation bills for the numerous departments, agencies and bureaus enacted into law
by June 30th each year. The Congress this year is way behind schedule. Not a
GERALD
Your Washington Review - Page 2
July 5, 1951
single appropriation bill for the next fiscal year has been approved by both the
House and Senate and signed by the President. Because of the terrible scheduling
of legislative business by the Democratic leadership, the House had to approve a
resolution before June 30th to authorize the operation of the federal government for
the next month. This is a mighty poor way to run the government but we in the
minority party can't be blamed for the lack of constructive activity by this "do-
nothing" Congress.
Well, this resolution first came before the House Committee on Appropriations.
It was read. A Republican got up to ask a question. The Democratic chairman of the
Committee turned his head away and immediately a vote was held on whether or not to
close debate. The vote was 19 (all Democrats) to 18 (Republicans) to gag the commit-
tee without any opportunity to ask questions or offer amendments.
The same gag rule policy continued right on through. The "so-called liberals"
on two more occasions prevented any debate in the committee and then on the floor
of the House imposed a "closed" rule on this important resolution.
What was the effect of the resolution? The resolution in one section
applied rather strict economy rules on the Departments of Agriculture, Labor,
Interior, the Veterans Administration and others. In the very next section of the
resolution the Department of State and R.F.C. were treated quite differently, in
fact rather generously with the taxpayers' money. It was most interesting to watch
and hear my Democratic colleagues urge that this resolution be approved, gag rule
included. It was amusing because a great many Democrats in the past months have
lambasted and criticized the Department of State and the R.F.C. and yet they voted
as a unit for 30 days of liberal spending for these two federal agencies. Guess
there's some difference between what some folks say and what they do.
We've had a number of visitors from Grand Rapids this week. Included among
them were: Mr. and Mrs. V. R. Kohler, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph F. Snyder, Mr. and Mrs.
Lyle Perry, Mr. E. Falba and party, Mr. Stanley J. Davis and family, Mrs. Barbara J.
Davis, Miss Julie Hall and her parents Mr. and Mrs. Mel M. Hall, Mrs. Dorothy A.
McKnight, Miss Dorene S. Jones, Mr. David L. Trapp and Mr. Donald A. Lacer.
For release July 12, 1951
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
The Citizens Committee for the Hoover Report, a strictly nonpartisan group,
recently issued a box score showing the legislative achievements of the 80th, the
81st and the 82nd Congresses. On general legislation of all types here's the score:
82nd (Democrat) Congress:
First Session, public laws enacted to June 20, 1951
51
81st (Democrat) Congress:
First Session, public laws enacted to June 20, 1949
114
Second Session, public laws enacted to June 20, 1950
126
80th (Republican) Congress:
First Session, public laws enacted to June 20, 1947
96
Second Session, public laws enacted to June 20, 1948
334
In the 1948 Presidential campaign we heard a lot about a "do nothing
Republican Congress." The Citizens Committee for the Hoover Report shows the
Republican 80th Congress had a better combined record for two years than the Democrat
81st and a far better record than the 82nd Congress which is also controlled by the
Democrats.
*
*
*
My recent trip home over the Fourth of July was hurried. Although it was
of short duration it had to be because the House of Representatives was in session
on Tuesday, July 3rd and Thursday, July 5th, and as I've said before, as long as
Congress is in session your Congressman should be on the job in Washington. For
your information, as of July 7th there have been 103 roll calls in the House and I
have answered all of them for a 100 per cent batting average.
Congressman Pat Hillings of California, 28 years old, the youngest member
of the House, came to Western Michigan as our guest over the Fourth. We left
Washington late Tuesday night by airplane and flew back late Wednesday evening,
arriving in Washington at 6:00 a.m. Thursday morning, a little weary. Congressman
Hillings and I attended four Independence Day celebrations in Grand Rapids, Dutton,
Caledonia and Holland. Pat enjoyed seeing our part of the United States and I
appreciated the chance to see some old friends and make new acquaintances.
*
*
*
You might be interested in this comparison. Congressman Hillings and I
flew to Michigan via Capital Airlines at no expense to the Treasury of the United
States. Several weeks ago two top-ranking Administration bureaucrats made speeches
out West before the Idaho Bankers' Association. The two officials appointed by
GENALD FORD CYDRANT
Your Washington Review - Page 2
July 12, 1951
President Truman and their wives made their trip in a U. S. Coast Guard airplane
at government expense. It cost the government at least $1,100 to send these two
Treasury officials and their wives to Idaho for a couple of speeches,
Maybe the extra $1,100 plus which it cost Uncle Sam to haul these digni-
taries is small stuff to be fretting about but this trip at government expense used
up the federal income taxes paid by two taxpayers who earn $5,000 a year and have
two dependent children. The two Treasury officials in their speeches in Idaho
talked about inflation, the cost of running the federal government, and taxes.
Maybe their speeches would have had more significance if these two Truman officials
had practiced as well as preached sound fiscal policies for the federal government.
*
*
*
The Senate hearings on President Truman's firing of General MacArthur have
ended. There are rumors the committee investigating the President's action will
not file a final report. Maybe the testimony is so conflicting and so voluminous
that no fair conclusions could be reached by all the members on the committee.
How long would it take a person to read all the testimony of General
MacArthur, Bradley, Acheson and the rest of the witnesses? Some statistician
claims you could accomplish the job at the rate of 100 words a minute by reading
eight hours a day for 43 days. The testimony totals approximately two million words.
*
*
*
VISITORS: Carl Friske and family of Rockford; Al Drasin and family,
John Ryskamp and Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Hayden, all of Grand Rapids; and Mr. and Mrs.
Harry Klepser of Ada.
For Release July 16, 1951
TE WASHINGTON review
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
The House of Representatives for about two weeks will debate and vote
on the Defense Production Act. This is the proposed law which is aimed at
controlling inflation in the United States. It's an 84-page document and
known officially as H. R. 3871. The Senate has already finished its version;
the House will complete action shortly.
The proposed legislation is so far reaching no hesty or ill-considered
decisions should be made by the Congress. There is a wide difference of
opinion on practically every provision in this comprehensive program for the
control of high prices, material shortages and other economic dislocations
resulting from the rearmament effort. The differences of opinion in my
judgment are honest and sincere. Some groups and individuals say there should
be no controls of any sort. Others say the federal government should use
only indirect controls to curb shortages and high prices. Still others demand
rigid regimentation and full controls as the only solution. I repeat, these
wide divisions of opinion are simply honest differences as to the proger method
of curbing inflation. Every individual or group desires a stable economy, a
reasonable price level and no shortages.
What will the Congress finally do and what will your own Congressman do
on this important legislation? In August and September of 1950 I voted for
the original Defense Production Act which gave President Truman wide authority
to control prices, wages and shortages. Mr. Truman didn't see fit to use these
anti-inflation powers until January, 1951, four months after Congress gave him
the necessary tools for the job. This 4-month delay by the President was
unfortunate for generally prices rose steadily and in some cases spectacularly
during this period. The law Congress is now considering is primarily for the
purpose of straightening out the dislocations that resulted from the White
House delay.
In my opinion Congress will enact a new Defense Production Act before
July 31, and I intend to support it providing in the final analysis it is
workable and fair to all segments of our population. It will give the President
some authority I dielike. At the same time Congress will probably deny him
some powers which the Executive branch of the government should have in this
GERALD
YOUR WASHINGTON review, Page 2
July 16, 1951
crisis. In other words the law will end up a compromise between the meny
extreme and opposite views. Honest compromise is part of the democratic
process and I think it will work in this case as it has in America for the
past 175 years.
Members of Congress have an obligation to listen with an open mind to
all individuals or groups who are interested in legislative matters. I have
conscientiously following such policy on this very controversial bill. The
recommendations of Mr. Charles Wilson, formerly top man in General Electric
Corporation, have been most helpful to me. We should remember Mr. Wilson
is no wild-eyed theorist, no dyed-in-the-wool bureaucrat, and definitely not
a believer in the President's programs generally. However, from the overall
point of view for the salvation of our nation, Charlie Wilson feels the
Congress should enact some strong anti-inflation legislation. In addition,
he strongly believes all our citizens should unselfishly unite and sacrifice
in this national crisis. If all America does this now, he predicts the
picture will be bright 18 months from now. Frantly, my views are reasonably
close to those of Mr. Wilson end I will vote accordingly. I wish to add,
however. that when the present rearmament program and national defense
effort has succeeded, I will be one of the first to advocate and support a
repeal of the Defense Production Act.
Here's a tip which will help you and the national defense effort. The
wise consumer of winter fuels (coal, oil, etc.) will stock up now. Household
and industrial users of coal and oil should lay aside maximum supplies this
summer for next winter's use.
# # # #
Visitors to our office in Washington this week have been Mr. and Mrs.
B. G. Stigink and family of Holland, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Davis, Rockford,
Mr. David Hoffman, Grand Rapids, Mr. Arthur G. Bredeweg, Zeeland, Mr. Floyd
A. Brown, Coopersville, Julia and Virginia Ellis, Grand Haven, Mr. and Mrs.
John Cammenga, Holland, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Brook, Grand Haven.
#
#
#
#
For release July 26, 1951
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
After many months of prodding the Department of State under Secretary
Acheson has finally decided that some of its top policy men need an investigation
as to alleged Communist sympathies. The Department of State said Alger Hiss
wasn't a tool of the Kremlin and in the past has denied that any others in the
Acheson ivory tower were so involved. Now the State Department itself admits two
of its highest ranking policy advisors have been suspended from duty while
further investigations are being made. In addition 500, yes, 500, other employees
in the Department of State are under investigation as bad security risks or be-
cause of disloyalty charges. The appropriation bill for the Department of State
is scheduled for consideration by the House of Representatives this week. Without
a doubt Communist infiltration in Secretary Acheson's department will be an issue
with the State Department seeking 283 million to run its operations for this fiscal
year. You will be interested to know the House Committee on Appropriations has
already proposed a cut of 52 million in funds for the Department of State.
*
*
*
Early this year I was temporarily assigned to the Appropriations sub-
committee having jurisdiction over the Departments of State, Commerce, Justice and
Judiciary. At that time those in charge of the Voice of America were seeking
97 million dollars to construct facilities in 14 strategic places throughout the
world so that the American point of view could be beamed to all the suppressed
people behind the Iron Curtain. The Congress, because it wasn't satisfied with
the operations of the Voice of America, didn't appropriate the 97 million although
9½ million dollars was approved for the completion of 7 huge transmitters, etc.
As the result of my temporary assignment to this appropriations subcommittee
I have become extremely interested in what has been done and what now goes on in
the Voice of America setup. Frankly, too few members of Congress have more than
a superficial knowledge of how the United States is trying to combat the insidious
Red propaganda of the Soviet Union. To see for myself, I spent a day in New York
looking over the Voice of America setup. It was extremely interesting to see the
pro-American and anti-Communist broadcasts prepared and given in many foreign
languages. By radio America is able to tell the people behind the Iron Curtain
that Communism and the Kremlin can't compare with freedom and democracy under a
republic.
FORD
Your Washington Review - Page 2
July 26, 1951
In addition, I have had several confidential briefings in Washington by
top Voice of America officials in an effort to learn more facts about our
American techniques for spreading anti-Communist propaganda. Although I'm no
expert on the Voice of America and related matters, I have taken the time and made
the effort to see first-hand what is being done by our government to win the pro-
paganda war against the Soviet Union. More members of Congress and more citizens
need facts and information on this program because a good Voice of America might
well be the deciding factor in future difficulties with Stalin and his cohorts.
Has Congress given the Voice of America enough funds? In 1948 Congress
appropriated 20 million for this program. Last year the Voice of America and
related programs had 121 million to sell America beyond the Iron Curtain. This
year the President recommended 115 million. The Appropriation subcommittee in
Charge of this program reduced this by 30 million and recommended 85 million.
Some members of Bongress would like to slash all the funds for the Voice of America
because of alleged mismanagement. I intend to oppose any such effort. Assuming
there is mismanagement, and personally, I'm not convinced there is, a doctor
doesn't cure the sick patient by taking away all his medicine. In my judgment what
we really need is a louder and clearer Voice of America but Congress can't achieve
that by unwise and unjustified restrictions on necessary funds.
*
*
*
"Government red tape" is a familiar expression, but did you know there
actually is such a thing? General Services Administration has just purchased
2,863 miles of red tape, which will be distributed among federal bureaus for
tying up papers and documents that will be filed away and forgotten. This should
give the bureaus enough extra red tape to confound and confuse anyone dealing with
federal agencies.
*
*
*
Visitors to our Washington office during the past week were: Mrs. Paul
Goebel, Mrs. Frank Van Steenberg, Mr. and Mrs. E. Van Solkema, Mr. and Mrs. A. G.
Van Solkema, Miss Lillian Hansen, Mr. Dale Presler, Mr. A. L. Spenski, Mr. Jacob
3. Webber, Sister M. Isabel, and Sister M. Stephana, all of Grand Rapids.
For release Thursday, August 9th
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
GERALD R. FORD, JR.
There seem to prevail two sets of rules or different ethical
standards in the Executive Branch of the government. Last week General
Crawford, who had charge of the Army's tank building program in Detroit,
was reprimanded and fired because he admitted accepting various favors and
gifts from contractors with whom he did business. The General in testify-
ing before a House Investigating Committee also admitted using Army material
and equipment for his personal benefit.
This punishment for General Crawford brings to mind the lack of
reprimand, change of duty, or even a mild slap on the wrist for General
Harry Vaughan, the President's top military aide, who was exposed as the
beneficiary of "deep freeze" gifts from individuals who wanted political
favors from the White House. Do you also remember the case of Donald Dawson,
a close personal advisor of President Truman's, who, according to the Senate
R.F.C. investigation, accepted the very generous hospitality of a ritzy Miami
hotel which had obtained a loan from the federal government?
Secretary of the Army Pace in firing General Crawford acted properly.
Obviously in the case of General Vaughan and Donald Dawson apparently there
is a different moral code. From all appearances the Commander-in-Chief in
the White House has ethical standards that tolerate deep freezes, mink coats
and expensive perfume fixers.
*****
On six of the nine general appropriation bills the House of Repre-
sentatives has approved the so-called Jensen amendment which requires that no
more than 25 per cent of the job vacancies in most federal agencies can be
filled. In other words, if four federal employees in a certain agency quit,
only one vacancy could be filled. This amendment would apply to about two-
thirds of the various government departments and if finally enacted into law
by Senate concurrence would save the taxpayers about 144 million this fiscal
year. Sc far the Senate has refused to go along, instead preferring a flat
percentage cut in funds which would not save nearly as much for the U. S,
Treasury. For example, on the seven billion dollar Independent Offices
appropriatich bill the Jensen amendment would save an additional 60 million
over the specific cuts of 700 million. In contrast, the Senate method would
save only 14 million. The American taxpayers will benefit tremendously if
the House version prevails in this dispute. Let's hope we win.
*****
FORD AERALD LIBRARY
Your Washington Review
August 9; 1951
Page Two
A few days ago Mr. Charles Wilson, Defense Mobilizer, came before an
appropriations subcommittee of which I am a new member. He was the lead-off
witness in trying to convince the Congress that 225 million dollars should
be appropriated this year to operate the price, wage and material allocation
program. There are six Democrats and three Republicans on this war or mobiliza-
tion agency subcommittee. Will the 225 million budget request be cut? The
three Republican members including myself will vote to slash these funds by
40 or more per cent. It's hard to tell at this stage of the game whether or
not the six Democrats on the subcommittee will go along with any reductions.
I will give you the results when we finish the hearings and mark up the bill.
Mr. Charles Wilson, formerly top executive of the General Electric
Corporation, is a most unusual witness. He is completely frank and not in any
respect similar to those from the various executive departments who ordinarily
request Congressional appropriations. Mr. Wilson is outspokenly an advocate
of the free enterprise or incentive system we have in America and on one occa-
sion during the five hours he was before our group got into a lively exchange
of words with one of the Democrats on the committee who defended the Labor-
Socialist government in England.
*****
In the last few weeks two Democratic Senators and one influential Demo-
cratic Congressman advocated cuts approximating one billion dollars in President
Truman's eight billion dollar foreign aid program. No one has yet accused
Senators Connally or Douglas or Representative Richards of being an isolationist
or of scuttling the foreign policy of the United States. It would be fair to
assume, however, that when Senator Taft or any other Republican in the Senate
or House makes a similar suggestion the charge of isolationism will flow
rather freely.
*****
VISITORS - All our visitors were from Grand Rapids this past week -
Fred M. Deane, Harold Storm, John Karsies, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Hoeksema,
Mr. and Mrs. D. H. Courter and Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bloem and family.
*****
FORD
LIBRARY
For release August 16, 1951
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
The Washington heat this summer has been as constant as my working schedule. In
other words, the office routine, along with the torrid heat, has been pretty much the
same. Saturdays are devoted to answering all correspondence not previously handled.
Mondays through Fridays here's the schedule: 8:15 to 9:45, read and discuss the
morning mail with my staff plus the answering of as many letters as possible. Ten to
noon committee hearings. A quick lunch followed by some time on the floor of the
House finding out some answers to the legislation the House is considering. At 2 in
the afternoon back in committee to hear testimony from more witnesses. The Committee
usually adjourns about 5:30. If the House has not closed up shop for the day then
back on the floor till the legislative business. is completed. From the House chamber
to my office to sign the mail and then head for home with a brief case filled with
local newspapers and reading material pertaining to legislation. Usually stop at the
Army-Navy Country Club for a quick swim before the evening meal with Betty and Mike.
Someone is bound to ask, and rightly so, how can you attend hearings of the
Committee on Appropriations while the House of Representatives is in session? Ob-
viously, a member of Congress cannot be in two places at the same time. Why, then,
does the Committee on Appropriations hold hearings while the House is in Session? If
this was not done Congress would never get all its committee and legislative work
accomplished for there aren't enough hours in the day or weeks in the year. This is
particularly true on the Appropriations Committee.
Is there any harm done by having members in Committee hearings part of the time
while the House is in session? I don't think so, as long as the individual Congress-
man spends additional time beforehand personally studying the legislation under con-
sideration on the House calender. Naturally, you have to miss some of the debate
while you are in Committee but before any roll calls there is ample warning. Fortun-
ately, my sub-committee on appropriations has its room right next to the House chamber
This gives us a chance to leave the committee hearings and be on the House floor in
a matter of seconds.
*
Whenever a visitor from home sees the action and debate in the House chamber
there is the inevitable question-Who is that person with the notebook and a pencil
next to the Congressman who is orating? He is the official reporter who is taking
down verbatim the words spoken.
The House and Senate reporters are shorthand experts. They move quickly and
quietly from one speaker to another as questions and answers fly back and forth.
Your Washington Review - Page 2
Frankly, I don't see how they keep up when the verbal exchanges get hot and heavy
between the members but without exception they get all the words in "black and white."
Each of the reporters, and there are seven of them in the House, rotate on a
five-minute schedule. The chain of words is never broken. At the end of each five
minutes a different reporter is on the job taking down the speeches. As each repor-
ter completes a relay stint, he hurries to a special room and reads his shorthand
notes into a dictating machine, correcting grammer, if necessary, but never changing
meanings. As a dictating cylinder is filled it is rushed to the corps of expert
transcribers. These men (the transcribers), who are never seen on the floor of the
House, type out the speeches which the next morning appear in the printed copies of
the Congressional Record.
Most of these highly trained and very competent technicians have been on the
job in the House for many years. No matter the speed of the debate, or the volume,
or the'lateness of the night sessions, whenever Congress is officially on the job you
will find the shorthand reporters in the well of the chamber with pad and pencil.
* * *
It's not often that a Democrat praises the 80th Congress but Rep. Carl Vinson,
Democrat of Georgia, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said on August 6
that the Republican 80th Congress had done "much more" to build up the defenses of
the country than was accomplished by the Democrat-controlled 81st Congress. Vinson
said the Republican 80th Congress had established a "magnificent" record in leading
the country toward preparedness and had voted defense appropriations that went "far
above" the requests of the Truman Administration. Vinson made his statements when
appearing before the Rules Committee in connection with the military budget.
It was the Republican 80th Congress which voted an expansion of the Air Force
to 70 groups and appropriated funds for that purpose. That Congress also appropriated
$189,000,000 for a super aircraft carrier. President Truman scrapped construction of
the carrier, in opposition to the wishes of Congress in 1949, after keel frames had
been laid at a cost of millions, which were wasted. The Republican 80th Congress re-
enacted the Selective Service act in 1948, authorizing the armed services to number
over 2,000,000. President Truman not only cut the armed services back to 1,459,000,
but he impounded $978,000,000 in funds voted for the Air Force, cutting the Air Force
back to 48 groups.
* # *
VISITORS: Only one from home, Private David Williams, of Grand Rapids. With
the temperature above 90 degrees here most of the time I don't blame folks for
staying in Western Michigan,
&
GERALD
For release August 23, 1951
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
The Russian Communist regime recently upset the U. S. State Department's
plans for working out a Japanese peace treaty. The Soviets consistently seem to call
the shots that confuse and disrupt whatever plans, good, bad or indifferent,
Secretary Acheson has in mind.
1
Here is some background information in reference to the Japanese peace
treaty conclave. For thirteen years China, under Chiang Kai-shek, fought aggression
of the Japanese. For nine of these years the Chinese alone resisted Japan's drive
for conquest in Asia, Now the time has come for a conference to bring about an
Allies-Japanese peace treaty.
The United States, through its State Department, has been the leading fac-
tor in drawing up the treaty and arranging for a conference of the allied nations on
September 4 at San Francisco. Fifty nations have been invited to attend the con-
ference. Among those invited by the State Department is Soviet Russia. The only
allied government not invited to the peace conference is the Nationalist government
of China, headed by Chiang Kai-shek. Russia participated in the Japanese war for
only six days in contrast to the valiant resistance of Nationalist China to Japan's
attempt to set up a new order in Asia. There is no record of any Russian casualties
in the Soviet's brief appearance in the war. Nationalist China's casualties in its
war with Japan totaled 3,178,063--all military. The civilian casualties couldn't be
numbered.
The State Department did not invite China to the treaty conference despite
the fact that the United States officially recognized and supposedly supports the
Nationalist government, headed by Chiang Kai-shek, as the real government of the
Chinese nation. In Fact, over 300 million dollars in foreign aid funds are now pro-
posed by Secretary Acheson for the Chinese Nationalists. Yet Chiang Kai-shek's
representatives are not invited to the peace conclave,
* * *
Several weeks ago a group of Senators from the Committees on Foreign Re-
lations and Armed Services made an inspection trip to Europe. A report for the
Joint Committee quotes General Dwight Eisenhower as saying that it is "ridiculous"
to be too scared by Russia's military strength. Members of a subcommittee who
visited the General in Europe in July quoted him as saying: "The material, intell-
ectual, spiritual, technical and professional resources available to the free world
are so overwhelming as compared with what the Iron Curtain and satellite countries
have that it is almost ridiculous for us to be talking in terms of fright and
3RD
Your Washington Review - Page 2
August 23, 1951
hysteria, which we often do." These sound words of advice appear to coincide with
the recommendations of General MacArthur, who knows first hand what the Communists'
strength is on the other side of the globe.
* * *
The Washington Post, a Washington, D. C. newspaper which usually sees no
harm in anything done by the President, in an editorial on August 13 said:
"President Truman's exoneration of William M. Boyle, chairman of the
Democrat National Committee, does not dispose of the charges that Mr. Boyle sold his
influence to obtain an RFC loan for the American Lithofold Corporation. 'The facts
I have obtained,' the President said, 'indicate that Mr. Boyle had nothing to do
with the approval of those loans by the RFC.' No mention was made of the fact that
Mr. Boyle was employed as counsel to the company and paid $500 a month at a time when
he was a member of the Democratic National Committee or of the fact that shortly
after hiring him the company received an RFC loan, although it had been turned down
three times previously. While Mr. Boyle denies that his employment had anything to
do with the loan, he has not stated what he was paid for. We think he should be
asked to give a detailed account of the nature of the services performed for the
Lithofold Corporation.
"The President has admitted that it 'would be highly improper for the
chairman of a national political committee to use his contacts with government offi-
cials for his own private gain.' But what about Mr. Boyle's activities before he be-
came chairman of the Democratic National Committee? As he was an influential politi-
cian and strong supporter of the President, might not his employment by Lithofold
have influenced the RFC's loan decision, regardless of the precise nature of the
services he performed for that company?"
* * *
Last week the House of Representatives approved as partial military appro-
priations for fiscal year 1952 slightly over 56 billion dollars for the Department of
Defense. This includes $20.1 billion for the Army, $15.1 billion for the Navy and
$19.8 billion for the Air Force. The total appropriation was 1 billion 5 hundred
million dollars less than the Department of Defense requested.
Nobody has a very good idea how much $56 billion is. To give an idea of
the total amount, if it were in $1 bills and a gust of wind scattered the pile, it
would take the nation's 64 million wage earners one hour and fifteen minutes to pick
up the money if each one picked up a bill every five seconds. There would be $875
apiece. All of us should realize that the defense budget will cost in federal taxes
every man, woman and child $373 this year.
* * *
VISITORS: Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kuizema and Mr. and Mrs. S. Veltman of Grand Rapids were
visiting the Capital this week. Robt. K. Stolz, also of Grand Rapids, is here on
business.
[sept. 1951?]
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
By Gerald R. Ford, Jr.
The past week Mr. O. I. Clubb, a top State Department official, appeared
before the House Un-American Activities Committee to explain, or at least comment
on, his contacts a few years ago with the office of the Communist magazine, NEW
MASSES. In the 1930s the periodical, ME MASSES, was the leading Communist
spokesman in America.
The Committee on Un-American Activities was interested to know how come
this State Department official had such fine letters of recommendation from the
late Agnes Smedley who as you know was the pro-Communist writer who turned over
her property and her remains to the Reds on her death.
In 1948 some 16 years later when the Chinese Reds took over China, Mr.
Clubb was in Peiping as Consul General. Mr. Angus Ward, a Western Michigan
product, was stationed by the State Department in Mukden, China as Consul
General for that area. The State Department had temporarily left both men in
Communist Conquered Chinese territory.
Very few citizens outside of the inner clique in the State Department know
what kind of consular reports about Red China these two officials were sending
back to the Secretary of State. Angus Ward as you know was held in captivity
for a year by the Chinese Reds.
The intercsting and unfortunate part of the whole story is this. Both
Mr. Clubb, who is finally under suspension by the department, and Mr. Ward
eventually came home from China. Angus Ward, an avowed foe of Communism and
an authority on China because of his many years in the country, was sent by
the State Department to far off Maerobi, Africa. Mr. Clubb on his return was
made head of the State Department's office of Chinese Affairs. It makes many
of us more than dubious about Mr. Truman's State Department whon good men who
vigorously oppose the Reds are shunted off to far away placcs and men with an
apparent interest in Communism are rewarded with top policy jobs.
######:
A fow members of the House including mysclf exchange among ourselves our
weekly newspaper colums. None of us claim WE are ligerary geniuses but one of
my friends, Congressman Norris Cotton of Now Hampshire, has such a writing knack
that I look forward to reading his wookly comments. Here's a part of one of
his columns in a lighter mood:
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
Page 2
"Congross entered a now field this weck. Apparently, wo'll teach thrift to
the women and show thom how to cook. One Member inserted in thc Congrossional
Record a recipe for frying chicken. I don't want any other Member to do more
for the housewives of his district than I do for mine, so I returned to my
office and took account of stock to SOC what I had in the way of recipos.
"I find that I have scveral hundred copies of n pamphlet called "Moncy-
Saving Main Dishcs." This was issued by the Office for Food Conservation, U.S.
D.A., some years ago during a former period of high prices. It says, "Moncy-
Saving Main Dishes can help you cut your food costs. These recipcs can reduce
your food bills, perhaps as much as R third in meat alonc." Glancing at the
rccipes my cyc was caught by onc called "Hopping John, Southern Stylo." At
first I thought this might refer to some of our Southerners in the House who
scom inclined to jump back and forth between the Administration and the Republi-
cans, but on closer inspection I discovered that it is a formula for cooking
hame bonc.
Scriously, I thought that the pamphlet had excellent recipes and many
practical suggestions, though I am not an authority on cooking. If you would
like one, drop mc a card with your name and address. I also have a fcw copics
lcft of another Government cookbook called "Family Fare," which WC distributed
last year. I shall bc glad to send you oither or both of those as long as they
last.
Speaking of publications, a good Now Hampshire lady wrote to mc this wook
asking for some culogies on deceased Members. She said, "I just love to road
about dond Congressmon." No no longer have allotments of those culogies so
I could not comply with her request. However, if WC don't get a recoss from
this Washin ton heat, she may soon read about some more doad Congrossmen!"
By the way my office has some available copies of "Moncy-Saving Dishes"
and "Family Faro" so write us if you want a copy. In addition, I have a few
extra copies of the 1950-1951 Department of Agriculture Yearbook. It's cntitled
"Crops in Peace and War." I've read parts of it and recommend it highly. Thosc
who can make good uso of the valueble information let me know and I'll send a
copy as long ns the supply lasts.
##### #####
Vititors to our Washington office this week have been; Mr. and Mrs. S. H.
Barnard and sons, Richard and Stephen, Mr. Carl Fry, Mr. Gone Morrison all of
Grand Rapids, Mr. E.V. Erickson and Mr. E. H. Babcock of Grand Haven, and
Mr. G. H. Stow of Lansing.
For Release September 13, 1951
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
The Federal government is the Peoples' Business. This should be self-
evident but the record shows most folks neglect at least this part of their
business. The fact that each citizen on a per capita basis pays $340.00 in federal
taxes each year is sufficient evidence of the direct connection between the govern-
ment in Washington and each of us. An average American family of four pays Uncle
Sam $1290.00 in federal taxes. In other words, regardless of whether you are one,
or if there are many, Uncle Sam's Tax Collectors knick you. Someone quipped the
other day that a taxpayer is a person who has the Government on his payroll. That
situation wouldn't be so bad if the Government was being managed efficiently and
economically.
Here are some startling facts that some people in authority believe in
Tax, tax and spend, spend. The United States Treasury as of August 29, 1951 has col-
lected in federal taxes since July 1st, $5,750,011,734 and during the same two-month
period spent $8,623,144,600. This 60 day deficit of almost three billion dollars is
as startling as the fact that in a little over six years President Truman collected
12 billion dollars more than all his Presidential predecessors, including F.D.R.,
collected in 156 years. The frightening point is that every child born in the United
States today immediately inherits a share of the federal debt of 256 billion dollars.
In other words, a $1700 federal mortgage is affixed at the baby's first breath. I
doubt if that is a fair break for any child. The folks who advocate free spending
policies for your federal government should hide their faces in shame. What can be
done about it? Real economy every day in the federal government plus a determination
by all our citizens that there will be no more federal handouts of any sort.
*
Two recent public statements by well-known Americans have provoked con-
siderable editorial comment by Newspapers and radio commentators. Herbert Hoever's
stirring call for higher standards of honesty and decency in public life hit the
right note. In contrast, the demand by Supreme Court Justice Douglas that the
United States recognize the Chinese Communist government struck a very sour key.
Mr. Hoover properly warned that reform must go beyond written codes of
ethics. He pointed out that dishonesty is not only a matter of graft, but of false
propaganda and half-truths. Particularly helpful was Mr. Hoover's reminder that "our
strength lies in spiritual concepts," and his rejection of the cynicism which accepts
legal but unethical practices. Unfortunately, there are some officials in our
GERALD FORD CIBRARY
Your Washington Review - Page 2
September 13, 1951
federal government who seem to feel that unethical practices and corruption are
necessary evils in a free government. Certainly the overwhelming majority of
Americans disagree and as a result there is a grass-roots movement for a code of
public morality based on the Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount.
The rebirth of public morality should not be a partisan issue. The
American people did not approve of the corruption under Presidents Grant and Harding
and they don't like it one bit better at the present time with all the revelations
of mink coats, deep freezers, and the R.F.C. scandals. The graft and corruption of
50 or 25 years ago does not excuse what has been going on in recent years. It is
not a sound or logical argument to contend that corruption is permissible now just
because it existed many years before. Our citizens rightfully expect high standards
in public life at all times and it is encouraging to know there is an expanding
moral crusade to bring about the long overdue results.
The statement by Supreme Court Justice Douglas advocating recognition of
Red China was a bombshell that will damage American prestige at home and abroad.
The Russians and all Communist sympathizers applauded Justice Douglas' statement,
just as the Communist newspaper, the Daily Worker, recently commended him for voting
against the conviction of the 11 top Communists. The United States should not recog-
nize Communist China and it is difficult to understand how a Supreme Court Justice
can favor a government that mistreats our missionaries of all faiths inAChina and
whose army kills our soldiers in Korea. Justice Douglas was appointed to the
Supreme Court in 1939 by President Roosevelt and later his appointment was confirmed
by the Senate. If the Senate could pass on his qualifications now, obviously his
confirmation would be in doubt.
*
*
One of the Washington newspapers received and printed this letter:
"If we could toss half of the Federal bureaus into the Potomac
River we would have flood control for years to come and perhaps
get back some needed self-control."
This certainly a pplies to the countless bureaus in the nation's Capital which seem
to undo most of the constructive work done by those in the field.
*
*
*
VISITORS: All of our visitors seemed to be from Grand Rapids this week,
some on business and several just vacationing--Mr. and Mrs. David P. Chindblom and
their three daughters; Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Budnick, George V, Boucher, Albert E. Hyde,
Neale Resenbrink and L. M. VandenHandel.
The first page of the September 20, 1951 Newsletter was not found in the file.
Your Washington Review - Page 2
September 20, 1951
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TOKYO
Honorable Gerald R. Ford, Jr.
House Office Building
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
In concert with my seven colleagues, I sincerely express our gratitudes to
you for you were good enough to interview us personally when we visited you sometime
ago and enlighten us on various matters, sharing your precious time to us. Thanks to
your assistance, we, members of congressional delegation, could gather very precious
knowledges and various experiences during the trip in your country. Although our
delegation was composed of rather small number of Diet members, it can be said that
the knowledge which we acquired in your country about democracy--essential theory
thereof and its practice-will make surely a great deal of contribution to further-
ance of democratization of Japan and establishment of world peace.
With regards to the hospitality shown by you and the people in general in
your country, we were so deeply impressed by it that we can never forget it
throughout our life.
Expressing again our profound gratitude for your kind consideration ex-
tended to us, and hoping for your further guidance and assistance in the future.
Yours faithfully,
Tadao Kuraishi
Member, House of Representatives
and Chairman of Japanese Diet
Members' Delegation
That letter points out something Americans shouldn't forget in the perilous
days ahead. We all know Russia and the Chinese Reds want a weak Japan; one the
Communists might take over to our detriment. Rep. Kuraishi, speaking for his col-
leagues, conveys the hope that the U. S. will continue to guide and assist the
Japanese people toward democracy and world peace. For our own well-being and the
security of all mankind America must not fall by the wayside now.
*
*
*
Secretary of the Treasury Snyder made a remark the other day which won't
sit too well with most citizens, particularly when the President's new tax bill goes
into effect. The Treasury head said Americans are "pretty well off" and have plenty
of money left to pay a hefty tax increase. Already American taxpayers are paying 29
percent of their income to federal, state and local tax collectors, and a major share
goes to the federal coffers. It wouldn't be so bad if there wasn't so much waste,
inefficiency and extravagence in the President's multi-billion-dollar budget.
*
*
Visitors to our office this week have been Mr. and Mrs. Leo Strohpaul and their
two
children; Phil Buchen, Earl Kulp and Thornton B. Hatter, all of Grand Rapids.
For release September 27, 1951
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
Some critics of the 82nd Congress have contended that too much time has
been devoted to "investigations." The record indicates there have been approximately
130 Congressional investigations in 1951 running the gamut from the two-committee
probe of General MacArthur's removal to inquiries like one by the House Judiciary
Committee which delved into concert booking agencies.
Some of the investigations by Congressional committees have brought results
while others had dubious justification. Right at the moment a most revealing probe
is grabbing the headlines. It involves the Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC),
the Washington influence peddlers (5 per centers) and the high command of the Democrat
Party National Committee.
So far it has been brought out that William Boyle, Democrat Party National
Chairman, made 226 contacts with just one top RFC official--former Director Walter L.
Dunham. Apparently Mr. Dunham kept a very complete diary for it showed that Boyle
and Dunham had frequent luncheon meetings, that Boyle personally called Dunham six
times and that Boyle's office made nine other contacts. The diary also revealed that
E. Merl Young. (Boyle's right hand henchman and the husband of the woman who was given
a $9,000 mink coat) lunched with Dunham 25 times and made 53 personal telephone calls
to the RFC director. Other Democrat party officials made the balance of the business
contacts with RFC officials.
Evidence at the inquiry also revealed that the RFC reversed two previous
decisions and approved a loan to the Lithofold Corporation three days after Boyle had
arranged for a meeting of company representatives and the then RFC chairman, Harley
Hise. It has been charged that Boyle received $8,000 in fees as attorney for the
American Lithofold Corp.
In connection with the current Senate investigation, RFC Administrator W.
Stuart Symington announced that a fee of $18,000 had been paid by a St. Louis manu-
facturer to Joseph H. Rosenbaum, the Washington attorney who bought the $9,000 mink
coat for Mrs. E. Merl Young, White House secretary. Symington halted further dis-
bursements of an $188,750 RFC loan to the American Fixture and Manufacturing Co. of
St. Louis because of the concealed payment of $18,000 to Rosenbaum, previously
identified as one of the top influence boys. However, most of the loan had already
been paid to the company.
Your Washington Review - Page 2
September 27, 1951
The Senate inquiry was enlivened when a former RFC officials placed a limit
beyond which he thought government officials might not go in accepting gifts from
RFC borrowers. Frank Prince, former head of RFC loan operations, testified that he
had received gifts from R. J. Blauner, former president of Lithofold. He said
Blauner had given him crates of fruit, perfume, a camera, a Thanksgiving turkey and
a Christmas ham. Prince told the senators that acceptance of the gifts was not
"improper." Prince said the ham weighed nine or ten pounds. Asked how much ham a
RFC official should accept from a borrower of public funds, Prince thought for a few
seconds and then replied: "I would stop at 12 pounds."
As I was writing this column my secretary brought in the morning mail in-
cluding a letter from a law school classmate who is now a professor at the University
of Florida. His letter ends up with this: "If Betty and you can ever get to Florida
I hope you will stop to see us for a few days. We have a big home with plenty of
room. There is no RFC loan connected with it, SO you can visit us without incrimina-
ting yourself."
*
For the last week our Washington office has been deluged with mail from
folks out in the Blue Valley in the State of Kansas. These people are bitterly op-
posed to the construction of a huge flood control dam and reservoir that will help to
prevent future devastating downstream floods in Kansas City and St. Louis. If the dam
and reservoir are constructed, their homes and farms will be inundated. At the same
time, if the flood control project isn't built the thousands of citizens in the cities
downstream will be in danger from future high water. There is plenty of mail from
this group also.
What will the House and Senate conferees on flood control appropriations do
in this case? No decision has been made as yet but the five representatives, includ-
ing myself, and the nine senators will try to find the best possible solution in the
next few days. Frankly it isn't an easy job and it's only one of many decisions our
group of 14 will make in the next several weeks.
* * *
Rumours have spread that President Truman wants another new tax increase
bill next year right on top of the one Congress is now drafting, Is there no end to
Mr. Truman's needs for taxpayers' money? Already since the start of the Korean War
the President and his advisors have soaked the American taxpayers with three tax in-
creases totaling about 16 billion in new federal taxes. In view of these facts you
can imagine the deaf ear some of us will turn toward a rumour of a fourth round tax
boost.
* * *
VISITORS: Postmaster Sena G. Pierce of Caledonia; Postmaster and Mrs.
George A. Hale of Lowell; Postmaster and Mrs. Arthur Hamilton, Mrs. Janet A. Hall, Mr.
and Mrs. Ed Blakely, and Geraldine Fowle, all of Grand Rapids.