Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Source Description
This file contains material relating to Dwight Eisenhower.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
4525439
label
Ford Newsletter, Jan.-Mar. 1953
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
4525439
sourceUrl
contentType
document
title
Ford Newsletter, Jan.-Mar. 1953
description
This file contains material relating to Dwight Eisenhower.
citationUrl
collections
Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
Newsletters
subjects
U.S. House of Representatives. 3/4/1789-
Federal budget
Government reorganization
Legislation
Presidential inaugurations
Procurement and disposal
War crimes
largeImageUrl
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
4525439
coverageEndDate
logicalDate
1953-03-31
month
3
year
1953
coverageStartDate
logicalDate
1953-01-01
month
1
year
1953
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
65cb4b15c2bed52d
ocrText
This document scanned from Box D1 of the Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
For Release January 1, 1953
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
With the new, 83rd Congress only a few days from their oath of
effice it might be interesting to see what the statisticians say about the group.
The average member of the House of Representatives will be 52 years old, more
than twice the minimum age of 25 required for Membership to the lower chamber.
The average Senator will be going on 57, nearly twice the 30 years of age re.
quired for Senate Membership. Congressional ages range from 26 to 85.
With almost 20 million American veterans of our various wars there
is always an interest in how members of the Congress served in the Armed Forces.
of the 96 Senators, there are 61 veterans. Senator Edward Martin, Republicar of
Pennsylvania served in the Spanish American War and both World Wars. He retired
as a Major General. Quite a record. In the House of Representatives there are
243 veterans out of the presently elected membership of 434. Obviously the
interests of former soldiers, sailors and airmen will be properly protected
Attorneys again seem to dominate both the House and Senate. Since
the major job of the Congress is writing and considering proposed laws, maybe
a legal background is desirable although at times I wonder if too many lewyer
lawakers make everything too legalistic for the layman. Right or wrong the
new Senate will have 56 attorneys or 58 per cent of its total membership. The
House will be well lawyerized by 249 attorneys.
I should like to remind you who have contacted me concerning leg:
lation during the 83rd Congress, that our legislative calendar, even at this
early dase, is prospectively filled to overloading. The complicated work
accoagenving a change in administration extends, of necessity, into the Lugi
lative schedule every which inju been
brought CO my attantion will receive full onsideration and complete investi-
gation. I fully realize that usny, many changes are demanded by changing condi
tions. It is my duty as your Congressnan to work for all necessary ano desirable
changes in our laws ard let me assure you I will give the problem my best,
GLEATE FORD LEBRARY
-2-
attention whether it be personal, local or nationwide in its effect.
################
Ike is to be inaugurated January 20th but it was not too many years
ago that our Presidents took the oath of office on March 4th - four months
after their election. F. D. R., following his election in 1936 was the first
Chief Executive- to be sworn in on a January 20th. The date was changed by a
Constitutional Amendment in order that a new administration could take over more
quickly after its election. It is my impression there is nothing more futile
than a "lame-duck" administration.
Washington, D. C. was not the place of the first Inaugural. George
Washington took his first oath of office in New York City and his second at
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The first Inauguration in Washington occurred in
1801 when Thomas Jefferson became Chief Executive, and it has been held in the
Nation's Capitol ever since.
From my observations to date President-elect Eisenhower is doing all
he can to make the change from the old regime to the new as smooth as possible.
He has appointed his top aides and advisors quickly and they are already in con-
ference with those they will succeed. Except for Mr. Truman's unnecessary and
ill-founded statements about Ike's trip to Europe, H. S. T. has apparently CO--
operated with Ike. World conditions being so critical it is vital that all go
0.3 smooth as possible in the period of transition.
A further reminder: Until further notice, I may be contacted by
calling my Washington office directly or by writing me at 321 House Office
Building, Washington, D. C.
Happy New Year, everybody!
GENALD FORD LIBRARY
For Release January & 1955
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
The end of an old Congress and the beginning of a new always means
bidding adieu to some colleagues and welcoming others. In a two year period
a Republican Congressman makes good friends with Democrats and G.O.P.ers alike,
There may be vast and insurmountable differences on political philosophy but
that doesn't necessarily mean disliking a colleague on a personal basis. I've
seen some pretty bitter, in fact acrimonious, debate on the floor of the House
between a Republican and Democrat and shortly thereafter the same two Con-
gressmen chatting amiably in the cloak room. To a layman perhaps this situa-
tion is difficult to visualize. Actually it is further evidence of the
outstanding system of government we have in America. Can any of us imagine
a minority party with its rights and its members protected behind the Iron
Curtain? In the United States with a strong two party system all our citizens,
and particularly minorities, are assured of fair and equitable protection
against the encroachments of the majority.
****
Organizing a new Congress is no simple responsibility, particularly
when control of the House and Senate passes from one political party to
another. New chairmen for each committee must take over. Membership ratios
on the various committees are revised. For example on my committee,
Appropriations, in the 82nd Congress there were 50 members, 30 Democrats and
20 Republicans. In the new 83rd Congress this ratio will be reversed. Your
Congressman's seniority on this committee will be upped considerably by the
changeover in Administration. Instead of the 16th ranking Republican out of
20 members on the Appropriations Committee I will be 16th out of 30. In
addition, instead of being on only 1 subcommittee there is a distinct possi-
bility I will serve on 2. It necessarily means more work and responsibility,
but that's what the Republicans asked for in the recent campaign so we're ready
and anxious to get going.
****
FORD LIBRAR
-2-
On Saturday, January 3rd at 12:00 noon the Members of the 83rd Congress
were sworn in. Five new Republican Congressmen from Michigan took the oath
of office Just as our representative had done four years earlier. This
question has been asked many times. How do these new members get their
committee assignments? It's an important but rather informal process.
ommittee assignments are made by the Committee on emmittees which
a member from each state, Representative Jesse alcott of Port Huron
is the G.O.P. member on the Committee on Committees, and he votes as a bloc
Michigan's 13 votes, one for each Republican Congressman.
When a new member of the House comes to Washington he always talks over
the committee assignment he would like with the member from his state who
is on the Committee on Committees. Four years ago I expressed my views
to Representative oodruff of Bay City who was then the dean of the Michigan
Republican delegation. I can well remember the excellent advice passed on
to me by this veteran of the Congress and I shall forever be indebted to
him for his counsel and help. The new members from Michigan in the 83rd
Congress undoubtedly have had similar conferences with Congressman Wolcott
who will now proceed to de.all that he possibly can to see that they get
topnotch beginning assignments, Because Michigan in the Committee on Com-
mittees has 13 votes, one of the largest delegations, and because Congressman
Wolcott is a highly respected member, the new Represent tives from our State
will undoubtedly get the best possible breaks and that means something in
the long run to a Congressional District and a member.
Within a week or SO after the members are sworn in all committees will
set and the Congress ready for action. When General Eisenhower and
Senator Nixon on January 20th are inaugurated the new Administration CAT
legislative level will be set to begin a new era in merican 7'V'.
****
For release January 15, 1953
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
President Truman on Friday, January 9th sent his last federal budget
to the Congress. It is practically as gigantic as its predecessors and
those were so impractical and backbreaking to the American taxpayers the
voters on November 4th decided a change was in order. The new Truman
budget proposes spending that totals $78.6 billion, income of $68.7
billion and a deficit for the next twelve months of $9.9 billion. The
five largest items in the new budget are: military services $46.2 billion;
foreign aid $7.8 billion; interest on the public debt $6.4 billion; veterans'
benefits and services $4.5 billion; and natural resource development
including the atomic energy program $4 billion.
Will such a fantastically high budget be approved by President-elect
Eisenhower and the new Congress? The answer is definitely no. The
American citizens in the last election demanded a slash in federal expendi-
tures, A 5 to 10 billion dollar reduction in the budget proposed by Mr.
Truman is definitely in the cards. When Ike and his staff in the Executive
Branch of the government take over, there will be a thoroughgoing
re-analysis of the Truman requests and it is expected that the figures
will be lowered in a resubmitted budget. The Congress will then have its
crack at the budget. Further slashes in proposed expenditures can and will
be expected.
Let's take just one big item for comparison and analysis. Mr. Truman
proposed $7.8 billion for all foreign aid programs for the fiscal year
beginning July 1,1953. This is over a billion dollars more than Congress
appropriated last year for the aid and assistance of our allies throughout
the world. Mr. Truman in his budget message specifically mentioned the need
for additional economic aid to Great Britain and France.
The outgoing President in this instance as in others is somewhat
optimistic if he believes this Congress will appropriate such a sum of
money for foreign aid. I assume Mr. Truman and his advisors failed to read
the various investigations of recent date indicating that the State Depart-
ment, the Mutual Security Administration and dher overseas agencies were
so overstaffed the whole gang were falling all over each other. Actually
this waste was harmful to American prestige in Europe and elsewhere. One
of the reports condemning this situation came from a member of Mr. Truman's
own cabinet, while the other was authored by one of the Senate Committees.
Page Two
The new Secretary of State, Mr. Dulles, can be expected to straighten out
this horrible mess. Undoubtedly the Congress will help him by appropriating
$2 to $4 billion less than Mr. Truman demanded.
With the Congress ready to wield the axe on expenditures there will
be squawks by some that certain agencies cannot be cut. Here is what
Mr. Lindsay Warren, Comptréller General says on that score, "I have said
on a number of occasions, and I have no hesitancy in repeating it at this
time of intense discussion of budgets and expenditures, there is not a
department or agency in the government that cannot reduce the number of
its employees, providing there is a will to do SO. It is not an easy job,
even if you have the will, but I think the results we have achieved in
the General Accounting Office without any mandate from the Congress furnish
ample proof that it can be done. In April 1946, the number of our employees
reached a peak of 14,904. There were 6,204 employees on January 1, 1953.
This is a reduction of 8,700 or nearly 60 per cent in the last seven years."
Obviously the government needs more executives like Mr. Warren and I believe
that will be the case in the new Administration,
VISITORS - Mrs. Mary E. Fuller, Maryon El Osterhous and Roman W. Lapinski
all of Grand Rapids.
FORD LIBRAEL
For release January 22, 1953
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
House committee assignments, reassignments and additional
assignments have just been made. The State of Michigan fared mighty
well. Much credit is due Congressman Jesse Welcott from Port Huron
who served on the inner circle of the Committee on Committees. Our
five new Michigan Republicans picked up thoice spots for themselves
and their constituents, Congressman A1 Cederburg of Bay City joined
me on the Committee on Appropriations which is a top assignment for
a freshman in the House, Representative Vic Knox, former speaker of
the Michigan House of Representatives and Senator Poster's successor
in the House from the 11th District, was selected to be a member of the
important Ways and Means Committee. This committee has a big jub in
this Congress in determining future taxation policies,
Kit Clardy of Lansing, another freshman, landed two assignments,
the Committee on Un-American Activities and the Committee on Merchant
Marine and Fisheries. The new Congressman from the 8th Michigan District,
Al Bentley, becomes a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Repre-
sentative Bentley formerly served in the State Department but resigned
in disgust because he felt the department under the old Administration
was not strongly anti-communist. In his new role he should have an
opportunity to scrutinize carefully both past and present foreign policy
decisions. The new Republican Congressman from Detroit, Charles Oakman,
is & member of the Committee on Banking and Currency where he will have
the immediate job of helping to determine the fate of price and wage
controls.
The House Committee on Appropriations has been reorganized and
in the process your Congressman ended up with an excellent assignment as
third ranking member of the Department of Defense subcommittee. Had to
give up my old subcommittee job where I worked on the appropriations for
river, harbor and flood control but the new assignments involving all
the Fomile for the Army Havy and Mr Perso will Seep me plenty busy. The
GREATS FORD LIBRARY
Page Two
subcommittee is composed of six Republicans and three Democrats.
After the nine of us listen to the testimony of the Secretary of Defense
and his top budget advisors on over-all military policy and problems,
we will probably break up into three smaller groups (2 Republicans and
1 Democrat) with each concentrating on one branch of the military. It
is the only practical way the complicated details can be adequately
screened in the multi-billion dollar budget requests for the Army, Navy
and Air Force. In all likelihood I will be the Chairman of one of the
three subcommittees with my nose to the grindstone for the next few months.
The Congress and the American people have heard the State of
the Union and the Budget messages of former President Truman. Both were
anti-climaxes for the public generally is obviously more interested in
what Ike will say when he shortly appears in person before the Joint
Sessions of the Congress. It is understood that the new President, shortly
after Inauguration, will resubmit a less expensive budget and discuss
the future policies of the new Administration. Already there is ample evi-
dence that costly social experiments in government are to be discarded in
favor of more businesslike and practical proposals,
The Inauguration brought to Washington thirty or more friends
from Kent and Ottawa Counties. It was mighty rough trying to get them all
tickets for the various events but from various reports everyone seemed
reasonably satisfied. My office was open to visitors and the guest book
indicates practically everybody stopped in to say hello, enjoy a cup of coffe.
and pick up their tickets. Legislative and committee work was at a stand-
still during the three-day Inaugural period but it will be full steam ahead
from now on.
Last week I spent most of one day in a briefing session by top
federal Civil Defense officials. The demonstration dramatically illustrated
that Civil Defense is an integral part of the plan for the protection of our
citizens. It was terrifying to see what could happen to a large community
hit by an atomic bomb. The federal civil defense set-up need not be a
bureaucratic monstrosity to do the job providing our local programs are
effective, Western Michigan because of its industrial development is a
target area. Let's protect ourselves in the future by voluntaering now
for civil defense training.
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
by Gerald R. Ford, Jr.
F.r release January 29th
With the Democrats moving out and Republicans and Inauguration
visitors moving in, confusion reigned supreme in the Nation's Capitol for
a few days around January 20th. It was as though New York City's Grand
Central Station had been enlarged to extend over the ten square miles of
the District of Columbia.
As everyone knows, the new President's swearing in and Inaugural
speach went along without a slip. Not all inaugurations have gone as
smoethly. History books tell us Lincoln lost his speech which he had pre-
pared for the ceremony. President Grant's term of office expired on a
Saturday and with the Inauguration scheduled for the following Monday, it
was realized that our country would be without a President for a whole day.
So in a private chamber, in the presence of a few close associates, Presi-
dent Hayes received the eath from the Chief Justice a full day and a half
before the formal ceremony.
Undoubtedly every member of Congress had various reactions to
Ike's Inauguration. One of my good friends is Congressman Lloyd Bentsen,
of Texas. His weekly column had the following appropes comments:
"The promotion from five stars to 48, from General to President
was accomplished with the solemnity that the times portend."
"If ever a President needed the nation's prayers for counsel and
guidance to steer the atomic-powered ship of state through agitated waters
ahead, your Congressman believes it's now. He is a man assailed not only
with his own people's problems, but with the troubles of the world's free
people."
"No matter what happens he takes the credit-and the blame."
"The magintude of the man's burden is almost beyond comprehension.
Everyone expects everything of him. There are those who demand miracles.
Like those who, during the two menths before he took office, bitterly up-
braided the new President because he had not stopped the war in Korea.
Being President of the United States is a lonely, terrible responsibility.
It's typified by the high iren fence around the White House. Your Congress-
man always has the feeling that the fence doesn't say "Keep out" but rather
"He's in," residing here is the prisoner ef the votes and hopes of the
American electorate. 11
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
-2--
"As a people who face facts with a President who has an intimate
knowledge of war, the United States can't dodge playing a leading role
toward making the splitting of the atcm man's arrival on a newer and
higher plateau of better living rather than the curtain falling on man's
destruction. So, as a people who face facts, we know the Russians haven't
been sitting idly by, letting the atom blow where it will.' 11
"With this facing us we don't have a choice, except to strengthen
ourselves if we want to survive. If we don't want to make the sacrifice,
if we become discouraged and let down, then we and the other free people
will get slapped down, we'll come apart at the seams to be absorved into
the Communist maw, one by one.
The Kremlin thinks the free world is populated by weaklings. Its
leaders freely prophesied that we cannot make the necessary sacrifices
over a long period of time. They said all they have to wait on is our
despair, self-pity and internal collapse.
"This is just a little of what this Texan thinks is bound to be
harrassing the new President. The wealthiest, mcst powerful nation of the
world has chosen him to provide the leadership to meet these challenges.
Each of us must help the President with our assistance when we think he's
right and with constructive criticism when we think he's wrong."
One of the human interest stories of the Inauguration involves
Major John Eisenhower, the President's son who is with the Army's fighting
forces in Korea. He was home for a 15-day leave to see his father become
the 34th President of the United States. Apparently neither Ike nor his
son knew who issued the Army orders bringing the boy to Washington for the
ceremonies. The riddle was solved as Ike and Harry Truman travelled up
Pennsylvania Avenue together for the new President's swearing in.
Ike asked Harry what he knew about the situation. Mr. Truman
said, "Tell your son a contrary old man in the White House ordered him
home to see his father take the eath of office." Everyone seems to agree
it was a mighty fine parting gesture by the then Commander in Chief, Harry
S. Truman.
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
by Gerald R. Ford, Jr.
For release February 5, 1953
There has been a great deal of comment to the effect that the
President and the Congress are already split wide open because of certain
committee action on the Government Reorganization bill. The facts indi-
cate there is no difference of opinion, not even a minor controversy,
on this issue. Actually the President, his party leaders in the Congress
and the G.O.P. members of the House and Senate agree that the legislative
branch must have some control over the right of the executive branch
to overhaul the various departments. President Eisenhower firmly believes
in our tripartite form of government with the separation of powers and
the placing of direct responsibilities. The new Chief Executive does
not have to rely on short cuts to achieve proper reorganization in the
federal government.
*****
Headlines were made when the Netherlands Government informed the
United States it did not need any more American foreign aid. Tentatively
the Dutch had been allocated $15 million for this year. Economic aid and
assistance from the United States to Holland since the beginning of the
Marshall Plan, in 1948, has totaled approximately $966 million, Of this
amount, about $150 million has been in the form of loans and the remainder
as grants.
Two comments on this announcement seem appropriate, First, the
Dutch deserve our heartiest congratulations for voluntarily rejecting more
financial assistance from Uncle Sam. Second, the Netherlands is an example
of what a nation although ravaged by war and occupation can do to rehab-
ilitate itself. Our other allies who have been beneficiaries of American
dollars for their own good and ours might try treading the same path
pursued by the Dutch.
****
Will Alaska and Hawaii become states of the Union? Prospects look
excellent for Hawaii while Alaska may have to wait a session or two. In
the past I have voted to admit both and will do the same again if the
FORD LIBRARY
enabling legislation comes before the House.
Page Two
Your Washington Review
How long has it been since Congress exercised its Constitutional
right of admitting new states into the union? The 47th and 48th states,
New Mexico and Arizona, were admitted 41 years ago. Both of the youngest
states were territories prior to their admittance, New Mexico for 62 years,
Arizona for 49 years.
On every score Hawaii and Alaska meet the test for statehood. The
time for Congressional action is now.
The first bill before the House was legislation authorizing an
Under Secretary of State for Administration. The proposal provides for a
business administrator in the Department of State who in addition to other
duties would be responsible for guarding against subversive infiltration
in the U. S. foreign service. Some of the opponents to the measure objected
because it provided a new job at around $18 thousand annually. The objectors
failed to realize that the new Secretary of State when he took over from
Mr. Acheson abolished a $25 thousand a year job as Ambassador-at-Large
formerly held by Mr. Philip Jessup. That's a small but nevertheless worth-
while saving in the over-all picture and in addition other economies will
result in the State Department budget with a top flight business executive
straightening out the concusion left by the last Administration.
*****
As Chairman of the House committee to pass on the Army's request for
funds for the next fiscal year I will have the help of two fine members of
the Congress. Congressman Ted Miller of Maryland is my Republican committee
colleague and Representative Bob Sikes of Florida is the Democratic member.
The three of us will work as a team in scrutinizing the Army's budget request
of about $12 billion. We have some topnotch outside talent who will de some
special investigating and analyzing of the Army's procurement policies and
operations. Mr. James S. Egan, a retired F.B.I. official, Mr. E.Z,Deadrich,
organization counsel for Standard Oil of California, and Mr. George E.
Shipway, an official with U. S. Steel Corporation are the group that will
work with our committee in trying to cut the Army's budget. Our aim is
more national defense for the tax dollars.
****
VISITORS: From Grand Rapids - Dick Oele, Burt C. Phillips, Vera Hall and
Barbara Zamierowski.
FOR RELEASE FEB. 12
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
Because of my new responsibility as a member of the
Military sub-committee of the Committee on Appropriations and par-
ticularly as chairman of the Army section, I recently had first hand
contacts with two of America's top flight military leaders. First,
General Lawton Collins, Chief of Staff for the Army, stopped in my
office for a "get acquainted" conference. He and the members of his
staff will be testifying shortly before my subcommittee on the Army 's
budget of 12 billion dollars for the next fiscal year. It was a very
friendly confab but laid the groundwork for the hard work ahead when
the subcommittee will be carefully probing every tax dollar requested
by the Department of the Army. We agreed It was our joint responsi-
bility to make the United States Army the best in the world at the
least cost in American manpower and dollars,
On the same day while the subcommittee on the Military
budget was quizzing Vice Admiral Holloway on Navy personnel problems,
Congressman Taber, Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations brought
Admiral Radford into the committee room for an informal report on the
Korean-Formosan situation. Admiral Radford is in charge of the U.S.
Naval forces in the Pacific. In a completely "off the record" dis-
cussion he answered straightforwardly the numerous questions put to
him about the new Formosa responsibilities of the 7th Fleet, the pos-
sibilities of a Naval blockade of Communist China, the potentialities
of Chiang Kai Chek's forces and whether Russia and her Chinese satel-
lite will enlarge the scope of the Korean War. After listening to
this first hand report by the top Navy authority on the Pacific area
one can readily see why President Eisenhowever has been greatly im-
pressed with Admiral Radford's recommendations a S to what should be
done to end the Korean stalemate.
#
*
*
All of us are deeply concerned about the tragedy that has
befailen the stalwart people of the Netherlands. It is most encouraging
-more-
FORD LIBRARY
to see the citizens of Western Michigan come to the front with unlim-
ited ganerosity for the flood victims. You might be interested to
know that your Congressman appeared on a Washington, D.C. radio pro-
gram soliciting funds for the relief of Dutch citizens who have lost
their homes and loved ones.
*
*
*
The final report of one of the most publicized com--
mittees of the 82nd Congress has at long last been released. The
Katyn Massacre Committee issued its last complete report at the con-
clusion of investigations which had carried them to all parts of the
United States and Europe.
By this time the conclusions can hardly be called news
since they follow logically from the various testimonies which were
given throughout the hearings and which received considerable publicity
at the time.
The report statës that 'the Committee unanimously finds,
beyond any question of reasonable doubt, that the Soviet NKVD (Peoples'
Commissariat of Internal Affairs) committed the mass murder of the Polish
officers and intellectual leaders in the Katyn Forest near Smolensk,
Russia." Furthermore, the committee asserts that testimony indicates
the existence of "other Katyns".
The committee is to be complimented on its thorough and
efficient management of its investigations. Although the investigations
may not result in any immediate legislation, the facts have been clearly
set forth in the committee records for the whole world to see. The
time may come in the future when the responsible persons will be put
on trial for these crimes. It is then that the exhaustive and detailed
research of the committee will be most valuable. Meanwhile, as the
truth of the massacre is brought to the full light of day it gives us
all much to think about. not only a bout the crimes which have been per-
petrated, but also the type of people we have to deal with on the level
of world wide diplomacy. It is all of these things which must be taken
into consideration in establishing our policies at home and abroad.
# # # # #
FOR RELEASE FEB. 19
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY animal in FORD, JR.
My recent trip across the continent and back reain proved both interesting
and useful. The chief purpose of the trip was to give me an opportunity to
live up to my part of a bargain made a year ago, At that time, Congressman
Don Jackson spoke at a Republican Lincoln Day dinner in Holland. A reciprocal
agreement found me this year speaking a G.O.P. Lincoln dinners in Santa Monica
and Beverly Hills, California, both communities in Rep. Jackson's district.
Maybe I'm a bit naive about this fast moving age, but flying by commercial
planes from California to Washington, D.C. (2371 air miles) in nine hours and
thirty minutes makes one do a little serious thinking about our nation's ab-
solute immunity from enemy air attack.
#
*
#
On the transcontinental trip I lugged along some three volumes of last
year's committee hearings (1468 pages) on the Army's budget. In 1952 the then
Secretary of the Army, Mr. Frank Pace, made the opening for $14,200,000,000.
Sec. Pace has now been succeeded by Robert T. Stevens of the new Eisenhower ad-
ministration who this year will represent the Army before my committee. Along
with the change of faces has come a reduced budget for the Department of the
Army. A year ago the Army requested $14.2 billion. This year in even the
Truman budget the figure was pared to $12.4 billion. The new "team" in the
White House, the Pentagon and the Congress should result in even larger savings,
By careful review of the many pages of the 1952 testimony, your Congressman
will be prepared to make his contribution in trimming the fat from the Army's
budget.
*
*
*
President Eisenhower has affixed his signature to the first major law
enacted under his administration. It was a bill giving the new President the
same powers to reorganize the Executive branches of the Federal Government
that President Truman had. Both the House and the Senate rejected amendments
which would have enabled either house of the Congress to stop a Presidential
reorganization plan by the vote of a simple majority of the voting members.
Under the measure as approved, either the House or Senate can block a Presi-
(more)
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
&
dential plan only by a majority vote of the total membership (regardless of
the number voting).
Reliable sources report the President is ready to present to Congress sev-
eral reorganization plans effecting Federal agencies, bureaus and commissions.
Without a doubt, when these plans are announced, the folks who believe in the
status quo regardless of its inefficiency and cost will raise a hew and cry.
If the proposed changes make sense by cutting cost and improving service to
the public then Congress should okay them without delay regardless of protests
of Wested interests.
*
*
*
The legislative mill is really grinding with all of the House and Senate
committees acting on the many proposals dumped in the Congression 1 hoppers:
-The Senate Judiciary Committee reported a bill broadening present laws to stop
the interstate transportation of filthy and obscene material; -The Senate Com-
mittee on Banking and Currency favorably reported a change to increase the a-
mount available to housing officials for loan insurance on home repairs and im-
provements.
House investigation showed the Bureau of Internal Revenue's Alcohol Tax DE-
vision under President Truman to be filled with dishonest and unethical poli-
tice hacks. The chief of the agency admitted in public testimony before the
committee that "the wrong kind of politics" had led to inefficiency and "trouble"
in his agency. A mere sample of what went on under the Truman regime is the et:
idence that the former head of the Alcohol Tax Unit had spent at least $40,000
more than he reported in income taxes during 1946-51.
In another Congressional probe, State Department officials admitted that
the personnel files were sloppily handled and that individual files were in's
deplorable condition. No wonder some disloyal persons were able to slip in
and out of government employment under Truman, Acheson and the rest.
*
*
*
With our Federal income tax returns due very shortly it was encouraging to
hear this statement by the new 6ommissioner of Internal Revenue: "All justifiable
amounts, however small, should be collected, but any harassment of taxpayers
should be halted." This is good news indeed to those who in the past have been
unduly pestered by tax collectors for payment of "piddling" claims.
*
*
*
Visitors: Douglas Metz, Rev. J. VandeKieft, Joe Mann, Maurice P. Clifford
all of Grand Rapids.
08
LIBRARY
For release February 26, 1953
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
The excitement caused by the House Armed Services Pro-
curement sub-committee "chamber of horrors" last year has just
about died away, After reading the first report of the Defense
Supply Management Agency, established by Public Law 436, I'm
not too certain that this calm after the storm is completely
justified.
In the seven address period since the passage of the law
providing for a singre camlog and standardization of all supply
items used throughout the Armed Services, surprixingly little
has been accomplished, We realize that in view of the confused
and disordered status of military catalogs previously used, the
problem of resolving them into a single, logically correlated
system is an extremely formidable one, And yet, the revelation
that some three hundred-odd experts at the Pentagon have been
able to complete only one small catalog of food items, comes as
quite a disappointment.
For twenty-three years the Federal Government has sought
to establish a single catalog system, but every attempt has been
met with failure. In past years, Congress authorized a system
of standardization; two Presidents directed executive orders
for this purpose. But still no positive results were forthcoming.
During the 82nd Congress, my collegue Rep. Jack Anderson spon-
sored the bill which has now been enacted into law. It would
be unfortunate indeed if this excellent and well-thought-out
piece of legislation should go the way of its predecessors.
In a letter to Chairman Carl Vinson of the Procurement
sub-committee, Admiral J.W. Fowler, who now heads the Agency
set up under the provisions of Public Law 436, wrote "the stan-
dardization of inspection procedures and streamlining of those
functions, would result in approximate annual savings of four
billion dollars." In other words, by eliminating waste, duplica
tion, over-purchasing, four billion of your tax dollars could
be saved annually.
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
-2-
This is to be accomplished by the following methods: A
single supply agency is to be established. This has already been
done. The variety of catalogs are to be unified into a single
system to be used by all branches of the military. As I have
stated above, only one of these has been produced. It would
seem that in a period of seven months other catalogs on such
items as clothing and hardware could have been produced. There
is to be standardization of all items used by the military. To
date this has been too slow and painful a process. At this rate
it would take a lifetime to complete the catalog series.
The same law also requires that a semi-annual progress
report be submitted to Congress for inspection. Here, too, I
have noted serious discrepancies. The report states that it
covers a period from July 1, 1952 to December 31, 1952. I am
told by well-informed individuals that some improvements in pro-
curement had actually been a chieved from two to three years ago,
although the report would lead us to believe they took place in
this six month period. In any event, it is quite evident that
major speed-up changes must be made if the program is to be ef-
fective.
The new Defense Secretary has been at his post about
one month and is slowly but surely orientating himself to his
new job. I am confident that as soon as this sluggishness in
the procurement agency has been brought to his attention he
will take steps to accelerate the process. You may be sure
that I, too, will keep an eye on this program so vital to defense
and so closely linked to your tax dollars.
*
*
*
Visitors this week were: Mr. and Mrs. G.J. Vander
Broek, E.H. Glaettli, Mrs. Katherine VanSteenberg, Capt. and
Mrs. H.M. Oren, Peter Waalkes, Lloyd E. Fry, and Mrs. Paul
Goebel of Grand Rapids - B.J. Staal of Holland - M. E. Papa-
noli, W.A. Morse, Paul A. Johnson, Jr. of Grand Haven.
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
FOR RELEASE MARCH 5, 1953
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
For the past week there has been
no time for any extra-curricular activities. A very heavy com-
mittee schedule has made me look a little wild without a hair-
cut and a little round and flabby without my regular exercise
at the gymnasium.
The new Secretary of the Depart-
ment of Defense testified for a full day before the six Repub-
licans and three Democrats on our Military sub-committee. Be-
cause these hearings are temporarily closed to all but the wit-
nesses, the committeemen and the staff, nothing can be related
at this time concerning Mr. Wilson's answers to our questions.
I can only say that he talks and acts like a top-notch Defense
administrator even though he's hardly had time to find his way
around the Pentagon or even learn the ropes on Congressional
hearings.
The committee also had a number
of other high echelon visitors including the new Secretaries of
the Army, Navy and Air Force,
Having dispensed with the prelim-
inary ceremonies we are now r eady to begin in earnest to ham-
mer out the new budget. By mid-May the next year's military
budget should be ready for consideration on the floor of the
House of Representatives.
*
*
*
The Armed Services caucus room
just down the hall from our office is once again the scene of
crowded hearings complete with newsmen, movie men, photographers
and the rest of the publicity crew. The big attraction this
year is the hearings of the House Un-American Activities com-
mittee investigating communism in education,
Teachers of every description,
some curious and some downright concerned, make up the largest
LIBRARY
-2-
part of the audience at these he: rings. It's only natural that
they should be interested in something which touches so closely
their very own profession. However, it must be remembered, and
I know the committee will agree with me to a man, that these in-
vestigations are directed not against teachers or text books but
against communism and communists.
The teaching profession is a very
highly respected although admittedly extremely underpaid one.
And I think I reflect the opinion of the majority of teachers by
saying that in weeding out all subversive elements (and it is
a very limited group) Te are guaranteeing teachers the high es-
teem they so richly deserve.
*
*
*
Recent visitors to my Washington of-
fice have remarked about the attractively decorated wooden shoes
which have been placed at the entrance to our office in connec-
tion with our "Dimes for Dikes" campaign. My staff has been dil-
igent as beavers in collecting contributions for the Netherlands
flood victims, and in about a week's time we have collected over
30.00. I was most impressed by the willingness with which most
people will contribute to a fund for the good people of Holland.
The general remarks as individuals dropped their dimes and dol...
lars into the wooden shoes ran something like this: "Sure I'll
give something for the Dutch people. They're wonderful," "They'd
help us if they could. Here's my money. 11 "Those folks really
need help at this time and it's up to us to give it to them. 17
Most noticeable, however, was the
overall attitude that their contributions were going to help
friends. And I'm certain that it was this friendly spirit
which prompted the help which came from all over the nation,
*
*
*
Visitors and contributors this week were:
Ila Arthur, AIL. Rinvelt, G. Rinvelt of Grand Rapids; Harry
Starr, formerly of Grand Rapids now of New York City.
GENATO FORD LIBRARY
FOR RELEASE MARCH 12
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
Members of Congress frequently receive letters from
men in the Armed Services. From my own personal point of view
I feel this is a very healthy situation for many reasons, As
a matter of fact, I have urged G.I.s overseas, both directly and
through their friends and relatives, to keep me posted on front
line conditions, This direct contact with men in active combat
really pays off and here's why:
Bob Olson of Grand Haven, now serving with the army
in Korea, at my suggestion, sent me his observations on the sit-
uation at the front. This is what he said in a letter dated Feb-
ruary 26:
"The Army has taken good care of its men here, from
all I've been able to see in and of my own unit. The clothing
issued against the winter temperatures is more than adequate.
The food, at least in this unit is outstanding - much better,
strangly, than I received in the States,
"
I received Bob's letter two days before General
Collins, Chief of Staff for the Army, appeared before the Mil-
itary sub-committee on Appropriations. General Collins in his
testimony before the committee brought along samples of the Army's
winter clothing which is used in Korea. The Army in illustrating
the clothing stated it was adequate and practical for the troops
fighting in Morea. This was confirmed, as far as I was concerned
by Bob Olson's letter.
At the same time the Army demonstrated our own win-
ter clothing used in Korea, they presented samples of the gear
worn by the Chinese communists. The contrast was amazing. Amer
ican research has certainly paid off. The money invested in per-
fecting items of clothing for use by our Armed forces has gone a
long way in giving more comfort to our fighting men. The improve-
ments made by way of streamlinging showed up to excellent advan-
tage in comparison to the garments worn by communist troops.
GERALS FORD LIBRARY
Neither the quality nor protective ability of clothes worn by
communist soldiers can compare with those worn by our U.S. soldiers/
Both this graphic presentation in our committee hearings and the
letter from Bob Olson re-assured me that our American soldiers are
receiving the best of care while they fight to protect our freedom.
*
*
*
The news which rocked the nation this past week has left
most government officials more than slightly concerned. The death
of Premier Stalin necessarily raises many critical questions and
the appointment of a new leader is bound to have a major effect on
the world situation. How much hope we can have that the new leader
will join with the free nations working toward a peaceful world is
purely a matter of speculation. For the most part, the decision
rests with God and the handful of men who will choose Stalin's
successor. We have but to watch and wait.
Unfortunately, the situation is not as cut and dried
as we would like to believe. Stalin alone did not epitomize the
communist party. His death does not immediately eliminate the
threat of this communist dictatorship. We have still to deal with
the many underlings who are in reality the policy-makers. In my
judgement, the death of Stalin merely gives us hope for a change
in Russian policy, but certainly no reason to feel confident that
our troubles are over.
*
*
*
Statehood for Hawaii should be over one big hurdle this
week. The House of Representatives is scheduled to okay the leg-
islation unless plans are stymied by some individuals who insist:
"No action on Hawaii if Alaska isn't included." To me, this seems
to be a rather short-sighted attitude. Nothing can be accomplished
if this attitude persists. I, for one, want to see both territories
admitted, but let's be practical and get one job done at a time.
*
*
*
Visitors: W.R. Lontil, and U.S. Grant of Spring Lake.
J.W. Comminskey of Grand Rapids.
FOR RELEASE MARCH 19
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
Luncheon with the President marked the high spot of
the week's activities for me.
First, there came the telephone call from the Chief
Executive's private secretary at which time I was able to either
accept or decline the invitation. I need not tell you there was
no question about my accepting. There's not many Congressmen who
would turn down an invitation to the White House.
Early the next morning a special messenger arrived with
the formal invitation beautifully engraved with the President's
own seal. This invitation is very important, I might mention here,
for without it one just does not get past the White House guards.
I was one of twenty-two members of the House invited
to this particular luncheon (eleven Republicans and eleven Democrats
Our group assembled at 1 p.m. in the Blue Room. Moments later,
the President himself entered, chatted briefly with each and every
Congressman, then led the way into the State Dining Room where the
lunch was to be served.
The menu consisted of consumme, chicken, corn souffle,
string beans, rolls, fruit salad, orange ice, cup cakes and, of
course, coffee. As this was a very special occasion, most of us
ate much more than our customary lunch and did full justice to
each and every dish. The President, it was noted, passed up the
dessert course, and there was a tacit agreement among all present
that this is how he manages to keep trim and fit.
Table conversation moved along very general lines
with President Eisenhower capturing everyone's interest with his
exciting wartime experiences. With the Russian communists ready
to precipitate World War III at any moment, all the guests listened
eagerly to every word concerning his knowledge of Russian generals
and their military tactics. I had the feeling then, that the
United States was more than fortunate having a man of President
FORD LIBRARY
Eisenhower's background and training for its leader.
After lunch, the President personally conducted us
through the White House. I could not help but recall my last trip
through the Executive mansion in 1949 when the former President
convinced Congress that the house needed much repair. It is truly
a place to be proud of now.
The most interesting room on the upper floor was
Ike's own trophy room. During past years many nations have con-
ferred honors on him and decorated him for his achievements. Ike
pointed with special pride to a magnificent sword encased in glass
which was given him by the royal family of the Netherlands. The
words inscribed on the sword read: "In grateful memory of the
glorious liberation. if
Later, in our final chat with the President before
departing to return to the prosaic business awaiting us back at
our offices, the President mentioned, jokingly: "We have to have
our pictures taken as you leave, but if any Democrats want to skip
this part of the proceedings, I'll understand." But, naturally,
everyone joined in with much good nature. And this, I believe,
indicates the general attitude of most members of Congress within
the reasonable limits of party loyalty. The Congress has a firm
belief in President Eisenhower's sincere desire to work for the
best intersts of all America.
*
*
The War Claims Commission has issued a statement ad-
vising American prisoners of World War II, or their survivors, to
file claims for their compensation before the deadline, April 9, 1953.
The Commission reminds us to remind you that all persons who during
World War II suffered inhumane treatment and/or forced labor at the
hands of the enemy and who apply for compensation, are entitled to
$1.50 per day for each day they were subjected to such treatment.
Therefore, if you come under this category I urge you
to take advantage of this compensation.
*
*
Visitors: Roger Keeney, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Dyk, of Grand
Rapids. Wm. Swart, Sr. of Springs Lake and Mr. and Mrs. Wes Hessler
of Rockford.
FOR RELEASE MARCH 26
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
The House of Representatives has approved President Eisenhower's
government reorganization Plan No. 1. It makes the director of the
Federal Security Agency a cabinet member as head of the Department
of Health, Education and Welfare. It should lead to efficiency and
economy in this vast area where Oscar Ewing formerly held sway. I
voted for the reorganization plan because under the new Administration
there will be no attempt made to use the new department to lead the
United States to socialism.
*
*
*
Government employees may recall with some pangs the abolishment
of accumulated terminal leave pay by the 82nd Congress. This practice
was costing the Federal Government much more money than seemed reason-
able. Lump sum payments for accumulated annual leave had quite an im-
pact on the Federal treasury.
Unfortunately, Harry Truman's team who reacently evacuated thei
Federal positions, by some means or other was able to leave with
thousands of dollars in severance pay. For example, Dean Acheson
made off with 421 in separation pay; John Snyder of the Treasury
received over $5,000 and Valter Donnelly, U.S. High Commissioner to
Germany was paid $12,560 These are only a few of the Truman appoin-
tees who departed from the Federal payroll with a sizeable sum of pin
money.
Now, however, the General Accounting Office has been called upon
by the House Appropriations committee to compile a list of those with
salaries of over $10,000 who received these payments after their em-
ployment had ended. The committee intends to investigate the peculi-
arities of this situation which cost the Federal Treasury over $700,
000. In any event someone is going to explain why and how these large
sums were made available to the departing officials all of whom were
cabinet officers or top ranking appointees under former President
Truman.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
-2-
*
*
*
One of the high spots of my official activities recently was a trip
to the Army's Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland, just a short dis-
tance from the Capital. (This trip was arranged in connection with
my duties as a member of the military sub-committee of the Appro-
priations committee. * We were to witness the Army's "Research and
Development Day" ceremonies.
Our excursion began early Saturday morning when a number of
other Congressmen and I boarded a special train for the inspection
trip. Despite the fact that we were greeted at the Army base with
the utmost dignity we still felt for all the world like green rookies
reporting for the first day in the Army. This is the invariable effect
military efficiency has upon the layman.
Nevertheless following short preliminary remarks by the Secre-
tary of the Army the demonstration began. From this moment on, we ob-,
served every conceivable military operation and saw demonstrated count
less military weapons as well as the techniques of using them. Need-
less to say, we gaped and stared as any civilian might at the new
technical developments of our military forces.
Except for a short time out for lunch which appropriately enough
consisted of the latest experimental field ration served to our boys
in combat, we spent the entire day in the midst of 2½ ton trucks tow-
ing 105 mm. howitzers, light tanks, medium tanks and heavy tanks
in short, war equipment of every description. We watched special dem-
onstration groups detect mines and remove them. We saw a bridge built
before our eyes. We were amazed by the untold number of mobile unite
which are a soldier's every need
on wheels.
One could go on telling of the impressive sights seen during our
visit, but never do justice to the fine exhibition. I can only say
that a group of inspired and tired Congressmen late in the day departed
from the Proving Ground convinced that our field forces are being sup-
plied with the newest and finest military equipment and supplies. I
only wish every American citizen could have the opportunity to see the
exceptional combination of training and equipment which go to make
ours the finest military force in the world.
GENALD FORD LIBRARY