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Ford Newsletter, July-Sept. 1954
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Ford Newsletter, July-Sept. 1954
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This file contains material relating to Dwight Eisenhower, J. Robert Oppenheimer.
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
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China
Veterans' Administration. (7/21/1930 - 3/15/1989)
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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 1, 1954
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
By - Gerald R. Ford, Jr.
President Eisenhower has endorsed proposed legislation which would prevent Alger
Hiss and other former federal employees who have been convicted of a felony from
receiving retirement benefits, Prior to his criminal conviction in a federal court,
Alger Hiss had worked in the Department of State and other government agencies under
Presidents Roosevelt and Truman for approximately 14 years, and unless Congress enacts
corrective legislation, Hiss will be eligible for a federal pension upon reaching
retirement age. Under military retirement laws a person must have an honorable dis-
charge in order to qualify for his retirement benefits. The President believes this
same principle should apply throughout the federal government. With Ike's endorsement
the Congress will undoubtedly approve the necessary legislation so that Alger Hiss
and others who have been convicted in the courts cannot receive retirement benefits
under the Civil Service system. Hiss, as you will recall, was guilty of falsely stating
he never passed secrets to a Communist Spy ring.
****
The House of Representatives a few days ago approved President Eisenhower's pro-
posal for farm surplus disposal. The bill represents the first sizeable attempt to
unload some of the heavy agriculture surpluses which threaten to cost the American
taxpayers millions of dollars. Incidentally your Congressman presided over the House
while this bill was debated,
Here are some of the major provisions of the legislation. It authorizes expendi-
tures of $1 billion to finance the sale of farm surpluses to nations - other than
Russia and its satellites - for foreign currencies. Included in the bill are definite
safeguards for normal marketings and against trans-shipment of commodities. The
disposal program definitely aims at making maximum use of private trade channels for
such sales. The foreign currencies received from the sale of the surpluses are to be
used by the President for the promotion of trade and economic development. In addition
the foreign currencies can be used to purchase strategic raw materials for our national
defense stockpile program.
The bill also authorizes the President to use Commodity Credit Corporation surplus
commodities to relieve acute distress caused by unemployment and to meet major disasters
such as floods and tornadoes, The farm commodities in government storage can likewise
be made available as donations for school-lunch programs, and to the needy, penal
institutions and public hospitals.
******
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Page 2
Clubs, groups and organizations may be interested to know that there is available
for their use a 35 mm, one-half hour color film of the first hydrogen bomb explosion
in the Pacific, The film has been prepared by the Atomic Energy Commission and the
Department of Defense, and is an original filming of the first full-scale thermo-nuclear,
or "hydrogen" detonation in history. The sound tape contains an opening statement by
President Eisenhower, a few opening and closing remarks by your Congressman, and a
narration of the explosion by a government official. The film has been entitled,
"Operation Ivy", and is available to your organization by addressing your request to
my office, 321 House Office Building, Washington 25, D.C.
*****
The House of Representatives 1s about to tackle new farm legislation. The
Secretary of Agriculture has proposed a flexible price support programs while the House
Committee on Agriculture appears to favor a continuation of the rigid 90 percent price
support program on basic crops which include cotton, rice, peanuts, tobacco, corn and
wheat. This is a controversial issue to say the least, but here are some interesting
facts which are most pertinent to all Michiganders. Only 10 percent of cash farm
receipts in Michigan comes from the six basic crops. On the other hand cash receipts
on non-supported crops total 55 percent for Michigan farmers. It is surprising to
learn that 63 percent of the cash farm receipts in Michigan comes from livestock,
dairy products and poultry for which feed derived from the basic crops is a substan-
tial element of cost.
*****
Visitors: Mr. and Mrs. Howard Danforth, Mrs. Mark Noble, Miss Esther Noble,
Mrs. Lois Etter, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Kornoelje, Mr. Harry Lundberg, Mr. and Mrs.
Clarence Lundberg, Donna Lundberg, Mrs. Edward Kowalko, Mrs. Harold Henifin, Mr.Geo.
K. Pratt, Mr. and Mrs. August Arndt and daughter, Jane, Dr. and Mrs. Lynn A. Ferguson,
Dr. and Mrs. R. A. Chroniak and children, Mr. and Mrs. Martin VanDam and family,
Mrs. Gerald Jakubowski and daughter, Mary, Christine Prorok, Mary Louise Roskiewicz,
Marilyn Aleksynas, Howard Ellis, Kevin Mulvihill, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Damstra and son,
Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Ellis and son, of Grand Rapids. John D. Banbury, Rockford; Parvin
Riddle, Newton, Mass; Ivar Johnson, Sparta; Dr. and Mrs. E. J. Justema, Grand Haven;
Dr. and Mrs. R. J. Kamper and children of Spring Lake; Mr. G. VanderHooning, Mr. and
Mrs. John Westerhof, Holland; Mr. and Mrs. Basil Edge and family, Marne; Jim Fergu-
son, Silver Springs, Md.
For release - July 8, 1954
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
By - Gerald R. Ford, Jr.
At a very tense and dramatic point in the House debate on the foreign aid
bill the chairman of the Joint Senate-House Committee on Atomic Energy asked for
recognition. The presiding officer, sensing a dramatic announcement, interrupted the
debate so that Representative Cole could make a statement. He released the report
and decision by the Atomic Energy Commission in the Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer case.
The Commission by a vote of 4 to 1 decided that Dr. Oppenheimer should be
denied access to restricted data, This is a most important matter because it involves
the military and domestic development of our most highly guarded secrets in nuclear
and thermonuclear science. The decision also concerned one of the world's most
talented scientists.
As to the "character" of Dr. Oppenheimer, the Atomic Energy Commission said,
"Dr. Oppenheimer has now admitted under oath that while in charge of the Los Alamos
laboratory and working on the most secret weapon development for the Government, he
told Colonel Pash a fabrication of lies. Colonel Pash was an officer of military
intelligence charged with the duty of protecting the atomic weapons project against
spies, Dr. Oppenheimer told Colonel Pash in circumstantial detail of an attempt by
a Soviet agent to obtain from him information about the work on the atom bomb. This
was the Haakon Chevalier incident. In the hearings recently concluded, Dr. Oppen-
heimer under oath swears that the story he told Colonel Pash was a "whole fabrication
and tissue of lies, It is not clear today whether the account Dr. Oppenheimer gave to
Colonel Pash in 1943 concerning the Chevalier incident or the story he told the Gray
board last month is the true version. If Dr. Oppenheimer lied in 1943, as he now says
he did, he committed the crime of knowingly making false and material statements to a
federal officer. If he lied to the board he committed perjury in 1954.
"In 1943, Dr.Oppenheimer indicated to Colonel Lansdale that he did not know
Rudy Lambert, a Communist Party functionary. In fact, Dr. Oppenheimer asked Colonel
Lansdale what Lambert looked like. Now, however, Dr. Oppenheimer under oath has
admitted that he knew and had seen Lambert at least half a dozenn times prior to 1943;
he supplied a detailed description of Lambert; he said that once or twice he had lunch
with Lambert and Isaac Folkoff, another Communist Party functionary, to discuss
his (Oppenheimer's) contributions to the Communist Party; and that he knew at the time
that Lambert was an official in the Communist Party.
"In 1950, Dr.Oppenheimer told an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation
that he had not known Joseph Weinberg to be a member of the Communist Party until that
fact became public knowledge. Yet on September 12, 1943, Dr. Oppenheimer told
LIBRARY
Colonel Lansdale that Weinberg was a Communist Party member. The catalog does not end
Your Washington Review - Page 2
with these examples. The work of Military Intelligence, the Federal Bureau of Investi-
gation, and the Atomic Energy Commission - all, at one time or another have felt the
effect of his falsehoods, evasions and misrepresentations. Dr. Oppenheimer's persis-
tent and willful disregard for the obligations of security is evidenced by his
obstruction of inquiries by security officials."
The Atomic Energy Commission in its decision stated the following about
Dr. Oppenheimer's "associations" -
"'Associations' is a factor which, under the law, must be considered by the
Commission. Dr. Oppenheimer's close association with Communists is another part of
the pattern of his disregard of the obligations of security. Dr. Oppenheimer, under
oath, admitted to the Gray Board that from 1937 to at least 1942 he made regular and
substantial contributions in cash to the Communist Party. He had admitted that he
was a fellow-traveler at least until 1942. He admits that he attended small evening
meetings at private homes at which most, if not all, of the others present were Com-
munist Party members. He was in contact with officials of the Communist Party, some
of whom had been engaged in espionage. His activities were of such a nature that these
Communists looked upon him as one of their number. However, Dr. Oppanheimer's early
Communist associations are not in themselves a controlling reason for our decision.
They take on importance in the context of his persistent and continuing association
with Communists, including his admitted meetings with Haakon Chevalier in Paris as
recently as last December - the same individual who had been intermediary for the
Soviet consulate in 1943."
The decision of the Atomic Energy Commission undoubtedly will be attacked
by some, but the record fully justifies the decision by the Atomic Energy Commission.
The full decision by the Commission is "must" reading by all citizens. I will be glad
to supply copies on request.
******
Visitors: Mr. and Mrs. Louis Kooistra, Dr. C. Doezema, Floyd A. Thornton,
John VanEck, and Miss Phyllis Nieting, Grand Rapids. Miss Eunice Nieting, Grand Haven,
Mr. and Mrs. Dan Meeusen, Holland.
******
For release - July 16, 1954
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
By - Gerald R. Ford, Jr.
Since January 20, 1953, through May 31, 1954, a total of 216,243 unnecessary
federal jobs have been eliminated by the economy efforts of President Eisenhower and
the Congress. This cutback in federal employment results in an annual savings to
taxpayers of more than $851 million. The reduction in May totalled 5,096 and it was
the twenty-second consecutive month in which net reductions were reported by the various
agencies commissions and departments of your federal government.
******
A few days ago the House of Representatives approved legislation to promote
and assist in the extension and improvement of vocational rehabilitation services. When
signed by the President within a week or two the new law will give the federal govern-
ment and the various states a better opportunity to help our disabled citizens rehabili-
tate themselves. This bill was another proposal in President Eisenhower's legislative
recommendations which the Congress has okayed. By helping the disabled overcome their
handicaps by teaching them new skills and by re-establishing confidence in those who
are less fortunate, the Nation as a whole will be greatly benefitted. The Vocational
Rehabilitation Act of 1954, sponsored by "Ike" and approved overwhelmingly by the Con-
gress, is indicative of the good legislative record of the 83rd Congress. It conforms
with President Eisenhower's often stated philosophy that we should be liberals on issues
involving human problems, but conservatives in fiscal matters.
******
The Department of Agriculture on June 27th announced that American farmers
exported $258,227,000 worth of their products in April, 1954, a 15 per cent increase
over shipments abroad in the same month last year. In addition, total farm exports for
the first 10 months of fiscal year 1954 showed an increase over the similar period of
the preceeding year. It was also encouraging to learn that in the past several months
there has been a slight decline in the surplus stocks of agriculture commodities held by
the Commodity Credit Corporation. Reduction of the huge government owned surplus which
now totals approximately $6 billion is absolutely essential for a sound farm program.
There appears to be unanimity among farmers and consumers that good agriculture legis-
lation should be predicated on farm production for consumption rather than expensive and
unmanageable storage, The President's program is based on such a policy.
#******
The Congress before adjournment will definitely approve legislation to increase
re-enlistment bonuses for members of the Army, Navy and Air Force. For many years an
enlisted man in the Armed Forces, if he would re-enlist at the end of his term of ser-
vice, has been given a bonus amounting to approximately $350. At the same time the
LIBRARY
Page 2
federal government via the G.I. bill has offered ex-servicemen a big incentive to get out
of the service. The average benefits of the G.I. bill approximate $4000 per individual.
Unfortunately this incentive to stay in the Army, Navy or Air Force was
inadequate, and as a result most young men left the Armed Forces when their time was
up. This rapid turnover in personnel in the three services was extremely expensive
because it required the expenditure of huge sums on training new men and the use of
many trained soldiers for the instruction of recruits, By making the Army, Navy and
Air Force more attractive as a lifetime career the Congress will be able to cut down on
monthly draft or Selective Service requirements, save substantial federal funds and
provide a more effective national defense.
******
The Secretary of Commerce for the first time in history announced a "speed-up"
in the apportionment of $875 million of federal funds to the various states for high-
way construction and development. This allocation of road funds will permit each state
to step up their public works expenditures, and at the same time provide more highways
at a faster rate of construction. Secretary of Commerce Weeks apportionment of federal
highway funds was made six months earlier than in previous years, and indicates what can
be accomplished by an Administration dedicated to increased efficiency and less red-tape.
At the same time a special survey in the Post Office Department has made
possible the destruction or removal of 820 tons of Washington records - enough to make
over 100 piles as high as the Washington monument, As a result new filing equipment
purchases are unnecessary at a saving of $200,000.
******
Visitors: Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Geenen, Harry Tryc, Mr. and Mrs. Roger Jasper
and children, David and Kenny; Miss Esther Zemaitis, Richard Keena, Miss Lorraine Keena,
John Rohloff, of Grand Rapids; Mr. and Mrs. John Geenen, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Piersma
and children, Jeanne and Paul, of Holland.
******
LIBBAR
For release July 22, 1954
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
By - Gerald R. Ford, Jr.
Here are the facts on the appointment of Postmaster vacancies in the 5th
Congressional District from January 1, 1953, thru July 16, 1954. In this 181 month
period there have been nine Postmaster vacancies in Kent and Ottawa counties. One
vacancy concerns a newly approved Post Office at Allendale where no office previously
existed. Tentatively a local citizen of the community has been recommended as Acting
Postmaster until an open competitive civil service examination can be held. One vacancy
in Kent County involved a Fourth Class office. There was only one applicant. This
person was approved on the recommendation of the Post Office Department.
The remaining seven vacancies have been handled as follows. In six cases open
competitive examinations have been conducted by the Civil Service Commission under the
existing laws.approved by the Congress. Under the applicable Civil Service laws and
regulations, any citizen, either a career employee of the Post Office Department or
anyone else may take such an examination. In each instance where an open competitive
exam has been given by the Civil Service Commission, the person who has been certified
by the Commission as first on the eligibility list has been recommended for the appoint-
ment as Postmaster. Career employees of the Post Office Department finished first on
the examinations in three cases, and they have been approved for the top job in their
respective Post Offices. In two of the six instances where Civil Service open competi-
tive examinations were conducted, no career employee took the test, or was certified as
qualified by the Commission. In the one remaining case out of the six, the citizen
designated as best qualified by the Civil Service Commission, has been recommended for
the appointment. In the single office where no competitive examination was held, there
were only two applicants, both career employees of the Post Office Department, and in
this instance the selection was based on the recommendations of the local citizens in the
community.
To summarize, here is the situation. In every case, and this is important,
where the Civil Service Commission conducted an examination the individual designated
as first on the eligibility list was recommended for Postmaster. In 4 out of a total of
7 vacancies, leaving out the Allendale and the Fourth Class Post Office, career employees
of the Post Office Department were selected, 3 headed the list on the exams given, and
in one case no examination was requested or necessary,
In the future as in the past these matters will be handled in strict accordance
with the laws approved by the Congress and the applicable rules and regulations of the
LIBRARY
Page 2
Civil Service Commission and the Post Office Department. Career employees of the Post
Office Department will undoubtedly qualify for such appointments in over a majority of
the cases. However, the decisions of the Civil Service Commission, in all cases, should
be controlling, otherwise the need for the Commission is non-existent.
*******
A key proposal in the Republican anti-subversive legislative program was
adopted by the House of Representatives on July 8th, when it voted to provide the death
penalty for peacetime espionage. The bill, which now goes to the Senate, also would
require foreign spies and saboteurs to register with the government under the threat of
stiff penalties. Failure to so register makes the individual subject to a fine of
$10,000 and a 5 year prison sentence, This proposed legislation which is an integral
part of President Eisenhower's program is one of a number of new weapons to be used in
the all-out drive against Communist activities in the United States.
The bill redefines and broadens the laws on sabotage to keep pace with an
atomic age and covers the possibility of damage by radioactive, biological or chemical
agents. With the problems of this era complicated by the international Communist con-
spiracy, it is vital that the Department of Justice and the F.B.I. have every necessary
authority to deal with the subversion directed by the Godless dictators in the Kremlin.
In addition, on July 15th, the House of Representatives approved a bill to take
away the citizenship of any person convicted of conspiring to overthrow our government.
The House Committee on the Judiciary also okayed a resolution establishing a 12 member
commission, representing business, labor and the public, to investigate Communist infil-
tration in American industry. This commission is to report its recommendations for neces-
sary legislation to the President by January 15, 1955. Some legislation of this nature
is highly essential to prevent subversives from infiltrating defense plants and other
industries which are vital to our national security.
*******
Visitors: Mr. Arthur Kornoelje, Grand Rapids; Mr. George Bolles and
Mr. Oliver Hill, Grand Haven.
For Release July 29, 1954
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
By Gerald R. Ford, Jr., M.C.
Just a day or so ago the House and Senate conferees on the tax revision bill
announced agreement on this far-reaching legislation which incidentally is the
first comprehensive revision of the Internal Revenue Code in about half a century.
Almost simultaneously the Treasury Department released the final dollars figures
on income and outgo for Uncle Sam for the past twelve months ending June 30th.
The figures indicate beyond any doubt that our federal government in the past 19
months has just about achieved fiscal responsibility, a condition which had not
prevailed for the previous two decades. Surprisingly enough the excellent im-
provement in the government's balance between receipts and disbursements was
accomplished at the same time Congress reduced federal taxes $7.5 billion annually.
In summary here is the fiscal picture. The federal treasury in the period
between July 1, 1953 and June 30, 1954 had a deficit of about $3 billion. In
January 1953 former President Truman had predicted that during this same 12-month
period the deficit would be at least $9.9 billion and conceivably as high as
$12.5 billion. In other words President Eisenhower and the Congress in 18 months
reduced the forecast deficit by a minimum of $6.9 billion. This substantial re-
duction in the deficit was brought about by a sizeable cutback in government
spending and this was only possible by increased efficiency and economy in the day
to day operation of the federal government. The most encouraging aspect is that
the deficit has been slashed at the same time the tax burden on our citizens has
been lightened.
Everyone will agree that if a family voluntarily or otherwise reduces its
income and at the same time continues to spend approximately the same amount
the debts will inevitably pile up. Our government is bound by the same simple
rule that you can't reduce your income, simultaneously continue expenditures
beyond income without adding to the national debt. Despite the logic and simplicity
of this premise, within the last year 5 Republicans and 113 Democrats in the House
of Representatives voted to slash Uncle Sam's revenue and denied him authority to
incur additional debt obligations.
On July 13, 1953 the House considered and approved the request to increase
the federal debt limitation by $15 billion. This action appeared necessary because
the previous Administration had left the treasury with I.O.Us totaling approximately
LIBRARY
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW - page 2
$80 billion with insufficient prospective revenue to meet the pending obligations.
The Senate rejected the federal debt limitation increase and thereafter President
Eisenhower by enforcing rigid economy and efficiency in all bureaus, agencies, and
departments brought the government through this financial crisis.
On March 18, 1954 the House of Representatives while considering the important
tax revision legislation voted on an amendment which would have had the net affect
of slashing federal tax receipts by an additional 2 billion annually. Allegedly
this amendment had considerable "political appeal" just like any other substantial
tax reduction proposal. This proposed additional tax cut over and above the $7
billion already agreed to was defeated by a close margin primarily because Uncle
Sam badly needed the revenue to pay his current bills and back obligations. However,
the fundamental point is simply this--118 Democrats and 5 Republicans in the House
voted to reduce our government's revenue by $2 billion annually and at the same
time denied the treasury the authority to meet its outstanding financial obligations
in a logical and proper manner. Incidentally some of the same members of the House
have consistently voted to increase federal expenditures for their "pet" projects
and programs. I doubt if they manage their own households in such an illogical and
unsound manner. One wonders how such an approach to our government's fiscal problems
can be justified except on the basis of "politics" and nothing else.
For the past few days a few Democrat Senators have been conducting a filibuster
that has seriously impaired the enactment of necessary legislation recommended by
the President. This "talkathon" might be amusing if it didn't hamstring the
essential business of the Senate at a time when there is a world-wide erisis in-
volving the security of the free world. The obstructionist tactios of this "little
group* may well roadblock the enactment of the farm bill, the bill to improve the
Unemployment Compensation Act and many other proposals which are vital to our
national security and prosperty. Fortunately the House of Representatives has been
handling its legislative problems in a businesslike manner.
VISITORS: John R. Dalton, Mr. and Mrs. H. Van Dam, Judith Ranck, and Dr. and Mrs.
R. O. Erbaugh of Grand Rapids; Mr. Ben J. Staal of Holland.
LIBRARY STATE
FOR RELEASE August 5, 1954.
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
y By gerald R. Ford, Jr., M. C.
The vicious and unwarranted attack on a defenseless passenger airliner by
Red China military planes has again focused world-wide attention on the issue of
whether or not Communist dominated China should be admitted to the United Nations.
Sentiment in the Congress is unanamous against the admission of the Peking regime.
The House of Representatives a few days ago for the fourth time approved a reso-
lution expressing opposition to the seating of Red China in the U.N. Similar
resolutions were adopted in January and May of 1951 and July of 1953.
The President, Secretary of State Dulles and the Congress are on solid ground
in unalterably opposing the admission of Red China to the society of nations. Here
is the basis for the United States' position. The United Nations has declared Red
China an aggressor in Korea and the Communist regime in China is still "at war with
the U.N." in Korea even though there has been a truce for over a year. Red China
is holding United States prisoners of the Korean War without the slightest justifi-
cation. In addition, according to President Eisenhower, Communist China for the
past several years has been "guilty of the worst possible diplematic deportment in
the international affairs of the world." It all adds up to this--on moral or legal
grounds there is no basis whatsoever for the admission of Red China in the United
Nations. "Expediency" as argued by some is without justification. The statements
of the President and Secretary Dulles plus the action by the Congress should serve
notice on other nations that no effort should be made to slip Red China into the U.N.
With the end of the ridiculous 13-day filibuster in the Senste it appears that
the Congress will approve most of President Eisenhower's legislative program before
adjournment. When the "filibusterers" finally signed off the Senate quickly
adopted an excellent housing bill that will stimulate the construction of new homes
for over a million families a year. Incidentally Ike's housing bill insures that
homebuilding will have its second biggest year in the history of the U. S. The
end of the Senate "talkathon" also resulted in the passage of the tax-revision bill
No matter who you are, what your occupation or age, every citizen will derive benefit
from this tax reform bill which is the greatest overhaul of our tax laws in this
century.
If you have medical expenses, under today's law, you can deduct only your ex-
penses in excess of 5 per cent of your income. Under the new law, you will be able
of
to deduct your medical expenses in excess of 3 per cent of your income. As an
LIBRARY
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW page 2
example if your income is $6,000, you'll be able to deduct all your medical expenses
over $180.00, quite a tax break for millions of us.
If you are a parent of a teen-ager who works during vacations from school,
under today's law you cannot claim your child as a dependent if his earnings top
$600. Under the new law you'll be able to claim your child as a dependent no matter
what his earnings--assuming he is under 19 or still in school.
If you are a working widow or widower with small children, under today's law
you get no deduction for child-care expenses. Under the new law, you'll be able
to deduct up to $600 of these expenses a year.
If you are over 65 and getting retirement income from a pension plan, under
today's law you get no special tax consideration. Under the new law you'll be able
to deduct up to $1,200 of your retirement income from the first-bracket tax.
If you are any taxpayer, under today's law your deadline for filing your annual
return is March 15. Under the new law you'll get more time. Your deadline for
filing will be April 15.
Although the Senate despite the filibuster finally approved its version of
the Atomic Energy bill the issue is not completely settled for the House and
Senate conferees must now reconcile differences between what was adopted in each
body. The main dispute involves the provisions relating to future development
of atomic-electric power. The "filibusterers" want the federal government to
dominate atomic-electric power development while President Eisenhower and a
clear-cut majority of the Congress favor private industry under our traditional
pro-public federal and state regulatory commissions.
Those members of the Senate who droned on for 13 days in the filibuster
have announced that if the Atomic Energy bill in its final form is not satis-
factory to them they will resume their roadblocking "talkathon." In the past,
oddly enough, almost all of the filibusterers have been vocal opponents of the
filibuster. Senator Wayne Morse, one of the leading "talkers," in fact the champion
word-chomper in Congress, has written articles denouncing the use of a filibuster.
VISITORS - Robert Bartleson, Kenneth H. Mekkes, Herbert K. Van Hof, Virginia
Zylstra, and Betty Higgins of Grand Rapids; Donald A. Johnson of Grand haven,
Marjorie Hoene, Lois LaMar, and Mr. and Mrs. Al Vanden Brink and children, Ted,
Myra and Connie, from Zeeland, Albert VanDyke from Grandville, Kenneth W. Cole
from Hudsonville, and Vern Hoffman from Kalamazoo.
FOR RELEASE August 12, 1954
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
By Gerald R. Ford, Jr., M. C.
The House of Representatives has completed action on all major legislative
recommendations of the President, and we are now standing by while the Senate tackles
the bills that have piled up during the filibuster. The Senate should conclude Its
deliberations on agriculture legislation by Saturday, August 7th, and shortly there-
after this new law should be on its way to the White House for the President's 018-
nature: It is anticipated that the Senate will also take up and approve the bill
to expand and improve the Social Security Act, and the legislation to extend tin=
employment compensation.
The House and Senate conferees have been laboring night and day to work out a
satisfactory solution to the proposed changes in the Atomic Energy Act, It is hoped
the conferees on this vital legislation will approve changes in the Atomic Energy
Act that will permit President Eisenhower to implement the dramatic atomie pool plan
he proposed before the United Nations in 1953, and at the same time stimulate in-
dustrial nuclear development for the production of electrical energy for domestic
use in the United States.
On this last point it is interesting to note that British authorities forecast
that within ten years that nation will be building nuclear power stations to compete
with steam and hydre-electric power producing plants. In addition Canada's Minister
of Commerce has recently predicted that by the '1960s or thereabouts" Canada will be
using atomie energy to preduce electric power commercially at a cost equivalent to
8 a ton for coal. Obviously the United States must keep pace, and the preposed
changes in the Atemic Energy Act will give American industry an opportunity and an
incentive to do the job with proper governmental safeguards.
Pertinent to this the United States Atomic Energy Commission a few days ago
published its sixteenth semi-annual report and some of the highlights are as follows:
The nation's atomis aresenal is "growing rapidly in total numbers" and reflects
"a trend of increased variety and versatility" which has extended the military use-
fulness of the fissionable materials available. Furthermore, high-level action has
been taken to assure continued United States superiority in the atomic and hydrogen
bomb field.
Continued progress has been made toward the development of reactors for in-
dustrial nuclear power and these may soon be produced economically. The agency has
plans for construction of a second and much more powerful "breeder" reactor than
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW - page 2
the experimental one now in operation. This is a reactor for producing atemic fuel
and, at the same time turning out heat for use in power generation.
Reactors for naval and aircraft propulsion are near completion. The atomic
power plant for the submarine Nautilus and a second atomic submarine are under con-
struction. In the quest for a practical atomic engine for aircraft, an atomic
"furnace" has been suspended from four 324-foot towers to test shielding requirements
for the crew and equipment of such a plane.
A remote control system for rapidly detecting radio-activity from continental
atomie tests, such as those conducted periodically in Nevada, has been developed.
The system automatically sends out radio broadcasts when triggered by radicactive
partieles, alerting control points miles away.
The Pacific tests of last spring, which stirred an international controversy,
"were successful in development of thermonuclear weapons," and there is no evidence
of any permanent harm to persons in the area who suffered from radioactivity."
When Congress will adjourn is still a question. It appears all vital legis- still
lation will be completed by both the House and Senate by August 14th. However, after
that date the Senate will still have on its agenda a decision on the move by Senator
Flanders to censure Joe McCarthy. Pursuant to action taken by the Senate the Vice
President has appointed a bi-partisan committee of six senators to pass on the charges
against their colleague, It is difficult to predict when this committee will submit
its report on these charges to the Senate as a whole. Consequently the Senate may,
by resolution, authorize the House of Representatives to adjourn on August 14th with
the Senate itself remaining in session to approve or reject the recommendations of
this special committee. According to the Constitution the House or Senate may not
adjourn without the consent of the other body for more than three days. For this
constitutional reason the Senate must give its permission for the House to adjourn
if the Senate is to remain in session for eonsideration of the allegations against
one of its members.
At this time your Congressman would like to express his deep appreciation for
the vote of confidence in the resent primary election. I hope and trust my efforts
in the future will warrant your continued support.
FOR RELEASE August 19, 1954
YOUR ! ASHINGTON REVIEW
by Gerald R. Ford, Jr., M. C.
Recently President Eisenhower attended and addressed the World Christian
Endeavor Convention in the Nation's Capital. A fine group of young folks from Kent
and Ottawa Counties attended the convention and stopped in my office for a visit.
They heard the President speak, but it seems to me that these highlights of his
remarks to the gathering are most worthwhile and are as follows:
"We must remember the spiritual base that underlies man's existence, and the
spiritual base that underlies all free government; else we shall surely fail.
"My friends, though today we must remain strong in all the economic and the
scientific affairs of the world, we must remain strong militarily
all the weapons
of war can produce no real or lasting peace. Only a great moral crusade, to deter-
mine that men shall rise above this conception of materialism, rise above it and
live as people who attempt to express in some faint and feeble way their conceptions
of what the Almighty would have us do-that is the force that will win through to
victory."
In contrast to President Eisenhower the Soviet leaders in the Kremlin have
embarked on a determined and blunt campaign to eliminate the last remnants of
belief in God behind the Iron Curtain. The Soviet regime in recent weeks has
stepped up its anti-religious broadcasts and openly condemns those who have church
allegiances. One can imagine what would happen to the world if the Kremlin domi-
nated all mankind.
When President Eisenhower was inaugurated in January, 1953 the Federal Govern-
ment was deeply involved in approximately 100 business ventures including baking,
furniture repair, scrap metal baling, sawmills, rope making, laundries and dry-
cleaning, tire retreading, and operating railroads and ships. The records indicate
Uncle Sam is, among other things, the largest electric power producer in the country,
the largest insurer, the largest lender, the largest landlord, the largest tenant,
the largest owner of grain, the largest warehouse operator, the largest shipowner
and the largest fleet truck operator.
In keeping with its basic philosophy that the Federal Government should be limited
in its intrusion into operations where individuals and business organizations ean
handle the job, the Eisenhower Administration has embarked on a large-scale reduction
of Federal commercial type services and manufacturing operations.
FORD LIBRARY
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW - page 2
In the past nineteen months Uncle Sam has sold or reduced a number of its ex-
pensive operations such as the Inland Waterways Cooporation for $9 million and
Bluebird's Castle Hotel in the Virgin Islands for $410,000. In addition tin and
synthetic rubber processing plants are to be sold on a competitive bid basis. A
uniform factory at Brooklyn Navy Yard will be closed and duplicating coffee roasting
plants previously operated by the Army and Navy are to be reduced at a considerable
cash saving. These are but a few examples of what "Ike" is seeking to do so that
unnecessary and uneconomical government operations can be ended.
Integrity among tax collecting officials is most essential. Joseph D. Nunan,
appointed U. S. Commissioner of Internal Revenue by a former President in 1944 and
President Truman's chief tax collector until 1947, was recently sentenced to five
years in federal prison and fined $15,000 for evading the payment of $91,523 in
taxes during his term of office. Nunan's conviction stems from facts developed in
1951 and 1952 by a Congressional investigating committee which goes to prove such
investigations if properly handled can be extremely helpful in exposing crooks.
More than 8,500 American prisoners of war in Korea, as well as certain survivors
of deceased military and civilian prisoners, will receive additional compensation and
benefits under a bill passed and sent to the President for signature.
The new law extends to such individuals, captured in Korea as a result of hosti-
lities in that country, the same per diem and monthly detention benefits that were
paid to military prisoners of war and civilian internees in World War II under the
War Claims Act of 1948.
Eligible claimants, if living, will have one year from the date of enactment
within which to file their claims except that if they are still detained or interned,
they would have one year following the date of their return to the jurisdiction of
the United States to apply for benefits. Certain survivors of deceased eligibles
are given a year following establishment of the date of actual death or the date of
the determination of a presumptive death to file their applications. Collaborators
who voluntarily, knowingly, and without durress, aided or served the enemy in Korea
are expressly excluded from eligibility under the bill.
FOR RELEASE August 26, 1954
YOUR WAS INGTON REVIEW
By Gerald R. Ford, Jr., M. C
The "wind-up" week of the Congressional session found the House and Senate
seeking common ground on strong anti-communist legislation. First the Senate
approved a bill to make Communist party membership a crime and remove all of the
party's legal rights and privileges. J. Edgar Hoover, head of the FBI strongly
opposes this approach to ridding our Nation of the "commie menace" on the ground
that it would drive the Communists farther underground and make detection of their
activities more difficult. The Attorney General contends that the Senate revision
would make it virtually impossible to send American Communists to jail because the
government would have to prove existing party membership at the time of the court
trial. In other words, a person brought to trial under the Senate bill could resign
as a member of the Communist Party just before the court proceedings and thereby
escape conviction. In addition the Senate bill would nullify the Smith Act, the
law under which over 100 Communists have been indicted and approximately 60
convicted. The Internal Security Act, another law which has been a bulwark of
strength in the fight against subversion, might also be jeopardized by the Senate
proposal.
The House of Representatives tackled the same problem but in conformity with
the recommendations of J. Edgar Hoover and the Attorney General. The House bill
would strip the Communist Party of all legal rights and remove all bergaining pri-
vileges for labor unions or business organizations under the Taft-Hartle Aet where
the organizations have been found by the Subversive Activities Control Board to be
"Communist-infiltrated." The bill approved by the House of Representatives would
not destroy the effect of the Smith Act which has been used so successfully in jailing
those who have plotted to overthrow the United States by force and violenee. Neither
would the House version nullify the Internal Security Act.
Your Congressman voted for the House bill which has the endorsement of the head
of the FBI, the Department of Justice, and the President and I voted to instruct
the House conferees to oppose the unworkable provisions in the Senate version. At
the time this column is being written it is most difficult to forecast the final
outcome but I anticipate, and certainly hope, that before adjournment a sound and
effective compromise can be worked out between the House and Senate conferees.
LIBRAR,
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW, page 2
The Congress has completed action on the "farm bill" and it is now on the Presi-
dent's desk for his signature. Price supports on five basic commodities, (wheat,
cotton, peanuts, and rice) are set at 8212 to 90 per cent of parity. Out of
the $8 billion in government-owned farm surpluses $2.5 in such commodities is set
aside for defense stockpiling and these surpluses will not be considered in the com-
putation of support price levels. The Secretary of Agriculture is given authority
to use "any methods necessary" to dispose of the government's 1,000,000,000 pounds
of dairy products including butter, cheese, and dried milk. The two-price plan for
wheat as approved in the House bill was eliminated and the controversial provision
in the Senate version granting certain valuable grazing rights to western interests
was stricken in the final draft of the new law.
The "farm bill" largely coincides with the recommendations of the President,
Secretary of Agriculture Benson, and the major farm organizations. It is a con-
structive step toward a long-range solution of American agriculture's present dif-
ficulties.
Following adjournment your Congressman plans to take a short vacation in
Western Michigan with Betty and our two sons, Mike and Jack. I will be back in the
office at 518 Michigan Trust Building, Grand Rapids, the day after Labor Day. In
the meantime the offices, both in Grand Rapids and Washington, will be fully opera-
ting with my fine staff in charge.
VISITORS: Mr. and Mrs. Al VandenBrink and children of Zeeland; Mr. Albert Van Dyke,
Mr. Stephen Barnard and Stephen Jr., and Mr. and Mrs. Paul H. Smith and family of
Grandville; Mr. Larry Towe, Mr. R. Holwerda and Sandy Holwerda of Holland; Mr. and
Mrs. R. C. Miner and son Lynn, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Dudek, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Dykstra,
Mr. and Mrs. Victor F. Klatts and son, Mr. and Mrs. G. R. Kishman, and Donald, Mr.
and Mrs. Ernest Tonkel and family, Irene E. Robinson, Jackie Robinson, Mrs. "rank
S. Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Vos and children, Mr. and Mrs. Hyman Orkin and son,
Mr. and Mrs. Phil Simon and son, Lorraine Peltola, Shirley Forbes, Marvin Jager,
Henry Bouma, Peter Van Egmond, and Mr. and Mrs. Ray Chesebrough, all of Grand Rapids.
legh. 2, 1934
/
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
During the summer months Dudley Towe of Holland, Michigan as part of his college
training worked in our Congressional office without compensation. We gave him regular
duties and he pitched in willingly and well. When Dudley departed I asked him to
write his unreserved observations and comments. Here they are:
Spending a summer in Washington is a stimulating experience. Through the work
I have done here in Mr. Ford's office, and from the talks I have had with men throughout
the Government, I realize much better just what a fine organization we do have in
Washington. We're very lucky to be living in a country where the government is sincerely
trying to work for the best interests of its citizens--namely you and me.
As a third-year college student who came to Washington from the City of Holland,
I can see now that I had a good many misconceptions about our Government.
For example, I always had thought that Federal employees were in Washington for
an easy job. I have found this theory to be refreshingly false.
Mr.Ford's office is a case in point. The three capable secretaries in the office
usually put in more than a hard eight-hour day. Irene--from Grand Rapids; Mildred--
a former secretary for House Speaker Joe Martin; and Idabell--who formerly used # workulfor a
bank in Maryland--all show & strong sense of responsibility to the people they are
serving--the citizens of Michigan's Fifth Congressional District.
BUREAUCRATS WORK HARD
The sense of conscienciousness seems to be common to most employees in all agencies
of the Federal Government. I know that we in Southwest Michigan are likely to think
of "bureaucrats" as a dirty word, but my estimation of the "bureaucrats" has risen con-
siderably in the past few weeks.
The bureaucrats aren't here to sponge off the public. If a man is interested only
in making money with a soft job, he doesn't come to Washington. Civil Service wages
are relatively low with the penalty of having to live in an expensive community.
come
The Federal employees I've/in contact with have had experience in jobs outside
the Government and could be making much more money if they had stayed
with there. their previous employ
I find that the consciencious bureaucrats in Washington are here for two main
reasons. They have a sincere desire to serve their country, and they get a great deal
of satiffaction from their jobs. Again and again I have heard men and women tell me
of the thrill they get from working in an office-the Veterans' Administration is an
example-which serves millions of people.
In fact, the bureaucrats generally aren't so interested in doing less work as
FORD
they are in doing more. Each branch of the government knows that it could do a better
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YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW * page 2
job if we tell them how we feel about local and national problems.
Don't think that your opinion doesn't count either. This spring there was
pressure within the government to take an active part in the Indochina war. However,
with the strong sentiment of the people against another "police action," our military
forces did not go to war. That pewerful sentiment was merely the sum total of the
opinions of you, me, and our neighbors.
We each take our part in the governing of the nation. Since we each do influence
the policy of the United States Government, I think we should each try to take a more
active and more enlightened interest in what goes on in our Nation's Capital.
VISITORS : Mr. and mrs. Al VandemBrink and family of Zeeland; Mr. Albert Van Dyke,
Grandville, Mr. and Mrs. R. 0. Miner and son, Lynn, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Dudek, Mr. and Mrs.
all
Earl Dykstra, Mr. and Mrs. Victor F. Klatts and son, of Grand Rapids; Mr. Larry Towe
of Holland,
FOR RELEAS September 9, 1954
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
By Gerald R. Ford, Jr., M. C.
Whether you work on a job, operate your own business or farm, or are a member
of the professions, you may be eligible for benefits under Social Security.
If you have been paying for Social Security and have any questions, or if you
think you might be eligible for the program, contact the local Social Security office,
906 McKay Tower on Campau Square, Grand Rapids.
Those of you who are paying Social Security deductions from your weekly paychecks
ought to get in touch with the office when you reach 65 to find out just what bene-
fits you should be getting. Social Security benefits are not automatic like the
deductions. You have to apply to the Grand Rapids Office before getting the monthly
checks.
The full name for Social Security is "Old-Age and Survivors Insurance." If
someone dies in your family who has been paying Social Security, you may have sur-
vivors benefits coming to you. The local office will be glad to answer any questions
you may have in regard to such payments.
The McKay Tower office is also the place to go for a new card or to replace
one which you have lost. For answers to any questions you may have on the Old-Age
and Survivors Insurance program, call Grand Rapids 9-4236.
Since Social Security now plays an important part in many of our lives, here
are some interesting facts concerning this program:
Social Security figures for Kent and Ottawa Counties have shown a surprising
increase in the last few years. In the short five-year period between 1949 and
1953, the number of people receiving benefits in our District more than doubled
while the total amount of cash benefits received each year increased about five
times.
Kent County citizens receiving payments jumped from about 6,000 to almost
14,000 people in this five-year span. Their benefits increased from about 13
million dollars to 7½ million dollars annually.
Ottawa County figures-although somewhat smaller--have increased in similar
proportion. Recipients climbed from 1,500 to 3,200 while their Social Security
payments went from $370,000 in 1949 to approximately $1,800,000 in 1953.
Ottawa and Kent Counties have been typical of developments in the Social
Security program in the whole United States. In the entire nation during the
five-year period annual payments have risen from 618 million dollars to more than
three billion.
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW - page 2
With 48 million people, or 1/3 of the U. S. population now covered by the program
6 million are presently receiving benefits.
There are two reasons for the large increase in Social Security. First, the
natural increase in our old-age population has brought more people under the program
since its founding 19 years ago. Second, since 1950 many more people have been
given Social Security coverage and their benefits have been substantially increased.
When the Social Security Act became law in 1935 only workers in trade and
industry were included. Since 1950 many others have been brought into the program.
Small businessmen who work for themselves now participate in Social Security as
well as household servants and farm laborers.
Under the Eisenhower Administration's Social Security Bill, many new groups will
also be covered under the program. In general, the bill recommended by the President
and approved by Congress will increase the benefits and broaden the number of persons
covered by about ten million.
Old Age and Survivors Insurance has two basic purposes.
First, an employee or a self-employed person can insure himself of an income for
his old age by the periodic contributions under the law. Benefits after 65 are pre-
dicated on a formula worked out by the Congress which relates to the amount paid in
and the years under covered employment.
Second, many people are dependent on these breadwinners. If that person dies,
these dependents are often left without support. The Survivors Insurance tries to
provide for the unfortunate children, parents, widows, or widowers when the deceased
worker no longer provides for them.
Social Security relieves the public of the cost of caring for thousands of old
people, widows, and children, and it gives millions of our people the secure knowledge
that they won't have to spend their old age in poverty.
FOR RELEASE September 16, 1954
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
by Gerald R. Ford, Jr., M. C.
My guest this week is Harvey V. Higley, Administrator of Veterans Affairs.
His guest report follows:
All of us know the value of an industry or farm enterprise to our local com-
munities, but few recognise the important part Veterans Administration plays in
the economie life of our home towns. It is indeed a pleasure for me to outline
at Jerry Ford's request the impact of the Veterans Administration on Michigan's
economy.
Approximately 95 cents out of every tax dollar that VA receives every year
goes back to the local communities in the form of cash or other benefits to
veterans, their widows, or orphaned children.
The remaining 5 cents goes for the cost of administering VA. It is paid out
in salaries and other expenses that are necessary to distribute the 95 cents in
direct and indirect benefits to veterans or their dependents.
Even the 5-cent-cost-of-operation benefits the local communities because most
of our employees are your neighbors or near-neighbors and the salaries they receive
are spent in your general area.
In the last year for which we have figures, your state of Michigan received
#141,161,000 in direct and indirect benefits to veterans or their dependents. That
does not include sertain life insurance benefits and a few other expenditures of
a minor nature which cannot be broken down by States.
Of this amount, $84,032,000 was paid in cash to 121,000 living veterans or
dependents of deceased veterans in the form of compensation or pension payments.
The remainder covered such benefits as GI Bill education or training, vo-
cational rehabilitation for the disabled, hospitalization, medical care, death
indemnity, burial benefits, and the like.
VA benefits your local community in another way. The GI loan program has
brought Michigan many tax dollars in the 136,700 GI home loans totaling over
$958,630,000 made to date.
The GI Bill education and training program also has made its contribution to
your general welfare, not only in raising the educational level of your community
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YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW - page 2
but in the increased income taxes that have resulted from the higher earning power
of the GI Bill trainees, according to a Census Bureau study.
Our medical program, while of direct benefit only to veterans, has been recog-
nized and is still being recognized for its contribution to the improved standards
of medical care generally. In the treatment of tuberculosis alone, VA has played
an outstanding part in reducing the nation's TB death rate since the end of World
War II.
In short, VA is your good neighbor in almost every aspect of your community
life-economically, educationally, medically, and tax-wise.
During the last session the Congress approved legislation denying civil
service pensions to federal employees convicted of certain felonies or subversive
activities. This bill, now signed by President Eisenhower, bars a federal pension
for such persons as Alger Hiss who was actively connected with subversive activi-
ties while a high-ranking employee of the federal government under the two previous
administrations.
FOR RELEASE September 23, 1954
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
By Gerald R. Ford, Jr, M.C.
Every citizen has a definite right to know whether or not their Congressman
has been "on the job" in Washington. Here is my annual report in this regard. In
the 83rd Congress, including the 1st session in 1953 and the 2nd session in 1954,
as your Congressman I had an attendance record on all roll calls of over 97 per cent.
During the two-year period I was absent on 8 roll calls out of 271. On each of the
eight occasions when your Congressman was not recorded, he was absent on official
business. For example, as chairman of the Army Committee on Appropriations, I
accompanied General Collins to Nevada to witness the firing tests of the new atomic
cannon. On another occasion your Congressman was attending a conference at the
White House while the House of Representatives was in session.
Over the six-year period while I have had the privilege of representing Kent
and Ottawa Counties in the Congress my attendance record has been 97.1 per cent.
During the six sessions of the House of Representatives from 1949 through 1954 there
have been 1177 roll calls, and as your Representative I was recorded on 1142. Again
the only absences occured while away on official business.
The complete record of the 83rd Congress has been written and can now be
scrutinized in detail by all Americans. President Eisenhower publicly indicated
his endorsement and approval of the accomplishments of the House and Senate during
the past two sessions. According to Ike's figures he had a better than 80 per cent
batting average on his legislative recommendations to the Congress. The President
in his radio and television report to the Nation following the wind-up of the session
commented favorably on both the quality and quantity of the new laws approved by
the 83rd Congress.
Here's a summary of the record. The St. Lawrence Seaway is to be a reality,
not a dream. This project will be vastly beneficial to Michigan, and much credit
rightfully goes to President Eisenhower, Senator Ferguson and others on Ike's team.
The House and Senate also approved the first complete revision of our federal tax
laws in 75 years, adopted new long-range farm legislation, brought up to date the
Atomic Energy Act so there will be peacetime uses of this scientific development,
enacted a comprehensive housing law which will insure the construction of over a
million new homes each year, adopted a broadened Social Security law, and a sound,
well coordinated Communist-control program.
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW - page 2
While acting upon this massive legislative program, Congress cut federal
spending to within sight of a balanced budget. Because of these savings, a broad
tax-reduction policy was made possible, returning each year to the taxpayers $7.4
billion of their own money. Some of the tax savings were feasible because the 83rd
Congress approved 14 governmental reorganization plans initially proposed by the
Hoover Commission, but recommended for Congressional action by Ike. Other tax savings
could be made because over 250,000 federal employees were cut from Uncle Sam's payroll.
Much will be written and said about the record of the last Congress in the
weeks ahead, but it is my honest conviction that the House and Senate enacted into
law a most constructive, comprehensive and common sense program for the strengthening
of our Nation both at home and abroad. The problems have been manifold, but by
close cooperation between the President and the Congress we are well on our way to
the solution of our domestic and international difficulties. The atmosphere in
Washington is constructive. Corruption is not tolerated. A high moral tone has
been restored in the Nation's Capital. Under these conditions we should be confident
in the future of America.
Everyone likes to have a kind "pat-on-the-back" from his boss. Several days
ago Representative John Taber, Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, wrote
me a mighty nice letter which I greatly appreciate. Pardon its use, but the contents
might be interesting.
"Dear Jerry,
I want to thank you especially for the work that you did in
the present Congress upon the Appropriations Committee. You were
a tower of strength in the bill providing funds for the Defense
Department and Mutual Security. You aimed also to find out what
was needed and provided it without any waste.
In conferences you were of great value upon both of these
committees, and I know that you helped very materially in working
out many of the problems we faced.
Very sincerely,
Signed -
John Taber***
FOR RELEASE September 30, 1954
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
By Gerald R. Ford, Jr., M. C.
"The American people are determined to protect themselves and their
institutions against any organization in their midst which, purporting to be
a political party within normally accepted meaning, is actually a conspiracy dedi-
cated to the violent overthrow of our entire form of government." That's a quotation
from a recent speech by President Eisenhower. It leads to the question: What did
the 83rd Congress do to Communists?
Here's the House and Senate record on anti-traitor legislation. I) Loss
or forfeiture of citizenship by those advocating the overthrow of our government by
force and violence is now law. The President proposed such legislation in January,
1954, and the Congress took affirmative action during this past session. The law
is based on the sound point of view that a person convicted in a court of competent
jurisdiction of advocating the overthrow of the United States by force and violence
has in effect renounced his allegiance to our government, and therefore forfeited
his right to citizenship. 2) Federal sabotage laws were modernized to include
within the definition of sabotage, acts involving the use of radio-active, biological
and chemical agents. In addition, spying against the United States has been made
a capital crime in peacetime as well as in war. 3) New penalties have been imposed
for harboring or concealing any person who is a fugitive from justice, including
fugitive Communist leaders. 4) Federal retirement pensions will henceforth be
denied to government employees convicted of certain felonies, including subversion.
This legislation stems from the infamous Alger Hiss case. The statute of limitations,
generally applicable to all non-capital offenses, has been extended so that the De-
partment of Justice may have additional time to acquire the necessary evidence to
indict and convict those who seek the overthrow of our government by force and vio-
lence. 5) A new law also provides more stringent criminal penalties for the
punishment of persons who jump bail. Communist leaders on occasion in the past have
avoided and delayed court trial by jumping bail.
J. Edgar Hoover, head of the F. B. I., for a number of years has been most
anxious that Congress approve legislation which would help to obtain information
from former Communists by granting them immunity from federal prosecution if the
"ex-red" gives the F. B. I. valuable "Communist secrets." In this last session the
House and Senate approved the bill so that the Federal Courts can now grant immunity
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YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW - page 2
to certain persons suspected of having knowledge of subversive activities. If such
a person as a witness before a Congressional committee or a Grand Jury refuses to
answer such questions, the individual is subject to court-contempt proceedings and
penalties: J. Edgar Hoover, now that he has this new tool, is expected to put even
more pressure on subversives in the United States.
The Internal Security Act was amended in 1954 to give the Subversive Acti-
vities Control Board broader jurisdiction. Under the new law, labor or business or-
ganizations that are dominated by Communists can be denied the use of federal agencies
and procedures. This legislation gives loyal American members of such organizations
the opportunity of ridding their group of Communist domination.
Last but not least, the Congress cracked down on the Communist Party by
stripping from it all rights, privileges, and immunities. The new legislation also
subjects members of the Communist Party or its various front organizations, having
knowledge of their revolutionary aims and objectives, to the provisions and penalties
of the Internal Security Act.
The new lesiglation will definitely help in the fight against the Communist
threat. However, in the past 20 months, even under the old laws the Department of
Justice has leveled the boom on the "Reds." For example, 41 Communist leaders have
been convicted and 27 others have been indicted. Since May, 1953, 2,486 federal
government employees have been separated from U. S. employment for criminal, infamous,
or immoral conduct, and in this group are many who violated security regulations,
or advocated or associated with those who advocated the overthrow of our government.
Some, including some Democrat politicians, have attempted to minimize these figures
by saying that the separation of 2400-plus employees for security reasons was in-
significant. Frankly, the answer is simple--one Alger Hiss was too many, one Judith
Coplon was too many. Complacency in dealing with Communists is intolerable. The
record shows Ike and this last Congress have moved forward rapidly and effectively
in attacking the problem.
VISITORS: Barbara Gozdik, Mary Ann Dunnebacke, Arlene Hernes, and Mr. Robert J.
Danhof, all of Grand Rapids.
FORD
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