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Ford Newsletter, Apr.-June 1955
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Ford Newsletter, Apr.-June 1955
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This file contains material relating to Dwight Eisenhower.
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
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Department of Defense. 9/18/1947-
Agriculture
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This document scanned from Box D1 of the Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
FOR RELEASE April 7, 1955
For ten years the Yalta Conference has been denounced by many as a
"capitulation" to Russia. Others have defended the decisions by President Roose-
velt, Churchill, and Stalin on the basis that Mr. Roosevelt made what appeared
in 1945 to be a fair compromise. Unfortunately F. D. R. assumed Soviet
Russia would live up to the agreements made. In the last ten days the publication
of Yalta Papers has reopened the entire controversy.
A copy of the published Yalta Papers was delivered to my office as it
was to all members of the Congress. It is a massive two-volume edition comprising
829 pages. At this point I haven't read every word of every page, but I have
studied the documents, read reams of comments by authorities on the subject.
My own views can be summarized as follows:
The decision to make the Yalta Papers public was entirely proper because
the American public has the right to know what actually transpired at this
meeting. Any and all previous secret deals between diplomats should be made
known. The last Congress, by providing the funds, for the publication of the
Yalta Papers, expressed the view that the public was entitled to the record
of this conference, good or bad. The release of those papers will not jeopardize
our relations with foreign countries. Even if it does, saving the "face"
of a diplomat is less important than saving the life of an American G. I.
It has been claimed that there is nothing in the Yalta Papers to indicate
that Alger Hiss advocated pro-Communist positions. It is interesting to note
that at no time in his career did Hiss publicly take decidedly pro-Communist
positions, despite the fact that we all know he was convicted of lying when
he said he did not turn government documents over to an espionage agent. It is
also to be recalled that Whittaker Chambers testified that men like Hiss in the
Soviet apparatus were strictly prohibited from publicly taking a pro-Communist
line.
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW - page 2
The important question concerning Hiss is not whether he took a pro-Communist
position, but what documents he had access to. On Galley 91 of the Yalta Papers
it states:
"
All memoranda for the President on topics to be discussed at the
Meeting of the Big Three should be in the hands of Mr. Alger Hiss not later than
Monday, January 15
If
In other words, Hiss had access to the secret briefing papers which were
used by our side during the Conference. If he was an espionage agent at that
time, this vital information was made available to the Communists. At a conference
table a negotiator can have no greater advantage than to know what moves his
opponents are going to make.
I agree with President Eisenhower's statement that we should look to the
future rather than the past, but in order to prepare us for any new international
conferences we must be fully aware of the long record of Communist duplicity
and double talk.in order to avoid the mistakes of the past.
ABOUT THE PRESIDENT
President Eisenhower pointed up an important fact during the recent tax
struggle in Congress when he said: "In the past two years, the cost of living
has varied less than one half of one per cent. From 1939 to 1953, the dollar
went from 100 cents to 53 cents. It is that kind of thing that must be stopped.
A free economy is based on a stable dollar, which is more important to all low-
income groups than it is to rich peiple."
President Eisenhower's pastor, the Rev. Edward L. R. Elson, recently
rose to the defense of our Chief Executive in the wake of a low-level, below-the-
belt barrage of insinuations and accusations against the President. Rev. Elson's
remarks came in answer to a speech made by West Virginia's Senator Matthew Neely
accusing the President of "hypocracy" in making capital out of his church
attendance. The Pastor said in part, "The religious life of the President is so
transparently sincere as to be self-validating."
VISITORS
Mr. Floyd A. Thornton, Mr. William A. Van Zytveld, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Carpenter,
Pvt. James Monsma, Mr. and Mrs. James Lanting, and Mr. Benjamin J. Woznick, all
of Grand Rapids. Mr. George Copeland add Mr. Pail Winchester of Holland; Dr. and
Mrs. Ralph Hager and family of Hudsonville, Mr. Alvin F. Reister, Mr. Walter Reister,
and Miss Nancy Miller of Sparta.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
FOR RELEASE April 14, 1955
Official legislative business halted from April 4th to 13th as Congress
took its annual Easter recess. For your Congressman this meant that the usual
legislative activities such as committee meetings and sessions of Congress gave
way to the pleasant informality of the tourist season, and with it an opportunity
to catch up on correspondence and make some advanced excursions into legislation
scheduled to come up soon, Spending a full day at the office, I was fortunate
enough to have the opportunity to chat with many folks from home who were vaca-
tioning in Washington and dropped by to see their Congressman. On Tuesday I met
the Senior class of Rockford High School on their annual jaunt to the Capitol.
Later I met a group of young people from the Fountain Street Baptist Church of
Grand Rapids.
It seems that the tempo of the last half of this session of Congress will
gain momentum. But this is not to mean Congress has not already kept busy. For
instance, five of the dozen appropriations bills which have gone through committee
have passed the House. They now await Senate action. These are important measures
because they allocate the spending of public funds and have great influence in
determining governmental policy.
Congress has passed pay increase bills for its own members, the judiciary
and for career personal in the armed forces. Two other pay bills, for postal
employees and civilian government employees, still await action but approval is
expected shortly. Your Congressman voted in favor of the President's foreign
trade program which to date has met some rough going in the Senate Finance Com-
mittee. I also voted to extend the Selective Service Act for four additional years.
Still in the mill are 5,400 House bills of which I introduced sixteen.
Some of the more controversial measures we may hear more about are the highway
and education programs, health reinsurance and farm supports. Last year's flexible
farm price support legislation has not yet had a try-out because its first
applicability is to this year's crops. The House Agriculture Committee has, however,
approved a bill, which is bound for sharp debate, for a return to 90 per cent on
basic crops.
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW - Page 2
On the 46 days the House has been in session since January 5th your
Congressman has answered 33 of the 34 roll call votes. I missed one when ful-
filling a speech commitment in Michigan.
One of the five appropriations bills the House passed is the agriculture
apprepriations bill for fiscal 1956. This bill allocates $800 million for our
price support program along with an additional $30 million for agricultural
research. Although this latter figure only represents 10 per cent of that spent
for price supports, it seems more than likely that proper reaearch can eventually
aid in the solution of some of the current ills of agriculture by helping the
farmer adjust to changing times and relieving growing surpluses.
Recently I came across examples of how these funds earmarked for research
will be used for finding new ways to use common farm products. For instance,
apple growers in and around Sparta will be interested to learn that a method
has been developed for producing a concentrated apple juice with the aroma, flavor
and taste of fresh apple cider. McIntosh apples are considered especially fine
for producing this new full-flavored juice.
Oats can be an excellent crop replacement for wheat. Consequently, work
is being done to produce new varieties of oats with the aim of finding more
attractive feeding outlets and uses, New demands for rice will follow newly
discovered ways of providing it in a flaky form which may make it more attractive
to housewives. A new form of dehydrated potatoes, potato flakes by name, which
make delicious fluffy mashed potatoes as quickly as you can mix with hot water
has been devised. This added convenience and ease of preparation will make
housewives, restaurants, armed forces and public institutions more desirous of
using potatoes, hence help reduce any market surpluses.
A new tomato powder has been added to the growing family of fruit-juice
powders. This powder can be converted into tomato juice when mixed with water,
even ice water. The poweer is equally good for tomato pastes or purees and other
recipies
We should all recognize the value of this research to find new and
better ways of using our farm products and farmer initiative. So in answer to
the question, can we develop new uses for farm products, especially those in
surplus? The only answer is a growing yes.
YOU R WASHINGTON REVIEW - page 3
RECENT VISITORS
Mr. and Mrs. Stan Coates, Suzanne Frost, Adrian W. Verspoor and Anne,
Wayne, and Carl, Dr. H. J. Walkotten, Robert A. Winter, Timothy C. Richard, Mr.
and Mrs. F. N. Searl and Fred M., Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Bergsma and family, Vicki,
Carol, Judy, Alice Littlefield, Mrs. Frederick Vogt and Charlotte and Fred,
Blake Beaudrias, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Krucke and Rosemary, all from Grand Rapids;
Mr. and Mrs. Randall C. Bosch, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew J. Dalman and family, Junia,
John, Jane and Jeaney, Mr. and Mrs. John DeWilde of Holland; Mr. and Mrs. Jay
Poel of Grand Haven.
ROCKFORD HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR CLASS
CHAPERONES - Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Fox and Mr. and Mrs. Stanley McBride
STUDENTS: Carroll Graves; Charlene Pfeiffer; James Padden Vredenburg;
Stophen Manzee; Paul Coykendall; Vincent Richard Otterbasher; Janet Cooper;
Dill Oldenkamp; Sally Wright; Judy Johnson; Carole Birman; Donna Anderson;
Darline Dagley: Susie Beintum; Barb May; Sharon Bye; Judy Berinan; Louis
Wood; Karen Fosbury; Marcella Gedritis; Robert Gedritis; Marian Mardin;
Gloria Zarback; Norma Ryan; Elizabeth Gedritis; Hal Spinner; R. K. Spriggel;
Novia Muir; Frank Hoekstra; Gerald Hoekstra; Barbara Wilson; Kent Graves;
Jack Randall; Joyce Powell; Dudley Alden Cox; Sue Baribean;
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
FOR RELEASE April 21, 1955
The House Appropriations Committee is presently considering a combined
budget totalling approximately $35 billion for the Army, Navy, and Air Force in
fiscal 1956. Another phase of our national security tied just as closely with
our national objectives as the military is the United State Information Agency
which was allocated $80.5 million for its work in the coming fiscal year.
These funds will be used by the Information Agency for continuing to
contact people in the free world as well as those persona living behind the
"Iron Curtain" to disprove the false claims of communism and to stimulate the
captive peoples to associate their hopes and aspirations with our own in the common
cause for freedom. This crusade for truth is designed to replace the theoretical
and deceptive picture painted by communist propagandists. (Incidentally, the
Kremlin spends at least $1.5 billion on propaganda annually.) To do this the U.S.
Information Agency including the Voice of America calls upon victims of communist
rule to give eye-witness accounts of communist brutality and duplicity. These
accounts are broadcast abroad on both sides of the Iron Curtain and widely dis-
tributed throughout the world via pamphlets in many languages.
The source of much of this information beamed abroad is the hearings of
a select committee established by the 83rd Congress to study communism. This
information which exposes communism for what it actually is may be found in any
of the Information Agency's 600 libraries maintained in foreign countries, in
reports issued by the Agency, or heard over the Voice of America.
Several distinct results are traceable to the work done by the United
States Information Agency in outselling and exposing communism on both sides of
the "Iron Curtain." During the last two years Communist Party membership in
France and Italy has decreased by about one-third. Also, evidence strongly in-
dicates that recent agricultural slowdowns in communist countries may be traced
in considerable measure to dissatisfaction sown by the Information Agency.
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW - page 2
Two bills, both passed by the Senate and awaiting House action, would
strengthen and extend the coverage of our laws which deal with obscene literature.
These bills are a result of a report by the Senate subcommittee which
inv@stigated juvenile delinquency. The subcommittee found that the nationwide
traffic in obscene matter is increasing year by year and that a large part of that
traffic is being channeled into the hands of children. The subcommittee re-
commended implementation of the present law to completely prohibit use of the
mail for carrying obscene matter. By only applying to specific classes of litera-
ture the subcommittee discovered that there was a loophole in the law which ex--
ploitators were using to their advantage to sell such material harmful to juveniles.
S. 599 extends the law to make carrying obscene matter in interstate or
foreign commerce by any private conveyence unlawful. As the present law stands
it is only ilegal to transport such literature by common carrier or through the
mail. S. 600 is designed to avoid legal loopholes in the postal laws by sub-
stituting general words for the special classes now in the criminal code. This
broader legislation will enable enforcement officers to more easily crack down
on the transportation of obscene literature.
Your Congressman is in complete agreement with the intent of this legis-
lation and will actively support it in the House.
Your Congressman attended the opening day baseball game in Washington and
watched "Ike" pull out at the opportune moment from Washington's point of view
his famous good luck "rabbits foot." The President, a real baseball fan, ob-
viously enjoyed an afternoon of relaxation from the difficult international problems
and decisions which he faces each and every day.
Recent visitors to Washington included the following:
Marijane Barr, Sheila McGee, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas De Fouw, Jim and Tom
Pantlind, George C. Thomson, Mrs. Beatrice Annia, all of Grand Rapids; and
Captain Robert F. Soule of Spring Lake.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
FOR RELEASE April 28, 1955
Stimulated by anti-administration charges, a black cloud of skepticism
and controversy hung over the Dixon-Yates contract which was blown into into a
campaign issue last November. It was often repeated that should the American
voter change the political mainspring of Congress, his reward would be a thorough
re-examination of this contract between the AEC and the Mississippi Valley
Generating Company with proper action taken in the public interest.
Last November the Congress did change hands and today, nearly four months
after taking office, these same anti-administration forces who so eagerly
pounced upon and viciously condemned Dixon-Yates have been with few exceptions
conspicuously inactive and silent. Why have these politically inspired attacks
and insinuations ceased and a strange long silence pervaded the anti-administration
forces? It is because the myths and misconceptions about Dixon-Yates have given
way to the facts which reveal the contract for what it actually is--a soundly
negotiated contract serving the public interest.
For instance, one charge leveled against the Dixon-Yates contract was
that it violated the spirit of competitive bidding. Yet it followed the same
procedure used by the previous administration in negotiating AEC contracts
with two private utility companies--Electric Energy Inc., and the Ohio Valley
E
lectric Corporation. The reason why previous administrations established this
precedent is because the power business is operated in areas allocated by state-
controlled franchise. The utilities represented by Dixon-Yates are the only
ones serving the area near Memphis, Tennessee. The alternative would have been
an initial outlay of $107 million in federal tax money to contruct a government-
owned and operated plant.
The contract does not assure Dixon-Yates any guaranteed profit. Esti-
mates place the maximum return to Dison-Yates on their over-all investment at less
than four per cent. The private companies here are taking the major risks.
They do not have the taxpayer's dollar behind them in the event their judgment
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW - page 2
is wrong. And, in addition, savings from efficient management and lower costs are
passed along to the taxpayer and the consumer.
Everything concerning the Dixon-Yates contract has been periodically
released for the public record. Nothing is hidden. The administration conducted
negotiations for this contract in the same manner that previous administrations
did for similar AEC contracts and incidentally at a greater saving in dollars to
the federal treasury.
These and other facts, once brought out into the open, prove that the
Eisenhower Administration selected the soundest and most efficient method for
satisfying the growing demands for electricity in the Tennessee Valley, including
the natural defense requirements of the Atomic Energy Commission. Anti-administration
charges against the Dixon-Yates contract have evaporated and the facts prove beyond
a shadow of a doubt that opponents have no better alternatives to offer the country
than the one already selected.
Hollis Baker of our own 5th District is now in Tokyo as one of four
American representatives at the First International Trade Fair in Japan. Mr. Baker
was sent to Tokyo by the Office of International Trade Fairs which is a new division
of the Department of Commerce.
Although the U. S. has a larger volume of world trade than any other
nation, until recently we have neglected to take advantage of this age-old and time-
honored fair custom to display American products and sell the world on the quality
of our wares made by our skilled Yankee workers. The Communists have been using
these fairs in Europe and Asia for some time as a propaganda vehicle and now the
J. 3. is taking advantage of an opportunity to beat them at their own game. American
participation in these fairs should definitely help to increase the volume of our
foreign trade. This is another forward step by President Eisenhower to aid and
assist American labor and industry.
I have on hand a number of most informative government publications for
free distribution. There is a publication entitled "Infant Care," a booklet on
"How Our Laws are Made," and some excellent cookbooks called "Family Fare. If you
care to have any of these, drop me a line specifying which ones you wish.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
FOR RELEASE May 5, 1955
Besides current legislative matters, your Congressman's attention has
recently focused on three important questions. Large quantities of mail from
home have helped direct my thoughts to the distribution of surplus foods stored
by our government as well as the proposed world calendar reform. Also, many
Washington conversations are flowing in the wake of the Bandung Conference which
ended on April 24th at Bandung, Indonesia.
The Bandung Conference, between 29 nations of the African-Asian block
commenced on April 18th amidst great speculation that the week-long talks would
result in condemnations of the West and of our Asian policy while serving as a
propaganda sounding board for the Reds. What actually occured was a favorable
response by many of these nations to the United States' Far Eastern policy.
Great pro-Western support emerged from countries in the African-Asian block
where it had not been expected. And the firm stand taken by our nation in this
section of the world has given these smaller countries the moral courage to
stand up and be counted among free nations opposed to colonialism of any kind.
At the very beginning of the Conference an anti-communist indictment
was sparked by Iraq whose delegate reviewed communist aggression in Europe and
Asia denouncing it as a "subversive religion," and a "new form of colonalism
much deadlier than the old."
These and other statements originating at Bandung offer vivid demon-
strations that the free democratic spirit, so avidly and effectively expressed
in U. S. foreign policy, has actively sparked the aspirations of the leaders in
these nations. Also, the Bandung Conference bears convincing evidence that the
technical and economic assistance we have provided to these countries has brought
rewards to the Western world by helping us to win new friendships and raise our
hopes for peace.
Closely allied with this assistance are the steps being taken by the
United States to distribute the huge stores of surplus foods at home and abroad.
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW - page 2
But instead of using an impersonal government-to-government approach in
the distribution of huge farm surpluses, the United States donates the food which
is distributed by American relief agencies. In all, 43 countries have received
free food donated by our government through 17 American Relief Agencies. The
food packages clearly indicate that they are from American citizens to the people
in a particular country. This people-to-people approach can be highly commended
because it promotes friendships directly between people, bypassing the impersonal
protocol of governments.
Not all food donated by our Government goes abroad. Since July 1, 1954
over 392 million pounds have gone to school children and to 4,000,000 needy and
institutionalized Americans. During that same 10 months, 457 million pounds of
surplus commodities have been sent to 43 countries. Goods shipped abroad through
these private relief agencies include butter, cheese, dried milk, cottonseed oil,
shortening, and butter oil.
Many churches and other organizations in the Fifth District have shown
interest in this food distribution. If your group should be interested in
this project, you may write to the Church World Services, Inc., 215 Fourth Avenue,
New York 3, New York.
I have received numerous letters in opposition tc the proposed world
calendar change. I am in complete agreement with the opinions expressed in these
letters and I will oppose any calendar change.
The Department of State advises me that the United Nations may set up
a study group on calendar reform. Secretary John Foster Dulles and our repre-
sentatives at the U. N. are not in favor of this action and the United States
will officially cppose setting up this U.N. study group on calendar reform. I
have also been informed that our State Department will hold to that position
until there is Congressional authorization for the calendar study. From my ob-
servations it seems that Congress is in no mood to tamper with the calendar.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
FOR RELEASE May 12, 1955
Agriculture contributes a large share to the prosperity of our entire
country. When hard times are felt among the 145,000 farm families in Michigan,
it doesn't take long for city manufacturers of such things as cars, washing
machines and many other consumer producers to feel the economic squeeze through
the loss in purchasing power of these valued customers.
Republicans and Democrats, both recognizing this, have chosen different
courses in hopes of steering the best route for our large and productive agri-
cultural industry. H. R. 12 provided the latest battlefield. This bill, which
was passed by the House of Representatives last week, nullifies the present farm
legislation and rigid price supports for the six basic commodities which are:
peanuts, tobacco, corn, wheat, cotton, and rice.
I, with most other Republicans, oppose H.R. 12. In 1954 Congress voted
cut the rigid price support program which had been operating for many years. The
flexible support plan passed last year provided that this new program begin with
the 1955 harvest which is still some months away. During a period of rigid price
supports from 1947 to 1954 net farm incomes have dropped by 25 per cent. In other
words, 90 per cent of parity does not guarantee stability in farm income. Should
H.R. 12 become law we would still be laboring under this same uneconomic, ex-
pensive program leaving the flexible system totally untested.
I feel that our experience with the rigid price supports plan has proved
that it is totally impractical. Not only has it failed to stop farm incomes from
declining but huge surpluses have resulted with the high storage costs they impose.
The storage ccst to the federal treasury on these surpluses is one million dollars
each day cr $365 million annually. We have in storage $7.5 billion worth of farm
commodities, all the result cf high price supports.
Quota controls and restrictions accempany rigid supports and these deprive
the Armer of much of his freedom and independence. And in violation of the free
FORD
competitive spirit, rigid supports offer no solution whatsoever to the adjustment
LIBRAR
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW - Page 2
of production to consumer demand. Moreover, large corporate farmers reap the
greatest benefits from rigid supports leaving the smaller family-type farmers
out in the cold.
Michigan farmers, especially, should realize that only 13 per cent cf
their cash receipts come from the six basic crops which would receive 90 per cent
parity under H. R. 12. Of the total cash receipts of Michigan farms, 53 per cent
comes from crcps which are entirely withcut support such as meat animals, poultry,
and eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and other miscellaneous items.
It is interesting to note that during consideration of H.R. 12 every
Democrat from Michigan voted for amendments to support peanut prices at 90 per
cent of parity and every Democrat from Michigan on the House Floor vcted against
an amendment which would give 90 per cent price supports for dairy products.
Therefore, Michigan Democrats supported southern peanut growers but wouldn't
give the same consideration to Michigan milk producers.
The peanut price support program supported by Michigan Democrat Congress-
men has cost the American taxpayer $116 million in direct losses. In addition,
under this price support program the price of peanuts to Michigan consumers has
increased by at least 50 per cent. So according to Democrat action, peanuts
and tobacco are more basic than dairy products which account for 46 per cent of
Michigan's agricultural income.
SOME COMPARISONS:
An hour's take home pay of 30 years ago would buy five and one-half
lcaves cf bread or three and one-half quarts of milk or one dozen oranges. Today's
take home pay for an hour's labor will buy fcr you 10 lcaves of bread or seven
quarts cf milk or three dozen oranges. This can be partially explained by
improved farming methods which 30 years ago restricted each farm worker's pro-
duction to enough food for himself and seven other people. Now he produces enough
for himself and 18 others.
One of the little "fringe" duties of a Congressman is to answer requests
for American flags which have flown over the Capitol Building in Washington. Any
person or organization wishing a 5 X 8 foot "Old Glory" with a certificate to the
fact that it has flown over the Capitol Building should send me $6.50 to pay for
it and I will see that one is promptly forwarded.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
FOR RELEASE May 19, 1955
This past week the House of Reprosentatives approved the forthcoming
fiscal year budget for the Army, Navy and Air Force. It amounted to the whopping
total of $31.5 billion which incidentally is considerably more than half of the
whole federal budget for the 12 month period beginning July 1st.
In effect the House concurred in the judgment of the President on
how much money should be spent on the national defense program. Reductions
totaling $744 million were recommended by my committee plus the cancellation
of a $1.6 billion in working capital funds. All of the savings, and they are
substantial, were recommended by the committee after three long months of daily
hearings. The printed testimony of numerous witnesses embraced 5,100 pages and
a large part of the testimony was "off the record" for security reasons and
therefore nct printed.
The statement has been made that cur top military leaders did not support
the President's military budget. This accusation is not true. Admiral Radford,
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, categcrically endorsed "Ike's" program as
did General Twining of the Air Force, Admiral Carney of the Navy and General
Shepherd of the Marines. Only General Ridgeway of the Army had reservations
abcut the adequacy of this multi-billion dollar appropriation.
It must be remembered that our national defense program places the
accent on a powerful air striking force with the newest and most potent weapons
plus a bid build-up in our continental defense. During the next twelve months
the United States will be spending substantially greater sums than ever before
for defense against enemy air attack.
Some Democrats have objected because Ike recommended a cutback of
77,000 men for the Army. Even with this minor reduction, the Army will have over
a million men on activo duty which is abcut twice the number available at the
time former President Truman ordered cur GIs to defend South Korea.
The Army cutback is justified because the combat efficiency of the
active duty forces has been greatly increased since 1953. No longer under Ike's
program is the Army encumbered with too many non-combat scldiers. In 1956 the
LIBRARY
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW - page 2
ratio of cembat troops to total forces will be the best in the history of the
Nation.
Furthermore, and this is important, the firepower of the Army has
increased cver 80 per cent in the past 10 years and prospects for the future,
because of new technological developments are far more promising. The record
also shows that our Army nowadays is infinitely more mobile than ever before and
the ability to move rapidly is most important in modern warfare. The helicoptor
is the newest element in Army plans for a fast moving outfit. In any atomic
war good communications equipment will be a necessity. Since the end of World
War II the Army has developed equipment SC it can communicate twice as far
without any increase in weight. Or it might be put this way. The Army can
communicate the same distance with equipment weighing half as much. Yes,
because of better firepower, mobility, and communications the number of GIs
in the Army can be legitimately reduced.
Also in the next year the Army National Guard and the Army Reserve
forces will be expanded in numbers and effectiveness. General Ridgeway went
on record endorsing the greater potency of the reserve forces which are an
integral part of national defense.
For the past five years Uncle Sam has spent about $10 billion in
military aid for our allies so that the total military strength of the anti-
communist forces throughout the world would be stronger. This vast investment
in U. S. dollars was predicated on the basis that as our allies got stronger
the ground forces of the United States could be reduced. In the next year
this plan will bring real dividends. South Korea will have over 20 divisions
or a military strength of about 500,000, practically all financed by the U. S.
The new German and Japanese military forces of about 600,000 average will be
a reality shortly and again Uncle Sam has provided most of the guns, tanks, and
ammunition. With the new anti-communist forces recruited from the "Free World,"
the reduction in our Army appears completely justified.
One fails to see how the Democrats can substantiate spending an
additional $500 million in one year for 75,000 more U. S. Army troops which would
require dcubling the monthly draft call from 10,000 to about 20,000. Yes, I'll
stick with Ike's military judgment and his recommendations on how much money
we need for a strong national defense program!
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
FOR RELEASE May 26, 1955
Despite the better atmosphere for world peace let no one underestimate
the need for our nation to remain militarily powerful. Our military tools must
be ready and yet ever subject to reappraisal if we are to keep pace with those
who are attempting to stack world power against us. This past week the House
considered the National Reserve Plan, which concerns an important aspect of our
national defense, that of building the maximum military strength through the
most effective reserve organizations.
As the National Reserve Plan was reported out of committee it would
provide for a 2,900,000 "reserve force to accompany the regular military estab-
lishment with personnel totalling 2,850,000.
Many persons have the misconception that the National Reserve Plan is
identical to UMT. The National Reserve Plan is not UMT nor is it intended to
fulfill the same functions as Universal Military Training. Representative Dewey
Short of Missouri, an outspoken opponent of such legislation stated during debate
on the House floor, "This present bill is not UMT, granted. "
One major difference is that this reserve plan has none of the compulsary
features of a Europeanized UMT program. The new reserve plan simply recognizes
the need for a trained pool of manpower to back up the regular armed forces in
case of an emergency. No youth would be forced to enter any particular reserve
program against his will. In fact, if anything, this proposed legislation widens
the scope of individual choice by providing several alternatives to the present
two-year draft.
In the National Reserve Plan, the six-month trainees receive training as
members of the armed forces and then revert to civilian-reservist status for
a seven and one-half year period. This would involve weekly drills and yearly
two-week concentrated training periods. Furthermore the proposal offers several
alternatives to fit special individual cases such as for young men who live in
remote areas some distance from an organized reserve unit.
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW - Page 2
Should a young man not wish to fulfill his military obligation in this
manner he may chose to enlist for a regular hitch in any branch of the armed
forces. Or he may take the selective service route for two years of active duty
as a draftee.
It is unfortunate that our young men are faced with problems such as
these. Although I have always doubted the advisability of the European type UMT
legislation, I do favor the provisions of the National Reserve Plan, It seems
to offer the best solution to a difficult and costly problem involving our
national security. By allowing each young man to make his own choice as to
several alternatives, he is thereby able to select that plan which will mean the
least disruption to his life. And still the National Reserve Plan guarantees a
strong standing force which provides a manpower pool of men reasonably ready,
trained and callable.
I earnestly hope that this plan does not have to become a permanent
element in our national way of life. However, we must maintain an adequate national
defense in light of present world conditions. Right now we seem to be at a very
meaningful point in world relations with A strian freedom a reality, a big power
conference in the making and the fruitful rewards we hope will materialize from
Harold Stassen's work as newly appointed "Secretary of Peace. But to make peace
a reality we must work toward it from a position of strength of which the National
Reserve Plan is a crucial part.
Since this issue has not been fully resolved in the Congress, if you have
any specific questions about this National Reserve Plan and the many complications
concerned, I would be happy to answer them.
Last week I was on the short end of a 218-170 House vote which once again
smothered any chance of statchood for Alaska or Hawaii in the 84th Congress.
Beneath the surface of the pro and con statements on this question, I
believe two facts are essentially responsible for holding up favorable action
on statehood for these territories. For one thing, the Southern voting block in
Congress fears that these new states might, not only send an oriental representative
to Washington, but will eventually produce new strength for civil rights legislation
which Southerners so violently oppose. Scondly, representatives from the more
populace states such as New York fear that their relative voting strength, par-
ticularly in the Senate will be diminished should these lightly populated areas
be admitted.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
FOR RELEASE June 2, 1955
At this time each year, high school and college graduating seniors begin
to cast their conquering glances about a new world opening up before them.
These new graduates are entering this new era of their lives in a period
of national prosperity and the most peaceful world conditions probably enjoyed
in their entire lives. The career prospects for the class of 1955 are excellent
and are of supreme importance to the future of our nation in the race for
technological superiority. In a recent address Secretery of Labor Mitchell
pointed out that one of the most challenging problems of our day "is the urgent
need to raise the level of the skills of the American work force." To the
graduating seniors this means that there are not only growing job opportunities
in the field of technology and the skilled trades, but also great service may
be rendered to our country by preparing for such work.
President Eisenhower was on hand last week to greet the Annual Meeting
of the President's Committee on Employment of the Physically Handicapped. The
principle objective of this meeting made up of persons from throughout the country
was "to create a climate for the handicapped to find employment." The President
has indicated a lively interest in this problem.
I was privileged to attend portions of this conference and to gain some
insight into the problems of the large group of potentially productive
Americans who unfortunately have some physical handicap. The committee, which
has its offices within the Department of Labor, is composed of volunteer citizen
groups representing segments of our society which may have some impact on finding
gainful employment for this group of persons. These may include people from
industry, labor, education and government.
Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare Oveta Culp Hobby has emphasized that
any distribution plan for the anti-polio serum must embrace the principle that
the "safety of the vaccine be the paramount consideration." All of us will agree
with that point of view for the health of our children is vital.
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW - Page 2
Mrs. Hobby also emphasized that the vaccine must be distributed on an
equitable basis among the states and individuals within the state. She stresses
that children should be able to receive the vaccine regardless of the ability
of their parents to pay for it and that the distribution system be as practical,
fast, and effective as possible. It is my earnest hope that politics do not
enter into the distribution of this crucial Salk vaccine because if it does
our young children will be the ones to suffer.
On May 3rd I was one of three members of the House whose pro-Eisenhower
voting record stood at 100 per cent on 19 domestic and foreign issues upon which
there was a roll call and the President had taken a stand. However, my pro-Ike
batting average has dropped a bit since the time of this tally. Very recently
I voted in favor of statehood for Alaska and Hawaii although President Eisenhower
only favored admission of Hawaii. In 1953-1954 sessions of the Congress your
Congressman supported Ike's legislative program 92 per cent on the Congressional
scorecard.
IN A SENTENCE OR TWO --
In response to a large quantity of mail, I have stated that I do not
consider the Harris Bill a proper solution to the natural gas problem in Michigan
I now have my quota of a pamphlet entitled "Our American Government"
available for free distribution upon request. This pamphlet offers a series
of 291 informative questions and answers about the operation of the government
American citizens who were prisoners of war for any time after December 7,
1941 are now eligible for prisoner of war benefits. All claims must be filed
on or before August 31, 1955.
VISITORS: David Noorthoek, Mrs. Harry Bowles, Dorothy S. Blake, Dr. and Mrs.
Leonard Greenway, Mr. Ben Vink, Patricia Liddle, Martha H. Russell, Mr. and
Mrs. John P. Houk, Mr. and Mrs. John Young, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hoekstra, Dr.
and Mrs. W. J. Cary, Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Crawford, Mr. Dred S. Madison,
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Vander Vennen, Mr. John Salatka, Charles, A. Meconis, Catherine
Hoogenboom, Mr.' and Mrs. Raymond DeBree all of Grand Rapids; Joan Martinka,
Anne Lisor, Frank Drabezyk, Jr., C. W. Walton of Grand Haven, Mr. and Mrs. Avery
Baker of Holland, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne-VaDeAnenaam of Zeeland.
Your Washington Review
KENT
OTTAWA
5
Congressman
JERRY FORD
For Release June 9, 1955
At long last it appears as though a postal pay bill has been introduced in the
Congress which wipes away the inequities of previous legislation opposed by the Admin-
istration. Last week the Senate passed this new bill which provides for an 8.1 per
cent pay increase by a vote of 78 to 0, and I earnestly hope that by the time this
is read a similar bill will have passed the House.
Until a few days ago political manuvering dominated sound judgment on pay increase
legislation for postal employees. Your Congressman in the past ten months on several
occasions has voted for pay bills that would have given well deserved raises, but he
would not support legislation which could not become law because of discriminatory
provisions. Now a substantial bill has administration support. It not only gives a
fair raise but does so with an equitable re-classification system.
I will wholeheartedly support this bill which makes the pay raise retroactive to
March 1st. I will also vote for a similar pay increase bill for all other federal
employees and this should be on the statute books within the next several weeks.
Last week the United States Supreme Court implemented its ruling on school inte-
gration made on May 17, 1954. Last year's decision declared that racial segregation
in public schools is unconstitutional. On the basis of our democratic principles and
Christian faith, the court could do nothing else. This recent court ruling recognizes
that because the transition from segregation to integration in public schools involves
different local conditions, the process should be progressive but yet gradual enough
to meet local situations. I approved of last year's decision, and I believe the
court has taken a sound position in its latest order.
The reaction from Southern Democrats to the integration plan presented by the
Supreme Court has carried the spirit of stern opposition. A late outburst came from
Senator Eastland, Democrat of Mississippi, who is second ranking member of the Senate
Judiciary Committee. In his statement on the floor of the United States Senate,
Mr. Eastland said -
"I know that southern people will not surrender their dual school system
and their racial heritage at the command of this crowd of racial politic-
ians in judicial robes."
This attitude toward our highest court on the part of a member of a coordinate
branch of our government is more dangerous, I fear, than the opposition to integration
itself.
Former President Truman recently paid President Eisenhower one of the finest
tributes that has come Ike's way. In the TV program "Family Reunion," Mr. Truman
said according to a newspaper story that the "world is approaching a peace settlement
and the end of the cold war." This, he pointed out "appeared to be the most important
development in world affairs since he left the White House." We agree 100 per cent.
As Secretary Dulles stated in his latest report to the nation, "We are going to
prevail (because) we have been standing for good, sound, moral principle - - with
firmness, determination, with strength in the right."
ABOUT PROSPERITY -
The average weekly earnings in all manufacturing plants is up $8.90 today over the
average wage in April 1952, which means an increase of 13.7 per cent. According to
the Bureau of Labor Statistics average hourly earnings have risen 21 cents, or an
increase of 12.12 per cent over April 1952. In this same three year period the con-
sumer price index, which represents the cost of living, rose only 1.1 per cent. More-
over, the cost of living index remained constant from December 1954 through March 1955,
and dropped one-tenth of a point in April. Economic stability has been achieved.
In addition, the index on home construction rose 57 per cent between April 1952
and the present; this means 57 per cent more homes are being built today than were in
April three years ago. Today more people are gainfully employed than ever before in
our nation's history. This current total of 61,685,000 represents an increase of
2.5 per cent in three years. We are in a period of an economically-sound prosperity
without war or a huge governmental public works program.
I was most fortunate to be able to spend the Memorial Day weekend home in Michigan,
and to have the opportunity of speaking in Grand Haven on Memorial Day. - Something
additional was added to my trip back to Washington when I carried along a little six
month old Golden Retriever puppy for my boys, Mike who is five and Jack now age 3.
Boys and pup have taken to each other very well and Jack and Mike have named
their new friend, Brown Sugar.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
For Release June 16, 1955
It was gratifying to learn last week that the Senate passed a bill which
extends the Small Business Administration for an additional two years. Soon the House
will consider similar legislation which is designed to serve the Nation's small
businesses. The Small Business Administration set up under President Eisenhower has
been in existence about two years. It is a 100 per cent service agency with no
regulatory duties whatsoever.
The agency has four major programs which by serving small firms bring greater
benefits to the economy as a whole. The first concerns the loan program including
counseling and help in obtaining credit, preferably from private lenders. In fact,
to be eligible for help a small business wishing a loan must first be refused by two
banks. A second aspect of this financial assistance includes disaster loans for
small businesses in need of help. Further aid to small firms comes by way of help
in obtaining a fair share of government contracts and assistance in solving manage-
ment and production problems.
In less than two years as an independent agency, the SBA has negotiated a total
of 863 business loans, of which 8 were made in Kent and Ottawa counties. The total
amount loaned was $41,996,811. It has also approved 1146 applications for disaster
loans amounting to about $7,000,000. In addition to this the Small Business Admin-
istration has received over 130,000 inquiries from small business men who wish advice,
information and counseling.
********
Annually Republicans and Democrats from the Congress don big league uniforms
and play a baseball game in Washington's American League stadium for the benefit of
underprivileged children who attend a summer camp. Proceeds from the game provide
fine recreational opportunities for kids who otherwise would never get to a summer
camp.
This year a Republican landslide snowed under the Democrat politicians by a
score of 12 to 4. In the 5 inning clash which was G.O.P. all the way, your Congress-
man played first base, and with the help of the official scorer registered a hit and
no errors. My main contribution was getting on base twice and scoring two of the
dozen G.O.P. runs. It was a Republican youth (?) victory over the creaking Democrat
LIBRARY
oldsters.
While more and more wage-earners are now paying social security taxes, and no
one likes taxes, it is worthy to note that more and more of our relatives, neighbors
and friends are drawing social security benefits. As of December 31, 1954,
$1,026,708 was being added to the purchasing power of the residents of Kent and Ottawa
counties each month through payments to beneficiaries of social security. A total of
19,544 persons inthe two counties were collecting old-age and survivor insurance
(social security) at that date. This represents an increase of 2,484 beneficiaries
over the previous year.
Of this number, 10,772 old-age benefits were paid from the social security taxes
collected from the gainfully employed. 2,525 children received payments as survivors,
and 597 were drawing benefits as mothers of minor children. In fact at the present
time nine out of every 10 mothers and children in the Nation are assured of monthly
payment under social security if the insured breadwinner of the family passes on.
Interesting -
My work on the Appropriations Committee has shifted from the Army Subcommittee
hearings to those of the Foreign Operations Subcommittee on Appropriations. For the
next month I will be attending daily hearings on the Mutual Security and Foreign Aid
bill. General Grunther, head of Allied Forces in Europe, appeared before the commit-
tee in a closed session last week where he outlined the latest military plans for the
anti-communist forces of Europe
On June 2, I made the Commencement Address before
the graduation class at the Fort Belvoir Command Management School. On June 17th,
I will give the graduation speech before the third class to graduate from the Fort Lee
Army Supply Management Course.
At each of these occasions my main purpose is to explain to these young officers
how Congress and the military can cooperate to do a better job with a more satisfying
relationship existing between the military and the legislature.
A bill passed by the House on June 7th takes full advantage of the new dies
being prepared for the Treasury Department which will increase the capacity and the
efficiency of the presses used by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. The new dies
will include as a matter of law the inscription "In God We Trust" which shall there-
after appear on all U. S. coins and currency.
I. have just received a number of pamphlets prepared by the Marine Corps called
"How to Respect and Display Our Flag." If you would like to have a copy of this
interesting little booklet, drop me a line. It is interesting to note that there are
only three places in the country where the U.S. Flag is flown 24 hours a day, 365
days a year. Above the east and west entrances to the Capitol and over Francis Scott
Key's grave at Frederick, Maryland.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
For release June 23, 1955
On June 9th General Alfred M. Gruenther, United States Supreme Allied Commander
in Europe, stated, "I am satisfied that our long-range air power is better and more
effective than the comparable Soviet military organization. I believe that the edge
which we have now will remain with us for some time into the future if we determine
that it should be that way. "
As a member of the Department of Defense Appropriations Subcommittee the finan-
cing of our national defense is of special day-to-day concern to me. My job on this
committee is to help determine the funds made available to our military establishment,
Our committee recommended $14,401,904,000 for the Air Force for the next fiscal
year which is nearly one-third more than the amount appropriated for the current year.
This sum includes an additional $141,930,000 for the area of research and development,
this being one of the more important phases for a continuing strong Air Force.
Today our Air Force is comprised of 121 wings with 22,427 planes. We also have
a large number of powerful guided missles of various designs which remain classified
as top secret. To maintain this force there are currently 970,000 personnel on active
duty. By June of next year the number will reach 975,000. Two years from now we will
have 137 wings with better quality all the way around, probably 1,000,000 men and much
greater missle striking power.
It is clear that our Air Force's build-up program over the next two years will
occur against a backdrop which clearly recognizes realities of the world's balance of
power and has as its purpose the preservation of peace.
Clearly aware of the great benefits which our country can derive from TVA,
President Eisenhower said recently in his weekly news conference that "we will never
wreck the Tennessee Valley Authority." When TVA was undertaken over 20 years ago, its
primary purpose was to tame the rough Tennessee River by stopping floods and making
the river navigable. Now, as we all are keenly aware, TVA has become an important
symbol in the struggle to determine whether the government, with its taxing power,
or private industry, which pays taxes, will continue to construct additional power
projects where private capital is available.
A House Subcommittee on Appropriations brought the TVA struggle back in the
limelight when subcommittee Democrats failed to approve the money for Uncle Sam to
carry through on his contract with private industry for a steam power plant, and
assigned six and one-half million dollars to begin construction of a government owned
steam plant at Fulton, Tennessee with an ultimate total cost of over $100 million
from the federal treasury.
If the government takes over the responsibility of expanding the steam power
plants for TVA, it will mean more taxes from persons living in Michigan and the other
states whose power and resource developments are not subsidized by Uncle Sam. Three
times already the Congress has refused to approve this steam plant at Fulton, Tennessee.
And if the government were to continue to appropriate money to build generators for
TVA, each year, on the present rate of repayment, the cost over 40 years would be
$1.6 billion to the residents of Michigan, and about $9 million on a per capita basis
to the people of Kent and Ottawa counties based on the 1950 census.
And what would we receive in return? Nothing but the satisfaction of helping to
foot the power bill for one particular region of the Nation. For instance, in 1954
TVA had a load, exclusive of AEC demands, of 3,879,000 kw. Of this total, over
700,000 kw were used by home owners to heat their houses. Nearly 1,000,000 kw were
sold that year to industrial plants. This is subsidized power, inexpensively sold and
having the effect of attracting Northern industry to this Southern region. We are
taxed to heat the homes of others with electricity, and to encourage our own tax-paying
industry to move south. TVA needed help 20 years ago when it was in its infancy, but
it is high time TVA, the people in the area and their industry be weaned. They should
be prepared in the future to stand on their own feet without further subsidy from tax-
payers in Michigan and elsewhere.
CONGRESSIONAL ACTIVITY
From January 5th to May 31st the current session of Congress has accumulated the
following statistics. The House has met on 74 days and the Senate 65 days. This has
added up to a total of 312 hours and one minute of time in session for the Senate,
while in 74 days the House has been in session a total of 258 hours and 59 minutes.
Out of this combined activity both Houses have filled 6,228 pages of proceedings,
enacted 48 public laws into being, 62 private laws and made 78 roll call votes.
Your Washington Review
KENT
Congressman
OTTAWA
5
JERRY FORD
For release June 30, 1955
Often called "the most unique and poweful legislative institution
in America" a Conference Committee of the Congress forms a vital link
in the chain of events leading up to the passage of legislation into law.
During the coming week I'll again have the opportunity of partici-
pating in the actual operation of a Conference Committee. Designated
members of the House and Senate will meet to compromise their versions
of the controversial Department of Defense Appropriations bill which
each chamber passed in a somewhat different form. I was appointed
with 16 other Members of the House by Speaker Sam Rayburn while Vice
President Dick Nixon, who presides over the Senate, also selected a
bipartisan group from that body to represent their views in ironing
out the differences in this specific apprqriation bill. The majority
party always has a majority of the conferees from the respective Houses
of the Congress.
These meetings of a Conference Committee have often been compared
to collective bargaining sessions and to top-level, international diplo-
matic parleys. House and Senate conferees are each trying to win con-
cessions for their particular point of view. The Conference Committee
usually works in an informal manner behind closed doors attracting
little publicity and attention. No minutes are kept of the committee
proceedings, and discussions are kept confidential to prevent outside
pressures from playing a part in the final decision. Its hard to tell
just how long we may have to meet in our Conference Committee. Several
years ago I was a member of a conference that was in session most of a
24 hour period. Deadlocks on many occasions have delayed final legis-
lative action for weeks. Other times agreement and compromise may come
in a matter of minutes.
The conferees are strictly limited in their consideration to
matters of disagreement, either language or dollar amounts, between the
two Houses. When the difference involves a figure or an amount, the
conferees may not increase the greater nor decrease the smaller figure.
Page 2
The final figure within the upper and lower limit must be acceptable to
both Houses of the Congress.
Although the conferees from the Senate and House meet together,
each group votes separately. In our case, for instance, a majority of
members appointed by the Speaker can bind the group for the House of Repre-
sentatives,
When agreement has been achieved, a conference report is submitted
to each House of Congress. Conference reports may be brought up for
passage at practically any time the House is in session. Debate on the
measure is limited to one hour, and the report must be accepted or
rejected in its entirety. If the conference report is rejected by either
the House or Senate as a whole, the process must be started anew. Inci-
dentally, most conference reports are usually concurred in by a majority
of the House and Senate.
With about 50 per cent of the Army's $7.5 billion budget for fiscal
1956 earmarked as pay for personnel, it is interesting to note how the
Army makes use of the men upon whom the money is spent. At the present
time 71.9 per cent of the Army's manpower is deployed in its operation
forces. The operating forces of the Army are those whose primary mission
is to participate in combat or directly support fighting units. Training
forces receive 11.5 per cent of the manpower, logistics and administration
7.9 per cent, transients and patients make up 4 per cent, and special
activities draw the remaining 4.7 per cent.
*******
INTERESTING TO NOTE
At 108 years of age Albert Voolson, of Duluth, Minnesota, is the
last surviving member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Recently a bill
was favorably reported out of committee which would provide funds to pay
for hospitalization and medical expenses incurred by Mr. Woolson during
his recent illness and any subsequent illness he may suffer.
Congress is currently studying possible plans which could remedy
our Nation's diminishing underground water supply. To counteract increas-
ing demands upon the water level, a plan to tap the ocean's salt water
and apply saline treatment to make it practical for everyday use is under
consideration.