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Jamestown Spring Grove Speech, Labor Day, September 4, 1950
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Jamestown Spring Grove Speech, Labor Day, September 4, 1950
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The original documents are located in Box D13, folder "Jamestown Spring Grove Speech,
Labor Day, September 4, 1950" of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and
Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. The Council donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box D13 of The Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Jameston Apring Love Speech
Jabn Day, Sept. 4, 1950
I. Introduction
a). Q's
& why war ?
1.
4). why Unprepered
II Should we review The record ?
III How "Past" should be examined?
Johnson autopsy Doctor 1 what" "
who to blame? :
Farmer
Worker
Government
IV See. of Defense Johnson
How do 2 know?
Loos of Confidence Importance f "futh"
Why Johnson choocen for position
FORDO i LIBRARY 074830
Speaking loudly & carrying a feather duster"
FIREN
Jan 12th
Feb. 3rd
March 3rd
March 13th th
April D 17th
april report
June 6th
"Gag" rule policies
"Cutting muscle instead
Super dircraft carrier
CVs - 8t6
nary ships - Crumers - 18.13
DP 1 155"140
Marines - 11 to 6 battalions
Tarks - Formotal program cut by J.
air Force- -
Conclusion- Disrepart fall other Viewprinto
SPEECH BY REPRESENTATIVE GERALD R. FORD, JR. AT THE JAMESTOWN SPRING GROVE
LABOR DAY MEETING, SEPTEMBER 4, 1950
For release 2:00 P.M.
September 4, 1950
MR. CHAIRMAN, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, we are assembled here in a
critical hour in our nation's history. The developments in recent months
are discouraging to say the least. Yes, our citizens are heartsick and
rightly so.
Why is it that within 5 years after the end of hostilities in World
War II American military forces are again locked in bitter combat? Where and
why did our diplomats stumble along the way?
Why is it that the United States forces are again suffering casualties
in battle in order to protect our American principles? Is it because of
inadequate and insufficient equipment or through the lack of proper training?
Or, maybe both?
Questions of this sort are uppermost in your minds and doubtlessly
in the minds of most eitizens. Some answers are expected from public officials.
Unfortunately too often what you hear in explanation is tainted by partisanship
leaving the listener still more perplexed and confused.
This afternoon I should like to stick to the record and to the facts,
not only in the interest of correctly informing you who are here but in the
sincere hope that this nation can remedy the follies of the past by applying
the experience of our misfortunes to the formulation of wiser policies in the
future. Some conscientious and well-intentioned citizens will contend we
should not spend time searching for those responsible for past disasters.
Common horse sense dictates, however, that in order to protect America in the
i
critical weeks, months and years ahead we must determine who in positions of trust
GERALD
and responsibility failed to meet the test. Where the record shows a lack of
Page -2-
competence we must act or should expect those of higher authority to act
to remedy the situation. Under no circumstances should incompetence or
irresponsibility be condoned for such individuals might well tip the scales
for disaster and against ultimate victory for this nation.
My remarks this afternoon will refer principally to the record of
the present Secretary of Defense, Mr. Louis A. Johnson. It is an unpleasant
but nevertheless a necessary obligation to bring you the facts. I should
like to approach the situation much as a doctor approaches the body of a patient
at the autopsy table. This is never a pleasant task; yet every physician knows
that practically all progress made in the field of medicine came from an honest
examination of the mistakes previously made. The doctor may have been ever so
careful in the examination which led him to the diagnosis that the patient's
trouble was, for example, in the stomach. He may have called in half a dozen
expert consultants who also decided after careful examination that the trouble
was in the stomach. He may even have had a propaganda agency to convince all
the relatives that the trouble was in the stomach. But if, when the man is dead
and the doctor examines him at the autopsy table, he finds that the trouble was
in the liver - then that is all there is to it, it was in the liver.
A doctor conducts an autopsy to determine who and what was to blame.
The doctor as the result of an autopsy learns what signs he missed or misinter-
preted. The doctor wants to know so that in the next similar case he will
not make the same errors in the future.
Also the farmer who one season plants a crop which fails to produce
must conduct before the next year an exhaustive examination of all the factors
involved or he too will likely repeat his previous mistakes. The worker at the
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
Page -3-
bench or on the production line, if he is to overcome inefficiency or poor
wo rkmanship, must constantly analyze the past to derive benefits in the future.
Likewise in the field of government, both as to men and methods, we
need to conduct an autopsy, yes a thorough re-examination, in order to discover
if possible how the United States made the grave miscalculations that reduced
our military might and led us unprepared to the brink of a third world war
for the second time in a single decade.
From the peak of military power in 1945 when the United States was
the most formidable nation in the history of the world, today our 8 untry finds
itself practically unprepared to fight the type of battles now being fought
or those which might be fought in the foreseeable future. In the past months
grievous errors have been made. In my estimation a large share of the blame
rests on Mr. Louis A. Johnson. Consequently I strongly recommend that the
Secretary of Defense resign voluntarily but if not the President should request
his resignation despite Mr. Truman's previous statement that both Mr. Johnson
and Mr. Acheson will stay regardless of the result.
A bill of particulars against Mr. Johnson is not difficult to prepare
when a thorough autopsy has been completed. First and foremost is the loss
of public confidence in Mr. Johnson personally and his policies generally.
America's battle against the forces of communism cannot be won on the battle-
fields or elsewhere if our citizens have no faith in one entrusted with vital
decisions. How do I know the American people have no faith in Mr. Johnson?
This answer can best be obtained by talking to the man on the street. By
reading letters to Congressmen from men in the service or those from parents
who have sons and daughters in the Army or Navy. By analyzing the editorials
GERALD R. FORD LIBRARY in
our newspapers across the nation. Or, by reading and studying the action
Page 4
taken by numerous patriotic organizations locally and elsewhere. Those
attacking Secretary Johnson are not just Republicans. In fact, the most
vitriolic criticism comes from representatives in the Democratic Party. The
Democratic whip in the House, Representative Percy Priest of Tennessee, demanded
Johnson's dismissal. Representative Tauriello of New York did likewise.
Faith is intangible in a man or in his policies. When it exists it
permeates all concerned and as a result the strength of the man and his
policies are multiplied manifold. However, when the belief in a person has
evaporated, is no longer existent, as is the case with Mr. Johnson, our
military forces, our people cannot rise tomeet the emergency. Assuredly
the United States can and will defeat the North Koreans but the true test will
come if and when we meet the forces of Soviet Russia. On that occasion, and
the Lord knows I hope that will never be the case, we cannot win with Mr.
Johnson as Secretary of Defense.
What were Mr. Johnson's qualifications for the job prior to his
appointment on March 28, 1949? It was generally agreed that the principal
basis for his selection was purely political. Mr.Johnson during the 1948
Presidential campaign was the most successful "money raiser" for the Democratic
Party's campaign fund. His elevation to this high office of trust and responsi-
bility was accepted as Mr. Johnson's reward for this political effort. History
will prove this choice by Mr. Truman was a grievous error. Unfortunately
this nation is now suffering the consequences of this unwise selection. The
President's political obligation has been repaid. It is time for a change
for the best interests of our nation. I strongly recommend the appointment
of General Dwight Eisenhower in his place.
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
Secretary of Defense Johnson is guilty of a policy of "speaking loudly
Page -5-
and carrying a feather duster. = Let me quote for the record some of the recent
utterances of Mr. Johnson.
On January 12, 1950, Secretary Johnson told the House Appropriations
Committee that the $13,000,000,000 military budget was "adequate to defend this
Nation in any situation that may arise in the next two years.'
This budget had been cut from the $15,000,000,000 recommended by General
Eisenhower, who warned against inadequate defenses. It shaved naval carrier
air groups from 24 groups in 1949 to 10 groups in 1950, and projected a further
cut to 9 groups in 1951.
On February 3, 1950, Secretary Johnson, in a speech at the University of
Virginia, said: "Joe Stalin will know that if he starts something at 4 a.m. the
fighting power of the United States will be on the job at 5 a.m."
On March 3, 1950, Secretary Johnson said that the U. S. defense situation
is more encouraging than at any time since VJ-Day.
Secretary of Defense Johnson (told) the Senate appropriations sub-
committee on March 13, 1950, that "the Army is stronger today than at any time
since the end of the war.
..
and as for the Air Force, it is in the highest
state of combat readiness since the war. #
On April 17, 1950, Secretary Johnson at a civilian orientation con-
ference said: "We know that Russia does not plan to conquer the United States
by force or war.
There is complete agreement in the Defense Department as
to what the danger is and what we need to meet that danger.
#
In an April report, Secretary Johnson said: "The United States is in a
strong position to take appropriate action in any area of the world where the
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
Page -6-
cause of peace is involved."
On June 6, 1950, Johnson said in a speech to the Penn. Military College:
"From a military standpoint, we can successfully meet every basic re-
quirement
#
The events in Korea since June 26th unquestionably prove the unreliabil-
ity and irresponsibility of the Secretary of Defense. From a review of the
record, it is perfectly understandable why the American people have lost faith
in the civilian head of our military forces.
There are other serious blemishes on the record of Secretary Johnson.
Approximately a year ago Admiral Louis Denfield was literally kicked out of the
position as the Navy's representative on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Captain
John Crommelin, one of the great naval aviation experts and a combat hero of
World War II, was demoted and eventually forced to resign. Rear Admiral Joel T.
Boones, war hero medical expert, was relieved of his assignment as the Defense
Department's top medical adviser because he opposed Johnson's slashing of the
military hospital programs. Why? Simply because they expressed their convictions
concerning our national defense policies. Mr. Johnson made himself the absolute
dictator on all matters pertaining to the Army, Navy and the Air Corps. Mr.
Johnson imposed a "gag" rule on all military personnel and when Admiral Den-
field spoke his convictions in hearings before the House Committee on Armed
Services during the B-36 inquiry, after being assured of immunity by that
Committee, the Secretary of Defense fired him summarily. In other words,
Secretary Johnson wanted "yes men" who would agree with his policies whether
they be right or wrong. The people of this great country should not tolerate
dictators in any government department least of all in the Department of De-
FORD is EMPRARY OERALD
fense. Because of his past record on this score Mr. Johnson's presence as the
Page -7-
head of our Armed Forces is inimical to the best interests of the Republic.
The citizens of the United States should know a few other facts
concerning Mr. Johnson's regime as Secretary of Defense. For the past year
or two Secretary Johnson has been disregarding Congressional directives in
reference to defense matters. He has repeatedly snubbed advice and CO unsel
by long experienced and highly capable members of Congress. The Secretary
ignored essential military authorizations by the House and Senate and he flaunted
Congress by impounding funds that were specifically available for the strengthen-
ing of the Armed Forces.
Defense Secretary Johnson contended he was cutting out the "fat" in
military spending. Subsequent developments show that he, during his so-called
economy program, was weilding a sharp and ruthless sword on the vital military
defenses of this nation. Today Secretary Johnson is back asking Congress to
give him all the money he refused to spend and more, too. What Johnson tossed
out the window as "fat" only a few short months ago has become "muscle" needed to
fight the war in Korea.
Is Congress to blame for our present state of unpreparedness? Im-
phatically NO for if Congressional policies had been carried out our military
strength would be far greater at this crucial hour.
The 80th Congress authorized and appropriated funds for the super air-
craft carrier. Johnson over a year ago scrapped the ship after 30 million dollars
had been spent to start construction. Former Navy Secretary John L. Sullivan
resigned in protest for he knew the importance of this carrier in our defense
plans. Wouldn't it be helpful to have this mighty ship nearing completion at
a time when we may need air support in distant lands.
FORD j LIBRARY GERALD
Page -9-
Almost at once, however, Johnson announced his "crash" savings program,
to cut one billion dollars from the 14 billion dollar defense outlays voted
by Congress. Tank modernization was one of the first items to be "crashed,"
being transformed into a Johnsonian "economy" as early as March, 1949. That is
why we now have no tanks - literally, none at all - that can defeat the Russian
armor in the field.
This is not all the sad story. The Air Force has also suffered. Congress
has repeatedly favored a 70 group air force on the recommendation of the President's
Air Policy Commission and the Congressional Aviation Policy Board, yet the Exe-
cutive branch of the government has repeatedly impounded funds for that vital
branch of the Armed Forces. Under Johnson's regime 735 million was impounded
from Air Force funds in the appropriation bill approved in 1949. The Secretary
withheld 243 million in addition contending that the Air Force program approved
by Congress was too large. In other words, almost a billion dollars in Air
Force funds in the last nine months was unspent by Mr. Johnson despite the clear
directive from Congress that such funds were vitally necessary for our nation's
security.
The inevitable conclusion is simply this. Secretary Johnson personally
gambled with the military security of our nation. He disregarded the advice
of military men whose competence, experience and integrity cannot be questioned.
According to Johnson's program his predecessor, the late James V. Forrestal, was
wrong. General Eisenhower and others of similar stature were mistaken in their
estimat es of our basic needs. Representative Carl Vinson, the able and long
experienced chairman of the House Committee on Armed Services, was in error.
The Congress was wrong. In fact, Secretary Johnson acted as though he was
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
Page -10-
right and all others out of step. The record shows "boss" Johnson's
judgment was unfortunately unsound and the United States is now paying the
penalty for his failures.
A fair and homest appraisal of Defense Secretary Johnson's record proves
the need for his resignation or dismissal. The situation is too critical,
the hour too late for any other answer.
It is obvious that the nation must be united in the dangerous days
ahead but there can be no unity of thought and action when there is no public
confidence in the Secretary of Defense. In the best interests of our country
we need an inspiring leader with experience and knowledge in military problems.
Secretary Johnson because of his past record does not qualify for such responsi-
bilities. An immediate change must be made. Too much is at stake. If Mr.
Johnson refuses to appreciate the need for a change, the President should
forthwith make such a change in his cabinet which will give our citizens
new faith and confidence for the future.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
SPEECH BY representative GERALD R. FORD, JR. AT THE SPRING GROVE
LABOR DAY MUSTING, SEPTIMBER 4. 1950
For release 2:00 P.M.
September 4, 1950
MIL CHAIRMAN, LADIES AND CENTLINGS, VP are assenbled here in a
critical hour in our nation's history. The developments in recent months
are discompaging to my the least. Yes, our citizens are and
rightly no.
Why 10 10 that within s years after the and of hostilition in world
Nag II American military forces are again locked in bitter combut? Where and
vig did our diplomate stumble along the wg?
My to it that the United States forces are again suffering casualties
in battle in order to protect our American principles? Is it because of
inadequate and insufficient 02 through the look of proper training?
Or, mybe both?
Questions of this nort are upporment in your ninds and doubtlessly
in the minds of most citizens. Some answers are expected from public officials.
Unfortunately too often what you hour in explanation is tainted by particonship
leaving the listener still more perplemed and confused.
This afternoon I should 11km to otick to the record and to the facts,
not only in the interest of correctly informing you who are here but in the
sincere hope that this nation can renedy the follies of the met m applying
the experience of our nisfortunes to the formulation of visar policies in the
future. Some conscientious and well-intentioned citizens will contend we
should not spend time searching for those responsible for gost disasters.
Common horse imas dictates, hovever, that in order to protect America in the
Forguitical weaks, months and yours shoul ve must determine the in positions of trust
GERALD
responsibility failed to neet the test. More the record shows & lack of
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Page -2-
competence vo must net or should expect those of higher authority to not
to remody the situation. Under no circumstances should incompetence or
irresponsibility be condened for such individuals night well tip the scales
for disaster and against ultimate victory for this nation.
My remarks this aftermoon will refor principally to the record of
the present Secretary of Defense, Mr. Louis 4. Johnson. It is an unpleasant
but nevertheless a necessary obligation to bring you the fusto. 1 should
11ke to approach the situation such as a doctor approaches the body of a patient
at the matoray table. This is never & pleasent tasks yet every physician Imove
that practically all progress made in the field of medicine cano from an honest
commination of the nistakes proviously nade, The doctor may have been ever so
careful in the commination which lod him to the diagnosis that the patient's
trouble use, for example, in the stomoch. He may have called in half a dosen
export consultants who also decided after careful emmination that the trouble
VIII in the stomach. No my oven have had a propaganda agency to convince all
the relatives that the trouble MAS in the stonnch. But if, when the man is doad
and the doctor examines him at the extopay table, he finds that the trouble was
in the liver - then that is all there is to 10, it MID in the liver.
n doctor conducts on sutopay to determine who and what Via to blame.
The doctor as the result of on entoyey learns what signs be missed or misinter-
proted. The doctor wants to know DO that in the next similar case he vill
not make the sine crrors in the future.
Also the former who one season plants & crop which fails to produce
must conduct before the next year an exhaustive examination of all the fuctors
involved or be too will likely repout his provious mistekes. The vortor at the
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
Best Possible Scan from Poor Quality Original
Page -3-
bench 02 on the production line, if he is to overcome inefficiency OF poor
workunnship, must constantly analyse the past to derive benefits in the future.
Idlevise in the field of government, both as to man and methods, we
need to contuct an autopay, yes a thorough re-exumination, in order to discover
if possible how the United States nade the grove misculculations that reduced
our military night and led us unpropared to the brink of a third world var
for the second time in a single decade.
From the peak of military power in 1945 when the United States WIS
the most formidable nation in the history of the world, today our country finds
itself practically unpropared to fight the type of bettles now being fought
or those which night be fought in the foresceable future. In the past months
grievous errors have been mde. In my estimation a large share of the hinns
rests on Mr. Louis 4, Johnson, Consequently I strongly recommend that the
Secretary of Defense resign voluntarily but if not the Fresident should request
his resignation despite Hr. Tranan's previous statement that both Nr. Johnson
and Mr. Acheson will stage regardless of the result.
A bill of particulars against Mr. Johnson is not difficult to prepare
when a thorough embopsy has tean completed. First and foremost 10 the loss
of public confidence in Hr. Johnson personally and his policies generally.
America's bottle against the forces of commaism cannot be von on the battle-
fields or elecuhore if our citizens have no faith in one entrusted with vital
decisions. Now do I low the American people have no feith in Mr. Johnson?
This casver on best be obtained to talling to the non on the street. By
reading letters to Congression from non in the service or those from parents
who have sons and daughters in the Amy or Nevy. By analysing the editorials
GERALD BRANKY A. FOR
our newspapers the nation. Or, by reading and studying the action
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Page -
balon w missorous patriotic organizations locally and cloowhere. These
attacking Secretary Johnson are not just Reyublicans. In fact, the most
vitriolic critician comes from representatives in the Democratic mety. The
Democratic whip in the House, Representative Percy Priest of Tennessee, domanded
Johnson's dismissel. Representative Inuriello of New York did likevise.
Faith 1s intangible in a man 02 in his policies. When it exists it
permentes all concerned and as a result the strength of the man and his
policies are multiplied nanifold. However, when the belief in a person has
evayorated, is no longer existent, as is the 00.00 with Mr. Johnson, our
military forces, our people curnot rise toneot the energency. Accuredly
the United States can and vill defeat the North Koreans but the true test will
como if and when ve meet the forces of Seviet Russia. on that occasion, and
the Lord Imove I hope that will never be the case, ve cannot vin with Mr.
Johnson as Secretary of Defense.
What vere Mr. Johnson's qualifications for the Job prior to his
appointment on March 26, 19491 It VIID generally agreed that the principal
heats for his solection we puroly political. Mr.Johnson during the 1948
Presidential conguign this the most successful "money reisor" for the Democratic
Party's congaign fund. His dovation to this high office of trust and responsi-
bility VIS accepted as Mr. Johnson's revent for this political effort. liintory
vill prove this choice w Mr. Trump via a grievous orfor. Unfortunately
this nation is nov suffering the consiquences of this under selection. The
President's political obligation ma been repaid. It is time for & change
for the best interests of our nation. I strongly recommend the appointment
FORD i LIBRARY GENALD
of General Duight Monhover in his place.
Secretary of Defense Johnson is guilty of a policy of "speaking loudly
Best Possible Scan from Poor Quality Original
Page -5-
and corrying a feather duster. Lot no quote for the record unno of the recent
ubterences of Hr. Johnson.
On January 12, 1950, Segratury Johnson told the House Appropriations
Condittoe that the $13,000,000,000 military budget Vos "adequate to defend this
Nation in any situation that my arise in the next two years."
This budget had been out from the $15,000,000,000 recommended w General
Membover, who worned against inadequite defenses. It showed new carrier
air groups from 24 groups in 1949 to 10 groups in 1950, and projected a further
cut to 9 groups in 1951.
On February 3. 1950, Secretary Johnson, in a speech at the University of
Virginia, an&de Wee Stalin will lmow that if he starts something at 4 0.00 the
fighting power of the United States will to on the gob at 5 a.m.
On Hardh 3. 1950, Secretary Johnson sold that the U. S. defense situation
is more encouraging than at any time since W-Day.
Secretary of Defense Johnson (told) the Sensite appropriations mb-
condittee on Hordh 13, 1950, that "the Amy to stronger today than at any time
since the end of the M.P. and as for the Air Force, it is in the highest
state of combet readiness since the we."
On April 17, 1950, Secretary Johnson at a civilian orientation con-
ference said: #/8 law that Punsia does not plan to conquer the United States
w force or MIP. There is complete acrossment in the Defense Department as
to what the danger is and what se need to meet that danger. 100 #
In on April report, Secretary Johnson solds "The United States is in a
strong position to take appropriate action in any area of the world where the
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
Best Possible Scan from Poor Quality Original
Page -
datise of peace is involved."
On June 6, 1950, Johnson sold in a speech to the Penn. Hilitary College:
"Trom a military standpoint, vo con muccessfully/nect every basic ro-
quirement
The events in Korea since June 26th unquestionably prove the unreliabil-
ity and irresponsibility of the Secretary of Defense, From & review of the
record, 10 is perfectly understendable vhry the American people have lost faith
in the civilian hand of our milling forces.
There are other serious blendshes on the record of Secretary Johnson.
Approximately a year age Admiral Louis Denfield MID literally Inicked out of the
position as the Havy's representative on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Captain
John Cromolin, one of the group novel eviation exports and a combut here of
World Vez II, MAIL demoted and oventually forced to resign. Rease Admirel Joel T.
Booner. voz here medical export, use relieved of his accignment as the Defense
Department's top modical advisor because be opposed Johnson's clashing of the
military hospital programs. 10y7 Simply because they expressed their convictions
concerning our national defense policies. Nr. Johnson made himself the absolute
dictator on all matters portoining to the Army, Havy and the Air Corps. Mr.
Johnson imposed a "see" rule on all militory personnel and when Admiss] Don-
field apoise his convictions in hearings before the House Committee on Armed
Services during the B-36 inquiry, after being assured of inanity top that
Committee, the Secretary of Defense fired him summarily. In other words,
Secretary Johnson vanted "yes men who would agree with his policies whother
they be right or vrong. The people of this great country should not tolerate
dictators in any government department lonst of all in the Department of Do-
i
FORD
GERALD
ABRARY Sense. Decause of his past record on this soste Hr. Johnson's presence as the
Best Possible Scan from Poor Quality Original
Tage -7-
hand of our Amed Forces is intricel to the best interests of the Republic.
The citizens of the United States should Imou a for other fuets
concorning Mr. Johnson's regins as Secretary of Defense. For the past your
or two Secretary Johnson has boen disregurding Congressional directives in
reference to defense matters, He has repontedly ambbed advice and counsel
by long experienced and highly capable members of Congress. The Secretary
1gnored cosential military authorisations w the Herena and Sensite and he flounted
Congress w inpounding funds that V010 specifically available for the strengthen-
ing of the Agmed Forces.
Defense Secretary Johnson contended he vas outting out the "fut" in
military spending. Subsequent developments nhow that no, during ido so-called
economy program, via weilding a sharp and ruthless svord on the vital military
defenses of this nation. Today Secretary Johnson 10 budit saiding Congross to
give him all the money he refused to spend and more, too. that Johnson tossed
out the vindow us "fat" only a few short months age has become "rusele" needed to
fight the use in Koren.
Is Congress to Name for our present state of unpreparedness? no-
phatically no for if Congressional policies had boen carried out our military
strength would be for greater at this crucial hour.
The 80th Congress authorised and appropriated funds for the super air-
craft cerrier. Johnson over a year 0.00 scrupped the ship after 30 million dollars
had been spent to start construction. Tornor Havy Secretary John Isp Sullivan
resigned in protect for be know the importance of this carrier in our defense
plans. Wouldn't 18 be helpful to have this mighty ship nearing completion ob
& time when ve my need air support in distant lands.
FORD s LIBRARY GERALD
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Page -&-
Purthermore, in the 0000 of the Havy, Johnson's alloged'over-ell
increase in controls aspability" consisted in outting the fleet at 800 from
B heavy corriers to 6: from 18 evuluers to 13; from 155 destroyers to 240;
and 00 on. Then the carrier out use made, the Joint Chiefs of Staff advised
Johnson that this would make 10 impossible to hold the Mediterrenean in case
of var. Dut nov that the danger in the Ballans is the chief threat of a third
world us, ve have had to send two curriers to the loaving
horribly instequite strength in both the Atlantic and Pacific.
The citizens of our country have always been rightfully proud of the
Marine Corps. These of us who served in the last var in the Pacific know first
hand the mignificant Job done W the Lesthemecks. Despite this record Secretary
Johnson W various sease tried to eliminate entirely the Narines in future
military plans and viven that failed he sought to reduce their strongth materially.
The Johnson "strategy" would have out the Harines to 6 Nattalions instead of 11.
Thank godness prossure from Congress provented this unvice action.
Whom James V. Forrestal launched his American recumement program, a
vigerous attack on the bank problem Vig conspicuously included. Even after
President Trumen sharply out book the Forrestal program, in November, 1948,
appropriations and authorizations were still provided w Congress to give this
country a respectable amored force. When Johnson took office the order had
already been given for the first step in rebuilding our tenk strength. During
1949, hundreds of over modium tenks vero to be equipped with heavier armor and
more powerful (ms, ao that they would at least be fit to meet Russion tents of
equal veight.
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Almost at onco, however, Johnson announced his "creah" suvings program,
to out one billion dollars from the 14 billion dollar defense outlays voted
by Congress. Tank modernisation we one of the first items to be "brached,"
being transformed into a Johnsonlon "economy" as ourly as Harch, 1949. That is
vig ve nov have no tenks - literally, none at all - that on defent the Bussion
12TOF in the field.
This to not all the and story. The Air Force has also suffered. Congross
has repeatedly formed B 70 (provg) sir force on the recommendation of the President's
Mr Policy Commission and the Congressional Avintion Policy Board, yet the -
outive brench of the government has reportedly impounded funds for that vital
branch of the Armed Forces. Under Johnson's regino 735 million VAS incounded
from Alr Force funds in the appropriation bill approved in 1949. The Secretary
vithheld 243 million in addition contending that the Mr Force program approved
to Congross MILE too large. In other words, almost a billion dollars in Air
Force funds in the last nine months was unspent by Mr. Johnson despite the clear
directive from Congress that much funds vore vitally nedessary for OUP nation's
security.
The insvitable conclusion is simply this. Secretary Johnson personally
contiled with the military security of our nation. No disregarded the advice
of nilitary non whose competence, experience and integrity cannot to questioned.
According to Johnson's program his prodecessor, the late James V. Forrestal, Mid
wrong. General Eisenhower and others of similar stature vere nisteken in their
estimat es of our booic needs. Representative Carl Vinson, the able and long
experienced choirmen of the House Condittoe on Armed Services, vas in GFTON.
The Congross MIS vrong. In Shot, Secretary Johnson noted as though he tas
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right and all others out of atop. The record shows "boos" Johnson's
judgest this unfortunately unsound and the United States 10 nov paying the
penalty for his failures.
A fair and honest approximal of Defense Secretary Johnson's record proves
the need for his resignation or dismissal. The situation to too critical,
the hour too Into for any other answer.
It is obvious that the nation must be united in the dangerous days
shood but there own be no unity of thought and notion vivin there is no public
confidence in the Secretary of Defenso. In the boat interests of our country
10 need an inspiring loader with experience and Inovledge in military problems.
Secretary Johnson because of his past record does not unlify for such responsi-
billities. An impliate change must be mde. Zoo much 1a at state. If He.
Johnson refuses to supresiate the need for a change, the President should
forthwith make mah a change in his cohinet which will give our citizens
now faith and confidence for the future.
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