Memorandum from Frank Pace to President Harry S. Truman

time EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT the BUREAU OF THE BUDGET WASHINGTON, D.C. February 5, 1949 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT SUBJECT: Improved Management in the Executive Branch of ARCHIVES SERVICT° RECORDS MATIONAS AND During the next three months you have a unique opportunity to act on a number of matters which can strengthen and improve management in the Federal Government. Many of these moves have been considered important and desirable for a number of years but action has not been possible because of other circumstances. The opportunity now is unique because of the initiation of a new Presi- dential term, a generally favorable political climate, and the support -- at least on this issue -- of the Commission on the Organization of the Executive Branch. Attached hereto is the first report of the Commission entitled "General Management of the Executive Branch." The basic idea of this first report is to outline a framework or system within which effective management of governmental activities is possible. You will recognize that the Commissiom has adopted the pattern of central management organization with which you indicated general agreement some months ago. I am assuming that you wish to adopt and place into effect those recommendations of the Commission in this area which appear sound and desirable. This memorandum is intended to present to you the range of actions which must be taken to attain the organ- ization of the central management facilities which the Commission has recommended and which we generally support. The memorandum does not include reference to various reorganizations among govern- mental program activities which will also have to be considered at an early date. The major elements in the framework for improved management of the Executive Branch can be briefly stated. They include: a. An Executive Office of the President with expanded and improved facilities for assisting the President in plan- ning and coordinating the governmental program. b. An agency to provide and coordinate the common services of space, property, and records.