White House Press Release

420 #857 IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 19, 1946 On the recommendation of government agencies concerned with civil aviation, the President today signed an Executive Order establish- ing an Air Coordinating Committee. In issuing the Order, the President pointed out that a former Committee of the same name, which certain government departments had established 18 months ago, had proved itself a useful instrument in coordinating policy and activities in the field of aviation; but that it had become essential to create a Committee with enlarged responsibilities, and with membership drawn from among high officials of the Government directly concerned with aviation policy. As Chairman of the New Committee, Mr. Truman has appointed Mr. Will Clayton, Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs. The Presi- dent recognizes, however, that Mr. Clayton's duties in the State Depart- ment may prevent his personal participation in certain of the Committee's meetings. To serve as Chairman when Mr. Clayton is absent, the President has appointed as Co-chairman, Mr. James M. Landis, Chairman of the Civil Aeronautics Board. Other agencies represented on the Committee will be the War, Post Office, Navy, and Commerce Departments. The President has requested the heads of these Departments to delegate officials with the rank of Assistant Secretary or higher as their representatives. The Committee will also include a non-voting member of the Bureau of the Budget. Other government agencies which have a substantial interest in aviation matters coming before the Committee may participate at such times in the activities of the Committee. The Chief function of the Committee will be "to provide for the fullest development and coordination of the aviation policies and activi- ties" of the government, within existing statutory limits. The Committee will report periodically to the President and submit important policy recommendations to him. Aviation specialists, both in industry and government, have recognized the desirability of closer liaison between governmental and private activities in the aviation field. To meet this need the President is instructing the Committee to set up an Aviation Industry Advisory Panel, with suitable membership drawn from private organiza- tions, and to consult freely with this Panel. "This Committee has been created in recognition of the increas- ing part which aviation is playing in our domestic and foreign affairs," the President stated. "Cnly a policy-coordinating Committee represent- ing the various aviation interests of the government and operating at a high level of authority can meet the needs of the time. Among its major duties, the Committee will play a large part in helping to develop unified policy for this country's aviation activities abroad and so provide valuable guidance for our representatives at international air conferences. I believe that the Committee will markedly accelerate our progress in the field of aviation.' (OVER)