War, 1943

PSF War Dept. 1943 Cogswell - letter from Alice Cogswell to Rudolph Forster 3/3/43 thanking him for assistance in obtaining news about her husband, Maj. Cogswell. Attached confidential War Dept. message shows that he was in an Australian hospital. See c, F. War PSF NarDept folder 2.43 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON " MEMORANDUM FOR March 9, 1943. it GENERAL WATSON (Will you find out from and Patterson if he 1s going to use He House the memorandum of October from 27, F.D.R. Hoover 19177 to Sen green used it V Hoover And at was Feb 1917 - before Was declared yreen checked & resterched OCL-27,17 Respectfully forwarded to the President: Eeen E.M.W. WAR DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY WASHINGTON, D.C. February 20th, 1943. Memorandum for the President: There is attached a copy of 8. typewritten memo- randum from Hoover to House under date of October 27, 1917. In it Hoover urged that shipping be devoted to shipment of food and munitions to Europe and that no soldiers (except air forces and engineers) be sent to France. Hoover said that the safety of the world lay in our production of food and munitions, that this production would be injured by putting millions of men under arms, and that the men could do no good in France. We know that if his advice had been followed, the Germans would have won the war in the summer of 1918. It was the arrival of large forces of Americans that gave the Allies the material and moral assistance necessary to victory. The doctrines of Hoover today on the paramount in- portance of raising food and reducing the Army are parallel to those propounded by him in this 1917 memorandum. RLYPP Robert P. Patterson, Under Secretary of War. rpp:lm Enc. (This is a copy of a typed memorandum from Herbert Hoover to Colonel House, October 27, 1917). (Original memorandum in Edward M. House Collection, Sterling Memorial Library, Yale University.) MEMORANDUM There are some phases of the international problem which impress me very strongly. The first is that the cur- tailment of food shipments from mor remote markets, is, in itself, a complete sign of decadent transportation and the narrowing volume of transport available to the whole of the Allied cause. Therefore, the whole transportation programme needs to be critically searched from the point of view of the available shipping and its agreed priority use. It appears to me - First, that priority by all transportation must be given to the movement of food, and upon the inward move- ment to the various manufacturing nations of materials which form the foundations of munitions and the outward movement of these munitions to the front. Second, the movement of special services such as aeroplane forces, engineers, etc., across the Atlantic. Third, the movement of our armies to France. I feel great apprehension that a proper coordination and statesmanlike handling of this whole situation does not per- mit of the third undertaking. The figures which I possess on the available shipping in the world certainly do not bear any hope of such consummation if future losses are allowed for. These figures are, of course, subject to more drastic revision as to the use to which ships are being placed. In the particular of the use of shipping for the move- ment of food, I want to impress upon you the critical necessity of moving food from the more remote markets in preference to the movement of armies. I feel apprehensive of a great danger over- hanging this country, if we should place a million and a half of men in the front, that the shipping left after they had been pro- vided for will drive the Allied countries wholly to this market for their food supply, and that it may turn out over a lengthened period to be entirely insufficient. In connection with this event, it is useless to sit like children and say that so long as our Army can be fed all is well. We have absolutely to feed not only the Allied armies, but the whole of their civil populations, or our Army may be enveloped in the social cataclysm in Europe, and its retreat absolutely cut off. There is another feature to this whole matter which I think commands attention. The drain upon the credits of this country is to my mind at present running to greater dimensions than the saving capacity of our people, and that we sconer or later must have relief from some portion of this charge. Furthermore, the assembling of millions of men under arms here is undermining the foundation of our productive ca- pacity, and it is in our productivity of food and munitions that the safety of the world must rest. Therefore, I venture that from the point of view of proper conservation and use of the whole world's food supplies, of the maintenance of the proper productivity in munitions and their transport, and in the guardianship of our financial resources, that it should be seriously considered as to whether we should make any addi- tion to the armies in France except to the special services that I have above referred to. I have no right to speak from 8. military point of view, but two years of fairly active mind on both sides of the front have impressed me with the fact that if the western line is im- pregnable to five million men, it will be no more impregnable by the addition of another million. The problem is solely one of artillery action and thereby the attrition of Germans, of our ability to outlast in the food struggle, and in the use of the new aeroplane re-inforcements. I feel that we are not in this war to create the glory of soldiers, but in the defense of the whole world, and that we should submit ourselves to the place as farmers and mechanics if it is ne- cessary for us to do so in order that we should win. (signed) Herbert Hoover Mr. President: file Do you want to send a copy of Secy. Patterson's memo to Mr. Cooke? G. no PSF War Dept folder 2-43 WAR DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY WASHINGTON, D.C. March 16th, 1943. Memorandum for the President: I made an investigation last week into the story in PM. The PM story has to do with a short course for civilians given at the General Staff School at Ft. Leavenworth. The course covers four weeks and is attended by about eighty men. The purpose 1s to explain military organization, mili- tary operations and military problems, with the idea that the men will return to their ordinary occupations with a better understanding of the Army's work in this war, particularly in the problems of supply in which they may be called on to play a part. The attached program of the school show the topics that are taught. They are purely military. Men from all walks of life have been in attendance, men from Government, industry, labor, finance, publishing, etc. Marshall Field, publisher of PM, was among those invited to at- tend. His letter about the school is attached. Despite the charges in the PM article, there is no thought of teaching that the Army should take over control of any phase of civilian affairs. If anyone at the school made any such suggestion, it was unauthorized and will not be re- peated. Prior to the PM article, it had been decided to close the school at the end of the course now in session. This decision was due to the fact that people are too busy in war work to attend the school. The school will accordingly be suspended in early April. In brief, the case is one of much ado about very little. Robert P. Patterson, Under Secretary of War. rpp:lm 2 encls. COPY THE CHICAGO SUN 400 West Madison Street Chicago Marshall Field February 19, 1943 Major General W. D. Styer Headquarters, Services of Supply War Department Washington, D. C. Dear General Styer: I appreciate 80 very much your kind invitation to attend the Command and General Staff School at Fort Leavenworth. Many of my friends have been there and have told me how interesting it was. I only wish I could accept, but the fact of the matter is that the newspaper business in these times needs extremely close attention and it would be impossible for me to leave for that length of time. With very sincere regret and great appreciation of your offer, I am, Yours sincerely, /s/ Marshall Field P.S. In case other courses are to be held later in the year is it possible that I could have a rain-check? M. F. THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL March 15, 1943. MEMORANDUM FOR BOB PATTERSON I wish you would look into this thing personally and very quickly and let me have your thoughts about it. F. D. R. Article from PM March 9 re "War Dept. Trains Propagandists to agitate for Army control of nation's civilian life" sent with this memo. (It came with letter from Morris L. Cooke) THE HAY-ADAMS HOUSE PA ADAMS WASHINGTON, D.C. ALL BED ROOMS AIR CONDITIONED March 12, 1943 Miss Grace Tully The White House Washington, D. C. My dear Miss Tully: Several weeks ago an outstanding labor leader - a useful friend of the Administration - called my attention to the Fort Leavenworth "indoctrination" school covered in the enclosed articles. He had had the "instruction" described to him by one of his associates who had attended the school. At my re- quest he promised to give me a memorandum which I had intended to send to the President. It impresses me as a matter which the Adminis- tration should promptly investigate. If the facts are anywhere near what they seem to be, drastic action of some kind is indicated. In my opinion, the matter is one which you should call to the President's attention. Yours very sincerely, Moris L Come Morris L. Cooke Enclosure ATT. 3 INCLUDING THE ONLY DAILY PICTURE MAGAZINE IN THE WORLD PM Army pm Exclusive FIVE CENTS (Coganight, may rull Pullicational VOL. 111 - No. 207 Rule of Pages Tuesday, March 1943 3 - 4 COMPLETE EDITION 5 Steps To World Home Front War 3 Exposed Is Goal of By Henry Wallace Page 5 U.S. Envoy PSF-Wan (1943) War Dept. Says Russia Keeps Our Aid Secret From School Her People Page 8 PM TELLS YOU MORE NEWS IN LESS TIME 2 PM, TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 1943 To Begin With: HERE'S AN INTERESTING Our Fears Can't CHEMICAL EXPERIMENT CALLED THE RUSSIAN CAMPAIGN Reshape Europe Much of the thinking with which we are being regaled these days on the Russian question isn't so much thinking as it is re- sponse to fear. And nothing interferes with thinking as much as fear. You would suppose that, after praying all these months that Russia would best back the Nazi hordes, we would now feel grate- ful and admiring toward our Bussian allies for doing exactly that. But not at all. One of the dominant themes in Congressional think- ing is still the danger of "Communism," and one of the dominant questions is the faked- up issue of whether we will cling to our American way of life or exchange it for the Russian. I took a longish trip recently through the Middle West and Canada, and 1 can testify that when I discussed the Russian question it was regarded by my audiences as some- how a special mark of courage or temerity on my part. On a radio program at which every week high-school students discuss some issue of the day, eight high schools had to be canvassed before one could be found which was willing to let its students talk about Russia. It wasn't the mike that would bite them: it was the question. The curious thing about this fear is that trust of Russia into these categories. There it is a dual one, On the one hand there is are many liberals who distrust Russia for Sullivan Lives and Learns the fear that, after having driven the Nazis moral and political reasons. Theirs is the out of their territory, the Russians will stop disillusionment of a lost dream. They re- Egliting and will negotiate a peace with sember the hopes with which the liberal By FRANK SULLIVAN thought et would stamp him as a cad and Germany. On the other hand there is the world watched the development of a social- Aunt Sarah Gallup says she has is straight a bounder If be were to do so, We walked fear that the Russians will go on driving the ist state. They place side by side with those from her private grapevine that Schickl- away, reflecting that the Language of Love Nazis until they have driven to Berlin or hopes the single-party state, the secret gruber is crazy, all right. She says be thinks Is Universal. beyond, and that they will occupy Germany police, the deaths by famine, the purges, he's Mussolini. and control the European continent. the Pact, the dictatorship, As a result they The town was made brighter last weick feel that there is a vast moral gulf that sepa- The fear-drenched thinkers can't seem to Of course, history may fool everyone and by the golden aura from the shoulders of rates their world from the Russian. decide that the greatent benefactor of the three newlymade lieutenants, Josh Logan, make up their minds whether they want the Russians to go on fighting or not. They suffer But though they hold off from Russia, the human race in this era was the man who Alan Campbell and Christopher Kilmer. from compartment-thinking. In one compart- driving forces that are today trying to whip invented the elastic waistband for men's The most beautiful redhead your cor. up the fears of Russia into a world political shorts. ever had dinner with last Wednesday evo- ment of their minds they fear that the movement are not theirs, These forces are ning is Miss Geraldine Fitzgerald. Miss Fitz Russians will stop fighting, in another to be found not among the liberals, but On a Saturday a work back four young and your c. went 10 rounds to a draw on they fear that they won't. And never the among the primitives and reactionaries of people stood in a huddle underneath the the subject of Bill Saroyan, the Frantic twain shall meet, They do not see the con- our world. statue of Gen. Sherman at the Plaza. Two Fresnian. Miss Gina Malo is off on a tradiction because fears are irrational, and are not erased by logic. As against these forces there are powerful were pretty girls. Two were sailors from tour of Canada by this time, to entertain emerging facts that must be reckoned with: the visiting French delegation. The girls the Maple Leaf troops and perchance catch One could argue that the fears are self- One is the new respect that ordinary had a little red dictionary. The pom-poms a glimpse of husband Homney Brent at To- contradictory, that they are unbased, that people all over the world feel for what had one, too, The quartet was getting along ronto in passing. Norman "Bubbles" they are unworthy of us in the face of the Russia has built up and for its war record. fine. The conversation was halting, but Anthony, the poor man's Willie Hoppe, is Russian war record, that they are dangerous A second is the habits of common action hilarious. The girls would bury their heads the pool champion of Gramercy Park, to the United Nations understanding, that that are emerging out of the terrible in their dictionary, giggle a bit, and come Your correspondent went to the Copacabana they are demoralizing to our own war mood crucible of a coalition war. up with an observation in French. The boys last Fri. night to see and hear Jimmy Du- and peace intentions. A third is the sheer fact that, despite would dive into their dictionary and come rante for old time's sake, and an interesting One could argue these things, but it McCormiek and Patterson and Dies and the up with an answer in English. Then all by-product of the trip-well, a by-product- wouldn't do any good: rest, America must live in a real world, and four would burst into peals of laughter. This was your d's first glimpse of the famed not in the nightmare world of the double department longed to eavesdrop but Tommy Manville. You live and learn. For the soll in which these fears grow is fear. the soil of the historical memories that Americans still have from the days when Europe after the war will not be shaped the Russian Revolution shook the world, by American fears. It will be shaped by its PM Rebooks the Paper 1 And the roots of the fear are the deep own sense of interest. It will be a Europe Some changes in the arrangement of the The Daily Magazine will be carried im- roots of class-interest thinking. The posses- in which, whether we like it or not, Russia will have an important place. It will be a news in PM are being made, starting with mediately following the news department. son of the earth fear Russia as the embodi- Europe that has lived through a ten-year this issue. The changes we are making are Following the Magazine section, we are ment of the socialist idea. And the humble folk tend, in their thinking, to identify them- ordeal of violence and suffering-an ordeal aimed at simplification and at making the expanding our News for Living departments selves with the ruling groups. The stronger that either cleanses men or brutalizes them, day's spot-breaking news more accessible. and bringing together at one place in the but that in any case froes them from the Heretofore we have run our daily Maga- paper all the increasing volume of news Russia shows itself, the more deeply do these roots of fear dig into the soil. phantoms that still preside over American zine Section at the front of the paper, fol- that affects living in wartime-ration orders, thinking. lowed by news in other departments. From price increases, news of shortages, and simi- 1 And the green bay tree of these fears is -MAX LERNER now on we will open with the Opinion lar information having to do with the every- cherished and tended anxiously by the Nazi Page on 2, followed by the news depart- day business of living under wartime re- propagandists, who hope with them to make This is the second of a series of editorials ments, starting on page 3. Alternating col- strictions. This news will be added to our the house of the United Nations a house on American-Russion relations, now and in umns by Louis Kronenberger and Frank present food and shopping news pages. It divided against itself. the posticar world. The third, Russia Faces Sullivan hereafter will appear on the Opin- starts today on page 18. I don't mean to dump, all fear and dis- Europe, will appear tomorrow. lon Page rather than in the Critical Section. We hope you like this arrangement.-En. Entered as Security Che Matter, Post Office. N. T.N T PM, TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 1943 3 THE NATION War Dept. Trains Industrialists to Press For Army Control Of Nation's Civilian Life The story below, we believe, da one of the most important we have ever railroads-despite the fact that the President was forced to order Government published. It represents a conservative presentation of the facts our Washing- operation of the T P & W. ton office has been able to learn of this new development on the home front. Top officials of the War Dept. could not be reached for comment on these Until we know more of the facts, toe are withholding editorial comment, except disclosures. A War Dept. press relations officer, however, said that the personnel to urge on our readers the importance of reading and following through on any of the school was selected from "outstanding men in different lines closely asso- ciated with Government work." When it was pointed out that McNear's road decelopments that may result. All of our liberties, all of our freedom, may be had been taken over by the Government, the spokesman said: concerned.-The Editors of PM. "Well, then be was associated with the Government, wasn't he?" By JAMES A. WECHSLER The War Dept. representative said: "There isn't any comment" on the general PM's Barros character of the school and alleged propagandist activity there. With regard to (Copyright, INI, by Field Publications) the background of the school, he cited a release issued last October by the WASHINGTON, Mar. 9.-A War Dept. school is training civilians to War Dept. pm propagandize for Army control over the Nation's civilian life, it was This announced the orientation school was being established and that 83 learned today. "business leaders" were being picked to attend. The project was described as The guiding figure behind the school, located at Fort Leavenworth, aimed to bring "more co-operation with the War Dept." and to provide "better Kan., is Lt. Gen. Brehon B. Somervell, Chief of the Army Services of Supply, who understanding of Army operations." The release quotes Lt. Gen. Somervell as has been waging an undercover battle with civilian officials here for command of observing that a similar school had been run in 1941. the Nation's home-front war effort. "Students" selected by Somervell to Since that time three "classes" have gone through the school. It is understood that one or two labor representatives have been included in the later groups in attend the school are overwhelmingly an apparent effort to forestall criticism. But the overwhelming percentage of regis- drawn from anti-New-Deal business and trants are reported reliably to be anti-New Deal business men. financial circles. They are frankly told A clear indication of the objectives of the school was given recently in & during their four-week training period letter sent out by one of the former students to all his "classmates." The letter that they are expected to serve as propa- voiced bitter opposition to the Pepper-Tolan-Kilgore bill providing for a unified gandists for the War Dept.'s views when civilian command over the Nation's manpower and production programs. It urged the other ex-students to mobilize, sentiment against this bill, which has been they return to their local communities. opposed sharply by the War Dept. Key Was Dept. objectives. - outlined to the classes, are Army control over the Orientation School Addressograph Used War Manpower Commission, the Office The envelopes carrying the letters were run off on the same addressograph of War Information, the Office of De- which the orientation school used for official business, investigation shows. fense Transportation, and the Office of A key phase of the "curriculum" at the school concerns the need for extend- Civilian Defense. Army officials inform ing Army control over civilian affairs, according to unimpeachable information the students that it soon will be neces- obtained by PM. The students are urged to carry this message back to their own sary for the Army to assume direction of areas, to deliver public speeches on the subject and in general to carry the ball these efforts because of the "inefficiency" for the War Dept. in controversies over national policy, In addition, the classes of civilian rule. are devoted to lectures on military stra- The character of the school has come tegy and about a week is spent studying to light as a result of the post-graduate the problems of Lt. Gen. Somervell's activities of one of its pupíls: George P. Services of Supply. McNear, Jr., Illinois railroad magnate. The roster of the classes dramatizes the McNear achieved nationwide promin- degree to which conservative business ence last year when he defied President men with anti-New Deal records are be- Roosevelt and four Government agencies in a labor dispute affecting the Toledo, ing rallied at the Ft. Leavenworth school. Peoria & Western Railroad. Among McNear's classmates were: When McNear persistently refused to Cal C., Chambers, president of Texas arbitrate the dispute in the face of ap- Foundries. peals from the White House as well as Ralph C. Powell, president of Powell the War Labor Board and other U.S. Knitting Mills. agencies, FDR finally ordered Govern- E. H. McHugh, vice president of ment seizure of the railroad. McNear Hearst Magazines, Inc. subsequently was indicted for violation William Crocker, head of the First of the Railway Labor Act. His railroad National Bank of San Francisco. still is being operated by the Govern- Another member of the class was Sam- ment. George P. McNear uel Insull, Jr.-son of the But he was one of the "outstanding late utilities magnate. MORE citizens' designated by Gen. Somervell to attend the Fort Leavenworth school, IN PM TODAY which officially is described as an "Army orientation course." National News 3-6 Shopping News 20-21 News From Abroad 6-10 Theaters, Movies, Music 22,23,25 McNear was a member of the class New York News 11-12 Radio 24 Brehon B. Somervell trained at the school from Jan. 4 to Jan. The Scuttles 12 Barnaby 25 30, it was revealed today. Since his Picture News 13-17 Sports 26-27 "graduation," PM has learned, be has been delivering speeches and informing associates of his close associations with the War Dept. He has hinted, it is under- News for Living 18 Patoruzu 27 Food 19 Vie Jordan 28 stood, that he may be used in some "special capacity" in connection with the 4 PM, TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 1943 CONTINUED Today's Mrs. FDR Hits Propagandists for Army 4th Term Talk In one of the classes that has attended the school approximately six of the 87 Speculation May students could have been considered pro-New Deal, PM's informants said, The remainder held varying degrees of anti-Roosevelt bias and a big majority favored Endanger the War Effort, She increased Army control over the home-front. Warns Anti-Russian attitudes are also reported prevalent among many of the students and in the comments of some of the officers, Refusal of the Soviets to permit Story PM's Burrow observers at the front is a frequent target of attack. Maps describing the "cap- PM's Burren WASHINGTON, Mar. 9.-Fourth-term abilities of the enemy" give prominent display to the possibility of a negotiated WASHINGTON, Mar, 9.-Rep. Hamilton thinking is foolish and lets polities endanger peace between Russia and Germany and of a joint Russo-Japanese attack on Fish (R., N. Y.) yesterday attacked the the war effort, Mrs. Roosevelt told her press the S. A. Lend-Lease program in the House, asserting conference yesterday. The invitation to McNear to attend the school must have been extended after that the U.S. A. soon will be spending a "Unprecedented things don't happen un- the full record of his conflict with President Roosevelt and Government agencies billion dollars a month "and the money will less special situations demand," she said. had been written. While be entered the school in January of this year, his railroad pour into the British exchequer for any use "Nobody knows what will happen in the they see St." next two years. I believe in thinking ahead was seized at White House direction last March, after months of battling between "Lend-Lease is no two-way street," Fish constructively in order to meet situations, McNear and Government agencies. McNear defied arbitration appeals from the argued. "It is not even a one-way street. It but we must cut off thinking that will hurt Railway Mediation Board, the Office of Defense Transportation, and the U. S. is a one-way avenue, a one-way boulevard, the immediate effort." Conciliation Service, as well as the War Labor Board and the President. leading to a bottomless pit." Mrs. Roosevelt said she was not particu- He was answered promptly by Chairman larly thrilled by her son Elliot's letter, read Sol Bloom (D., N. Y.) of the Foreign Af- in the House. GOP Plans Fight on Floor fairs Committee, and Democratic Leader John W. MeCormack, of Massachusetts, Should Ignore Attacks who pointed out that Lend-Lease money "Attacks like that shouldn't be answered," For Ruml Plan 'or Nothing' could be used only for "specifically desig- she said vehemently. "It's a waste of time. nated purposes." We're responsible only to our own con- Meanwhile, Rep. Charles Eaton (R., sciences. Even in public office you've got By NATHAN ROBERTSON N. J.) urged unanimous approval of legisla- to live with yourself." Burees tion to extend the Lend-Lease Act for an- Mrs. Roosevelt talked about gasoline ra- WASHINGTON, Mar. 9.-The Republi- committee for a 20 per cent withholding other year and suggested that aid to China tioning, the draft of fathers, the advisability can members of the House Ways and Means tax to collect income taxes currently by be placed on the same formal basis as aid of sending women doctors overseas, but she Committee made a Party issue of the Ruml deductions from pay envelopes-subject to to Russia and Great Britain. was most moving when she talked generally plan today, threstening to split Congress later decision on what to do about 1942 of the morale of the American people. wide open over the tax cancellation propo- taxes. sal, after it had again been rejected by the Mme. Chiang Dons "The spúrit of the people is remarkable," In view of the solid Republican bloe up- she said. "But the hardest thing to endure- Committee. posing compromises, such decisions can be Nine of the 10 Republican members of reached now only if the Democrats can get Slacks; Ban Ends and it is very understandable-is when their sons are missing. It would be almost impos- the Committee announced they would together. Otherwise, the whole controversy Special Correspondence sible for the press to tell in words how men carry the plan to the floor of the House will-be thrown onto the floor of the House, WELLESLEY, Mass., Mar. 9.-The girls can be missing for long periods in this war; and would oppose any other pay-as-you-go wind the Republican bloe probably could at Wellesley College who bereafter may the movies soinetimes can make visual- Income tax plan that involved paying 1942 put over the Ruml plan. appear for classes in slacks have Mme. tze it." income taxes in addition to current taxes. The Republican statement seemed to bar Allred Wins a Round Chiang Kai-shek to thank for the privilege Mrs. Roosevelt gets many letters from the of going to school in trousers. Middlewest, asking about missing sons. the road to compromise and increased the PM's Bureou Wellesley's anti-slacks rule went out the Women on the New England coast, she said, possibility that the Committee will be un- WASHINGTON, Mar. 9.-A Senate Ju- window yesterday, when Mme. Chiang have seen their men go off on ships for gen- able to agree on any substitute plan unless diclary subcommittee has voted, 2 to 1, to strolled over the campus in Navy blue erations and know too well the long inter- the Democrats on the Committee can close report favorably to the full Committee slacks, looking for landmarks, most of which vals of waiting. But the parents of many a ranks as the Republican minority has done. FDR's nomination of former Judge James have vanished in the 26 years since she was Middlewestern sailor never have seen the The Democrats, while unanimously op- V. Allred of Texas for the 5th U. S. Circuit a Wellesley girl. sea nor ships. posed to the Ruml plan, have been divided Court of Appeals bench. The Louisiana "Her slacks have ruined our anti-slacks over possible alternatives. Neither group has Congressional delegation is fighting the campaign," confessed Lt. Gmdr. Mildred Mme. Chiang's Pendant been willing to yield to the other, leaving nomination, and a contest over Allred is McAfee, president of Wellesley. "The fac- There is no reason why stories of war- the Republicans the balance of power. expected both in Committee and on the ulty has reversed its stand. We are now for wounded should not be published, she feels, Senate Boor, if the nomination gets that far. slacks." if they are written from the viewpoint of Republican Game Cagey the courage and spirit that is so typical. Meanwhile, the Republicans have been Mrs. Roosevelt said that drafting of playing a cagey game. When the hearings Supreme Court Sets Aside Conviction fathers must be a matter for every draft on pay-as-you-earn taxes closed about a board to consider individually, Sometimes month ago, polls of the Committee indi- Of Two Jehovah's Witnesses in Texas the drafting of an 18-year-old boy is a eated that no more than three or four of greater hardship. In case of her own sons, all them favored the Ruml plan. It was counted of them fathers, she said there was no real PM's Burnes as a dead duck. reason why they should not have gone. WASHINGTON, Mar. 9.-The U. S. Su- schools in the past five years because of Mrs. Roosevelt wore a beautiful emerald But in the executive sessions, the Repub- preme Court, holding that Constitutional religious scruples against saluting the flag. licans turned down one proposal after It asked the Court to refuse an appeal of jade pendant given to her by Mme. Chiang gauarantees of freedom of press and re- another for compromise, with the result that Kai-shek. Mme. Chiang prized it highly, ligion had been infringed, yesterday set the State of West Virginia against a Fed- the full Committee and later a subcommittee aside the convictions of two members of eral court decision invalidating a school for it had belonged to her mother. were deadlocked and unable to agree on Jehovah's Witnesses, a religious sect. board mandate which requires all children anything else. The individuals had been found guilty to give the salute. No ruling was made Sen. Mead Sees FDR Yesterday, with the issue turned back of violating municipal ordinances, in Texas yesterday on the flag issue. again to the full Committee, the Repub- towns, governing distribution of literature In the ordinance cases, the decisions were Leading Nation in '44 licans pushed the Ruml plan forward once on the streets. unanimous. Justice Wiley B. Rutledge, ele- PM's Bureen more and rallied all but one of their votes By its action, the Supreme Court ignored vated to the bench only a few weeks ago, WASHINGTON, Mar. 9.-Sen. James W. for it. The one hold-out was Rep. Bertrand A policy it followed in a number of similar alone did not participate. The decisions Mead (D., N. Y.) believes that FDR will W. Gearhart, of California. cases involving the sect. For it often had were written by Justice Hugo L. Black and be drafted for a fourth term in 1944 If the refused to review lower court decisions Justice Stanley Reed. war is still on, or will head the American New Democratic Compromise based on substantially the same facts as Black's decision dealt with the conviction peace delegation if the conflict is over. The The plan was beaten 16 to 9. Desperately, those dealt with in yesterday's rulings. of Mrs. Ella Jamison in Dallas County, Tex., Senator declared here: the Democrats advanced a new compromise Before the decisions were handed down, for distributing leaflets advertising a public "The American people will decide on the -abandoning the pay-as-you-go idea and the American Civil Liberties Union filed a religious ceremony. fourth term. Mr. Roosevelt's qualities and proposing to collect last year's tax by deduc- brief with the Court defending the refusal Reed's decision set aside the conviction assets present the strongest force for demoo- tions from pay envelopes this year. This of members of the sect to salute the Ameri- of Daisy Sargent, who had been found racy on earth. His personal wishes and de- also was beaten on a 13 to 12 vote. can flag. guilty of violating an ordinance in Paris, sires will be subordinated to the action of Earlier, the Committee had adopted over- The ACLU said that more than 2000 Tex., banning sale of books in a residential the American people. He is too valuable to whelmingly the recommendations of a sub- children had been expelled from public district. enjoy the comforts of retirement." INCLUDING THE ONLY DAILY PICTURE MAGAZINE IN THE WORLD pm By Edgar Ansel Mowrer: Europe's Quislings Can't FIVE CENTS Indianal Publications VOL. HII - No. 228 Win War for U.S.A. PM Wednesday, March 10.1943 Cxclusive Pages 16 and 17 * COMPLETE EDITION More on the Army School: Standley May Quit, Army Students Following Repudiation Taught Military Page 4 Drive Renewed 'May Be Forced' To Win Repeal Of Poll Tax Page 5 To Rule PM EXCLUSIVE Russians Admit Loss of 8 Cities Civilians Page In Ukraine 3 Page 7 PM TELLS YOU MORE NEWS IN LESS TIME 2 To Begin With: BAD FUEHRER! NEWS The Standley Blunder The diplomatic story of this war con- times to present a mixture of the tragle and the fareical. Another American am- bassador made a speech the other day-this time not Hayes at Barcelona, but Standley at Moscow, And what a contrast between the two! 51 Accredited to a Fascist "neutral" govern- ment, which sever has concealed its hos- tility to 135, Ambassador Hayes had only sickening words of praise. Accredited to an allied government which has home the brunt of the task of killing Nazis and has bled profusely in the process, Ambassador Standley had only ungenerous words. We honey up the enemy and we insult an ally. Try to make scene sense out of it. BADUCE! NEWS The problem of American-Bussian rela- tions in complex enough without the sort of contribution that Standley has made to it. His speech-with its implication that the 15 Russian government is ungrateful for Amer- lean aid, that for reasons of its own it has kept the news of that aid from its people, and that Congress might punish this in- VEHICLE - 1945 Publi Publications gratitude by withdrawing further aid-is one of the crassest blunders that any Amer- Army. One, from the Chicago Tribune, said lean diplomat has publicly committed. that we must for the present support Bussia Blunders of diplomats can be as costly "just as an army of grizzly bears or cobras One Thing or Another as blunders of generals, Summer Wells, as should be supported if they could do the Acting Secretary of State, did the only same work." The other, from the New York By Louis Knowenderger thing possible and did it handsomely and soundly when be repudisted Standley's has more dignity, but goes even far- London is the city that I miss the anost once told me about Sir Frederick Pollock statement. But in American-Russian rela- the in making its point. "Stalin has made after not soeing it for awhile. Right now, and Justice Holmes, The English lawyer and tions there is a residue of harm that already plain," the Times wrote, "first, that Russia is of course, there is more than nostalgia to the American judge became friends in their has been done. fighting its own war for its own aims, and, draw one there-there is the sense of all youth and maintained a correspondence till second, that so far as present needs are that London has valiantly endured; there both were past 90, Very late in life Holmes For not only was Standley's an ungener- concerned, Russia now can take care of is the knowing it has changed and the not wrote to Pollock, saying how much the ous statement, It also was factually inaccu- itself." knowing just how much. And not only friendship had meant to him, but adding rate. PM's dispatches from Washington to- day leave DO doubt of that. (For the latest One might ask some whimsical questions. places, but people: do the inhabitants of that it hurt him a little, after 60 years, for Mayfair and Bloomsbury wear an altered Pollock still to sign Inis letters: "Yours truly." dispatches, NOT Page 4.): If the Russians are cobras, why exact grati- tude from them? If we are not going to send look along with Mayfair and Bloomsbury Pollock wrote back, insisting how much be The fact is that Russian papers have themselves? Our hopes, at least, that the too valued the friendship, and acknowledg- carried the story of American Lend-Lease the Russians any further aid, on the ground old awful English snobbishness has at last ing that he had been much too stand-offish aid. that they can take care of themselves, then been dented, that the old wormy class- in signing his letter that way. He thereupon- The fact is that Bussia has carried the again why exitt gratitude from them? conselousness has broken down, and that signed himself: "Yours very truly." major part of the war against the Nazis; and But if the Standley statement was meant, the English people are determined to estab- that, as Lend-Lease Administrator Stettinius either by the Ambassador or others, to ex- lish, after the war, a new order of which And there is a tale-which I hope this several times publicly has stated, the over- ploit the fear and distrust of Russia which they are the true masters. But concerning those English characteris- war will destroy the point of-about a whelming proportion of Russian war mate- are latent in American opinion, it probably rial has come from Russian and not Aineri- will prove # boomering. ties which merely umuse 135 as Americans, brother of John Gielgod's who lived in Paris can factories. It has been good to note from the re- one is pulled two ways. One's affection for because be found England too stuffy, One the English is partly based on what one re- day, in a special burst of rebelliousness, be The fact is that what we have sent actions of our Congressional leaders (See gards as their absurdity-the queer ret- tore off his old school tie and flung it in the Russia has been but a small fraction of our 1. F. Stone's story on Page 4) that our Con- icences, the irrational behavior, the stran- wastepaper basket. The nest day be saw his total war production. gressmen have some real acumen on foreign glehold of habit, the imperturbability. Of valet wearing it, and fired him. affairs, and can detect a whopping blunder The fact is that while what we have when someone else makes it. It also has what other race can you tell more in an sent has been substantial, our aid started anecdote-on what other race do you look been heartening to have Summer Welles back, in terms of anecdote, so much? Let Perhaps you already know the story of late: that much of it was sunk in transit and disown Standley's statement with a clarity the man doing research at the British Mu- never reached the Russians; and that much and directness that does something to re- me offer a handful of samples. seum who recalled that years before Lenin of it also did not match the quality of our trieve the reputation of the State Dept. had done research there, and set about find. best output. But a rebuke Es not enough. Incalculable I remember going to lunch with an Eng- ing someone who might remember him. The It is fruitless to guess where Ambassador lishman in a little London dump that had DO various librarians said, no, that was before Standley got his facts and views: whether harm already has been done and more must check room. The clothes trees were all full, their time: and suggested that the man's he thought them up out of his own head, be prevented. It does not require a prophet so I stuck my cost on the cross-piece under best bet was a very old fellow who col- or whether they express the attitude of a to see that Standley's usefulness in his post is at an end. We cannot afford to keep in my chair and flipped my hat on top of it. lected the books at the end of the day. The group of American officials with whom he My English friend regarded this act with man sought him out. Moscow someone who is either deliberately had talked things over when he last was amazed admiration. "There have been so many people here," anti-Soviet or who-at the best calculation- in Washington. The Welles statement now I say," be said, "that's a splendid idea." sighed the old fellow, and added: "Perhaps makes it clear that Standley was not (X- is an irresponsible dupe for more mis- "It's nothing much," I answered, "every- if you showed me his picture-." pressing the State Dept. view. But Stand- chievous people. one in America does that." Next day the man brought in Lenin's pic- ley's words must have come out of a climate Ambassador Standley must be recalled. "Well," he continued, "I think it's a splen- ture. of opinion that is not restricted to the air -MAX LERNER. did idea. I must try it some time!"-and "Oh, him," said the old attendant. "Yes, that only be breathes. This is the third of a series of editorials forthwith ate lunch with his hat and cout indeed. He was here very often in the old What that climate is can be illustrated on American-Bussian relations, now and in in his lap. days. An interesting man-a very interesting man. I've often wondered what became of best by two editorials commenting on the post war world. The fourth will appear tomorrow, And there is a story that Harold Laski him!" Stalin's recent Order of the Day to the Red Entered - Second Class Matter, Fost Office, N. T. N. T. 3 THE NATION Army Told Students at Its Propaganda School It Might Have to Rule 'Many' Government Agencies Address Used as Textbook Denounced Congressmen De- Educators, Clergy, Some Newspapers mand Probe, Express PM recealed that a War Dept. school is being operated at Ft. Leavenicorth, Kan., to train civilians to propagandize for Army control over the Nation's civilian Anger life. Key figure behind the school, described as an "Army Orientation Course," By NATHAN ROBERTSON is Lt. Gen. Brehon B. Somercell, chief Army supply officer. The cost majority of FM's Berree the students are anti-New Deal businessmen who are urged to spread the War WASHINGTON, Mar. 10.-A chorus of Dept.'s views on national issues when they return to their home areas. Chief demands came from Capitol Hill today for objectives of the Army drive, as outlined to the students, are control of the War a Congressional investigation of the dis- Manpower Commission, the Office of War Information, the Office of Defense closure in PM that the War Dept. is training Transportation and the Office of Civilian Defense. Further findings in PM's civilians to propagandize for Army control of civilian activities. incestigation follow: Two members of the powerful Truman By JAMES A. WECHSLER Among Congressmen who demanded Investigating Committee-Sens. Balph O. PM's Burrow investigation of the Army orientation Brewster (B., Me.) and Harley M. Kilgore WASHINGTON, Mar. 10.-An directed toward prosecution of an all-out (D., W. Va.)-joined in the demand; they course were Sens. Ralph 0. Brew- pm official text used at the War war." are expected to take the matter up with Dept.'s civilian orientation school Prediction that "publie opinion" may com- ster and Harley M. Kilgore. Chairman Harry S. Truman (D., Mo.) carries the prédiction that the pel the Army to intervene in civilian affairs when he returns to the city. On the House Army "may be forced" to assume control follows this section. Ironically, another pas- side, Rep. John M. Coffee (D. Wash.) over the Nation's civilian life. sage in the Gillette statement declares that also called for an investigation. The statement was contained in a lecture Nazi agents will "spread rumors" of "internal Brewster Urges Probe delivered by Lt. Col. F. E. Gillette to one dissension in the War Dept. or other branches of the Government and intima- PM's story drew the attention of other of the early classes and published in print- ed form for distribution to all "students" tions of lack of confidence in our military legislators, some of whom already were attending the school. On the first page of and civilian leaders." angry over the War Dept.'s recent lobbying the printed version it is described as an against the Pepper-Kilgore-Tolan bill to "instructors" manuscript." Department Still Silent strengthen civilian control of the war effort. Gillette's reference to possible extension As one part of the courses, slides are Several Senators said they had heard n- mors of the activities at the school and of of Army rule climaxes a passage bitterly shown to the classes depicting more than 20 Lt. Gen. Brehon B. Somervell's part in it, assailing "most of our educators, many of War Dept. agencies which have functions but had not been able to run them down. our clergy, and a certain proportion of our similar to those exercized by civilian officials. press," and decrying the situation prevail- These include manpower, procurement, and They commended PM's publication of the a host of other fields. Most of the "parallel" story. ing on the U. S. home front. He declares: Sen. Brewster said be thought the Tru- "The remedy of this condition is outside War Dept. units are under Lt. Gen. Somer- man Committee should investigate the story our province as Army officers, although vell's Services of Supply. Presentation of these slides is accom- because of its indication that the Army was some day, if the condition gets bad enough, scheduled to get under way on Mar. 15. the Army may be forced, by public opin- panied by lectures indicating that the dupli- getting out of the field of military matters The great majority of the students are into the jurisdiction of civilian affairs. ion, to take over the direction of many cate War Dept. agencies now maintain men over draft age who are likely to remain activities now considered to be beyond the "liaison" with the eivilian groups, but could active and influential in their home com- 'Savors of Fascism province of the military." "in an emergency" take over the whole munities for the duration and therefore will "This is very different from a school of operation in their respective Selds, PM's be in position to "represent" the War Dept. military government for occupied areas," Indicts Educators. Clergy informants said. on key home-front issues. Brewster added. As reported yesterday, the view that the War Dept. officials maintained unbroken EA cross section of those who have at- Commenting that what PM revealed Army will have to take command of civilian silence yesterday on the disclosures con- tended the school includes well-known "savors of Fascism here," Rep. Coffee said: agencies because of "inefficiency" in the tained in PM's initial story on the orienta- names like these: "Congress must be vigilant to prevent conduct of the war is an important theme tion course. A press relations officer said Victory E. Cooley, vice-president of the any brass hats in the Army from utilizing at the Ft. Leavenworth sessions. there would be "absolutely no comment" New York Telephone Co. the national emergency for the purpose of Gillette's thesis is entitled Methods of from Lt. Gen. Somervell or any other high Irving S. Florsheim, president, Florsheim foisting on the Nation Army control of civil- Psychological Warfare. His indictment of Army official. He said that "the Department Shoe Co. lan life. stands on the release issued last October." educators, clergymen, and newspapers oc- Arthur M. Hartwell, vice president, Gen- "The essence of this whole war is to pre- curs in a discussion of enemy attempts to This release merely announced formation eral Mills. vent just this kind of thing from happen- of the school and said that 83 "business create "national disunity" here. Chester D. Heywood, president, Hey. ing.' Charging that Nazi agents in the U.S. A. leaders" were being invited to attend, to wood Boot & Shoe Co. have promoted "the principles of pacifism, achieve "more co-operation with the War William B. McFall, president, the Com- IN PM TODAY iconoclastic "debunking" of national ideals Dept. and better understanding of Army monwealth Trust Co., Pittsburgh. Edward F. McGinley, vice president, National News 3-6 and appeal to reason rather than emotions operations." or religion," be asserted: Lt. Gen. Somervell originally was sched- Chemical Bank & Trust Co., New York. News From Abroad 6-9 "Most of our educators, many of our uled to hold a press conference yesterday William A. Patterson, president, United New York News 10-11 clergy, and a certain proportion of our to review the work of the Services of Sup- Air Lines Transport. The Scuttles 11 ply but the conference was postponed un- Although the school originally was an- Picture Magazine 12-17 press fell for this new and 'advanced' think- ing, book, line and sinker. And what do eil today without explanation. It was an- nounced as exclusively planned for business. Living in Wartime, including stories we have as a result? nounced that Undersecretary of War Robert men, at least two college professors, two on higher milk prices for New York "Parallel" Agencies Cited P. Patterson also will be present at today's labor representatives, and several news- City, an OPA labor advisory com- conference. paper editors also have been on the roster mittee for New York, and black market "After 10 months of war against nations Here are additional details on the opera- of the classes, in meat 18 of professional killers who force every mem- tion of the Kansas school: ber of their own and conquered peoples to 1 All expenses for those invited to the Seaman Held for Sedition Food 19 follow dictated lives of military, economic, course are paid by the War Dept. The stu- Special Compondendence Shopping News 20-21 and even religious activity, to insure 100 dents eat in the officers mess and are MOBILE, Ala., Mar. 10.-James Con- Theaters, Movies, Music 22,23.25 per cent co-operation in the prosecution of housed with the officers. chois, 31-year-old merchant seaman, has Radio 24 the War, what do we have? Three classes-with about 85 in each- been held for grand jury action du # charge Barnaby 25 "Again I say-pick up most any news- already have participated in the four-week of attempting to undermine the morale of Sports 26-27 paper and ask vourself-what proportion course. No class is at FL Leavenworth at 1 Navy gon crew in viel in of the war- Vie Jordan 28 of our national effort is, in your question. present, but the fourth session is time sedition 4 Standley May Quit, Repudiated by State Dept. Envoy's Slur on Bloom Asserts Russian Press Russia Brings Protests In Congress Gave Full Reports of U.S. Aid By I. F. STONE Describes Adm. Standley's PM's Burnes RUSSIANS TOLD OF OUR AID WASHINGTON, Mar. 10. - Informed Charges of Concealment as eircles here today expect William H. Stand- ley to resign as Ambassador to the Soviet "Unfortunate" Pravda Gives Public the First Union or else be recalled within the next Details Showing Great Bulk PM's few days. WASHINGTON, Mar. 10.-After consul- Wirelams to THE NEW York Toda. Ambassador Standley's charge at Mos- tation with the State Dept., Chairman Sol MOSCOW, Jan. 23-Pravda pub- cow that the Russian government was keep- Bloom of the House Foreign Affairs Com- lishes figures of the United States ing the facts of Lend-Lease from its people was disowned by Undersecretary of State mittee told the House of Representatives and British war supplies sent to Summer Welles yesterday and disproved by yesterday afternoon that "Russian news- Russia, giving the public for the Congressional leaders. papers have carried very full reports of first time details of their great American military assistance to Moscow." bulk. No ambassador in many years, if ever, Bloom declared the Standley statement Pravda editorially calls attention has been so severely criticized and so flatly Summer Welles "unfortunate." to the big increases in home pro- repudiated by his own government. The This finds confirmation in recent dis- duction last year. In 1942 several effect was to turn the Ambassador's sour people were not being told about our aid comments on an ally into the occasion for a patches by U. S. correspondents in the So- times more tanks were produced to them. viet Union, In yesterday's New York Times, than in 1941. In 1942, airplane demonstration of U. S. friendship for the Soviet Union by conservatives as well as Even Ham Fish rose to declare that the Ralph Parker reported from Moscow, "there production was 75 per cent higher Standley statement would not affect Lend- can be no doubt that the masses of the than in 1941, and in 1942 two mil- progressives of both parties in Congress. Lease, because "we want to supply them as Soviet Union are fully aware of the extent Hon more hectares of soll were Permits Quotation long as they'll keep on fighting. Fish said, of American aid. American-built trucks sown than in 1941, Pravda stated. however, that he was not surprised by the rumble through many towns and villages, Undersecretary Welles did not wait to Standley statement, because be "never American-built tanks-not the latest types- As the New York Times clipping be asked about Standley's statement at the thought for a mòment that the Communists are used on many fronts." shows, Pracda published the first State Dept.'s regular noon press conference had changed their principles or views." yesterday. He opened the conference by Full Figures Published figures released on Lend-Lease aid to Minority Leader Charles McNary of the Russia almost immediately after they making it clear that the Ambassador had In last Saturday's Washington Post, Senate also was one of those who expressed were made public. spoken without the approval or prior Henry C. Cassidy, Associated Press corre- knowledge of his own Government and the opinion that the Standley statement spondent on leave from his post in Moscow, Welles later took the usual step of permit- would not be allowed to interfere with wrote, "Since my return to New York, I Soviet press of aid from the U. S. A. and ting correspondents to quote his words Lend-Lease have heard some comment that the Rus- Great Britain. On the contrary, as Chairman Bloom discovered, files of the Soviet press directly. The one ugly note was struck by Sen- sians do not seem to realize or appreciate This is what Welles said: Burton K. Wheeler, one of the earliest to the extent of our effort to aid them. They here disclose that leading Russian papers comment. Wheeler, when reached by Classe do realize it, for every statement President have given prominence to every statement "I have cabled Ambassador Standley ask- Patterson's Times-Herald, said he was not Roosevelt or Prime Minister Churchill has made by U. S. and British statesmen on log him to let us have the text of what surprised "that it is being kept from the aid to the Soviets. made on this subject, complete with figures, remarks he may have made, I have not yet Russian people that we are giving them has been reproduced in the Soviet press, received a reply and for that reason, until I Papers Quoted Welles tremendous help. That is the policy of the and the Russians are avid newspaper read- have received a reply from the Ambassador, ruling class in Russia, as it always has been en. Those with whom I have come into Here are a few samples: Investia, Nov. I am not going to comment in any detail the policy of the Communist leaders to contact also have made clear that they ap- 24, 1942, carried a long report on the on what was said or alleged to have been point out to the Russian people everything preciate it." speech made by W. Averell Harriman at said. that is bad about the United States and to On Jan. 24, the New York Times re- the Hotel Commodore in New York City "I think I should make it clear, however, keep from them everything that is good ported from Moscow: "Praoda publishes on Nov. 19. Incestia quoted Harriman's that whatever was said was without prior about us." figures of the United States and Beitish war statement that "food has been taken from consultation with or reference to this Gov- Standley's Moscow interview was re- supplies sent to Russia." This referred to emment. The understanding which exists the slim British diet to send to the Rus- garded here as an attempt to encourage the Lend-Lease Administrator Stettinius" report between the United Nations in this great appeasement-isolationist bloe in Congress to on Jan. 24, first detailed statement giving sian people. enterprise in which they are joined for the oppose or restrict further aid to the Soviets. actual figures on shipments to the Soviet Iscentia, Pravda, and Red Star carried purpose of defeating ulterly the Axis tyran- It was observed in Congressional circles that Union. long reports on the speech made by Sum- nies, and for the purpose of insuring the it had just the opposite effect. But this was not the first mention in the security and liberties of the peoples of the ner Welles at the National Foreign Trades United Nations, would not be worth very Convention in Boston last Oct. 9, quoting much if it were not based upon complete Nazis Cheered by Envoy's Charges; Welles' statement, "The United States and trust and understanding among all of them. its associates among the United Nations must render the utmost measure of assis- Believes Trust Exists Willkie Assails Both Him and Wallace tance to the Soviet Union." "I believe that the understanding and Pravda, Oct. 14, published the full text trust exists and I am perfectly confident German propagandists made the most of is beginning to "realize that the Soviets of the address of last Oct. 12 in which Pres- that anything that Ambassador Standley Adm. William H. Standley's charge that in- shun any obligations which might hem in ident Roosevelt praised the men of the Mer- may have said could not have been intended formation concerning U. S. war aid is being their political actions." chant Marine for "risking their lives every to and did not cast any doubt on that trust kept from the Russian public. The British In New York, Wendell Willkie con- hour so that guns and tanks and planes and and understanding. For the time being I press for the most part avoided discussion demned Standley's statement along with ammunition and food may be carried to am going to limit myself to that brief of the Ambassador's statement, that of Vice President Henry A. Wallace, the heroic defenders of Stalingrad and to statement." Notable exception was the London Daily who has urged a "satisfactory understand- all the United Nations all over the world." Telegraph, which displayed the Standley ing" with Russia to avoid another war. The text also was carried in Investia, Red Earlier In the day, at the White House, Presidential Secretary Stephen T. Early story under the headline, Russians In Dark "One Government répresentative," said Star, and smaller papers all over the USSR. About American Aid, but did not comment Willkie, "implies we may double-cross the made it clear that the Ambassador had editorially. Russians after the war is over. Another in- spoken without prior consultation with the Other British-papers dwelt on the pos- dicates that the Russian government is to- Russians Informed President. sibility of conversations looking toward a day playing us two ways. Neither statement By Restere In Congress, the chairmen of both Senate closer understanding with Russia and the in my judgment is wise or correct. LONDON, Mar. 10.-The Moscow and House Foreign Affairs Committees took beginning of an era of "plain speaking." "I know no one in America who wants the floor to criticize Ambassador Standley Berlin radio gloated over the Standley to double-cross Russia now or in the future. radio last night broadeast in full the state- and to express their regret over his outburst. charge, calling it "confirmation of the thesis 1 likewise know no Russian who is ignorant ment by U.S. Lend-Lease Admitistrator Sen. Tom Connally and Rep. Sol Bloom that the Soviets do not want to enter into of the fact that we are helping her with E. R. Stettinius, Jt., giving details of rose to declare that Standley was wrong any commitments with their allies." A semi- materials and by our fighting on other supplies shipped to Britain and Russia. on his facts when be said that the Russian official Nazi statement declares the U. S. A. fronts." COPY THE CHICAGO SUN 400 West Madison Street Chicago Marshall Field February 19, 1943 Major General W. D. Styer Headquarters, Services of Supply War Department Washington, D. C. Dear General Styer: I appreciate so very much your kind invitation to attend the Command and General Staff School at Fort Leavenworth. Many of my friends have been there and have told me how interesting it was. I only wish I could accept, but the fact of the matter is that the newspaper business in these times needs extremely close attention and it would be impossible for me to leave for that length of time. With very sincere regret and great appreciation of your offer, I an, Yours sincerely, /s/ Marshall Field P.S. In case other courses are to be held later in the year is 18 possible that I could have 8. rain-check? M.F. THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON March 18, 1943. MEMORANDUM FOR MRS. ROOSEVELT FOR YOUR INFORMATION. F.D.R. THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON March 23, 1943. MEMORANDUM FOR HON. ROBT. P. PATTERSON Please let me know when the General Staff School -- short course for civilians at Ft. Leavenworth -- is going to be actually closed. F.D.R. WAR DEPARTMENT file OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY WASHINGTON, D.C. MAR zy 10 to is HOUSI NED Ati March 24th, 1943. Memorandum for the President: The short course for civilians at the General Staff School at Fort Leavenworth will be closed on April 8th. That is the end of the session now being held, and no further sessions will be given. RLJPP+ Robert P. Patterson, Under Secretary of War. rpp:lm THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON March 18, 1943. MEMORANDUM FOR MRS. ROOSEVELT FOR YOUR INFORMATION. F.D.R. March 16th, 1943. Memorandum for the President: I made an investigation last week into the story in PM. The PM story has to do with a short course for civilians given at the General Staff School at Ft. Leavenworth. The course covers four weeks and is attended by about eighty men. The purpose is to explain military organization, mili- tary operations and military problems, with the idea that the men will return to their ordinary occupations with a better understanding of the Army's work in this war, particularly in the problems of supply in which they may be called on to play a part. The attached program of the school show the topics that are taught. They are purely military. Mon from all walks of life have been in attendance, men from Government, industry, labor, finance, publishing, etc. Marshall Field, publisher of PM, was unong those invited to at- tend. His letter about the school is attached. Despite the charges in the PM article, there is no thought of teaching that the Army should take over control of any phase of civilian affairs. If anyone at the school made any such suggestion, it was unauthorized and will not be re- peated. Prior to the PM article, it had been decided to close the school at the end of the course now in session. This They decision Was due to the fact that people are too busy in war work to attend the school. The school will accordingly be suspended I dont twee in early April. Somesement that P.2. In brief, the case is one of much ado about very little. readered a terrice Robert P. Patterson, Under Secretary of War. rpp:lm 2 encls. / 25 mar 35 hav 1943 1943 PSF Nas Dept. folder FOR THE PRES IDENT full E.R. (Excerpt from letter addressed to Mrs. Roosevelt by Mrs. Stanley Truman Brooks, Carnegie liuseum, Pitts- burgh, Pennsylvania.) THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON March 25, 1943. MEMORANDUM FOR THE UNDER SECRETARY OF WAR The enclosed excerpt of a letter from a highly respectable source is in line with some similar appointments by the War Department. Frankly, I do not know who is responsible for this sort of thing, but it certainly does not help in the conduct of the war. What do you think should be said about it? F. D. R. Excerpt from letter written to Mrs. R. by Mrs. Stanley Truman Brooks com- plaining of Roane Waring's appointment by the War Dept. to tour all army camps and plants. PSF. Nar Dept. folder Respectfully forwarded to the President: Euw. E.M.W. his MAR THE WAR DEPARTMENT you Wation hus 30 OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY WASHINGTON, D.C. 14 CECEIVED 79.6 6 March 29th, 1943. Memorandum for the President: I have your memorandum of March 25th, on the trip by Roane Waring, National Commander of the American Legion. The trip was suggested by the American Legion and authorized by the Chief of Staff. He felt that in view of the strong interest of the Legion in military matters and its undoubted influence on public opinion, it would be helpful to the prosecution of the war if the Na- tional Commander of the organization could visit Army cen- ters here and overseas and thus become familiar with the operations of the Army in the war. The Chief of Staff was not aware of any opposition on Mr. Waring's part to any of the war aims of the Government, and he regrets any embarrassment that has been brought about. Robert P. Patterson, Under Secretary of War. Toosevelt Library rpp:lm STRIED CONFIDENTIAL DIR. 5200.9 (9/27/58) Date- 3-16-59 Carl L. Speces Signature- THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON March 25, 1943. MEMORANDUM FOR THE UNDER SECRETARY OF WAR The enclosed excerpt of a letter from a highly respectable source is in line with some similar, appointments by the War Department. Frankly, I do not know who is responsible for this sort of thing, but it certainly does not help in the conduct of the war. What do you think should be said about it? for F. D. R. I È HOUSE € WHITE HOUSE PERSONAL But in the newspaper this morning appeared a small item which was most disconcerting the announcement that Roane Waring, national commander of the American Legion, has been ordered by the Nar Department to make a tour of all army camps. He is on record as opposing many of the Administration's for Ains, Such news leaves me more or less stunned and groping for an explanation, for his previous statements made to our boys in service and to war plant personnel, brand him as one of these whom the President has so aptly named as a "pettifogger". In January last, he made these and similar statements: "The war effort will be weakened by 'vain and premature planning for a new and never to be attained world Utopia' The United States is not fighting either to preserve the British Commonwealth of Nations or to restore freedom to the oppressed people of Europe lie of the American Legion are more interested to win pints of nitroglycerin that go into bombs than in cuarts of milk for the rest of the world" And on March 6th, this week, speaking in Los Angeles, he said that "proposals for an international police force are crazy". or course he appeals to the Army when he says that "the size of the Army to be put in the field should be determined only by the General Staff, since nb nanpower commission and no civilian committee or group can wisely determine such a question" and that "the min job now is to win the war", but those with greater vision, men who stand in line with the Administration's policies, and the Four Freedoms for all people everywhere, also believe these last statements, but would hardly do such a Job of befuddling the other all-important issues and objectives as Commander Roane Waring has done to date. Why does the Army choose this man, who expressed so out- spokenly his lack of sympathy in post-war planning, to represent them? Is it possible that they have done so? This nan is surely a civilian! He has, as is claimed in the news report: been chosen by the War Department to go to Army Camps and there, I suppose, to carry on his dele- terious work. He is, in effect, sabotaging the Atlantic Charter and the March of the Common Mant Is this progress? Surely he has a right to talk, but his influence should be balanced by men like Agar, Ingersoll, etc. It is also noted he is touring various plants producing war goods. given hm PSF was Dept folder April 8, 1943. MEMORANDUM FOR UNDER SECRETARY PATTERSON: I get the following story from a reliable source and I think it should be carefully checked -- possibly by someone not in the office in charge, but someone outside who has your personal confidence. When I was in Seattle last September, I did not have the impression that the Port of Embarkation was running efficiently. "X said that he is a member of the Longshoreman's Union, and that he has worked on the Seattle waterfront for 34 years. He told me that he and 'other members of the organiza- tion' are deeply worried about the present situation on the waterfront in regard to the handling of war contracts by the Army, at the Port of Embarkation. "He stated that the waste of time and money through inefficient management on the part of Army officials is a 'sin and a disgrace'. He said that more than once he had himself been a member of a crew ordered by an Army officer to unload a ship cargo, when a few hours later 'another officer would come along and order the same cargo reloaded on the same vessel'. lie pointed out that this means hours of wasted time for which the man are paid 'as if they had accomplished something'. "He told me that the Army requires that certain sealed freight cars wait for unloading until four different inspectors arrived to supervise the breaking of the seal -- that often this meant the crew waiting to go to work on the car would sit around for several yours - on full pay. "H1s attitude was 'Sure, I'm one of the fellows that gets in on the dough but I'm a taxpayer in this country, too - and it doesn't look right to me!' "X said he works on jobs for both the Army and the Navy, and that the Navy management of similar contracts is efficient and to the point, but he told me that members of his union contend that the situation he described with regard to the Army exists not only in Seattle, but 'all up and down both coasts'. - 2 - "He said that a group of members of his union had drawn up a statement of conditions, and that Mr. Harry Bridges has in his possession two copies of this statement, one of which he hopes to get to the attention of someone in the War Department. X told me, however, that a similar statement and request for investigation had been made 'sometime during the summer of 1942', and that 'a Major from Camp Lewis who was sent up here to look into it just took the whole report and put it at the bottom of a pile of other papers and never looked at it again'. He told me that they are all afráid that the same thing will happen to the present request for investigation. "X told me that he is 61 years old, and is an American citizen. He said that Congressman John Coffee knows him well, and that several people in the local PBI office would give him good character references. He said that the latter office urged him to come here with his story." F.D.H. Seattle Post Intelligencer ESTABLISHED 1063 ANNA ROOSEVELT BOETTIGER Merch 23, 1943 ASSOCIATE EDITOR Mrs. Boettiger: A Mr. J. J. Loeny, of Route # 3, Box 113, Kirkland, Washington come into the office and told me the following story: X He said that he is EL member of the Longshoremen's Union, end that he has worked on the Seattle unterfront for 34 years. He told me that he end "other members of the organization" are deeply worried about the present situation on the waterfront in regard to the handling of var contracts by the Army, at the Port of Imbarkntion. He stated that the waste of time and money through inefficient management on the part of Army officials is a "sin and e dingrace". He said that more than once he had himself been 6 member of a crew ordered by an Army officer to unloed n ship cargo, when n few hours later "another officer would come along end order the same corgo reloaded on the same vessel". He pointed out that this means hours of wasted time for which the men are paid "as if they had accomplished something". He told me that the Army requires that certain sealed freight cars unit for unloading until four different inspectore arrived to supervise the breaking of the seal - that often this meent the crew writing to go to work on the car would sit around for several hours - on full pay. His attitude was "Sure, I'm one of the fellows that gets in on the dough, but I'm e texpayer in thin country, too - and it doem't look right to me!" Mr. Loewy) said be works on jobs for both the Army and the Navy, and that the Navy management of similer contracts is efficient and to the point, but he told ne that members of his union contend that the situation be described with regard to the Army exists not only in Seattle, but "all up end down both coasts". He said that et group of members of his union had drawn up to statement of conditions, and that Mr. Harry Bridges has in his possession two copies of this statement, one of which he hopes to get to the attention of someone in the Mar Department. (Mr. Loewy told me, however, that e similer statement and request for investigation had been made "sometime during the summer of 1942", and that " a Mnjor for from Camp Lewis who was sent up here to look into it just took the whole report and put it nt the bottom of 8. pile of other papers and nover looked at it again". He told ne that they are ell afraid that the same thing will happen to the present request for investigation. (Mr. Doewy) told me that he 18 51 years old, ( Germen Jew,) and 1e on American citizen. He said that Congressmen John Coffee knows him well, end that several people in the local FBI office would give him good character references. He anid that the latter office urged him to como here with his story. (R.M.Smith) CONFIDENTIAL Nan Dept folder 2-43 1 WAR DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY WASHINGTON, D.C. April 11, 1943 Dear Mr. President: This is in reference to your memorandum of April 8 concerning the conditions at the Port of En- barkation in Seattle. I have arranged to send two competent officers to investigate thoroughly and to report directly to me. Neither of them is in the Office of the Chief of Transportation. They are leaving by plane to-morrow. I will report to you promptly upon their return. Respectfully yours, RLJPP ROBERT P. PATTERSON Under Secretary of War The President, Franklin D. Roosevelt Library The White House. DECLASSIFIED DOD DIR. 5200.9 (9/27/58) Date- 3-16-59 Signature- Carl L. spicer CONF CONFIDENTIAL THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON May 7, 1943. MEMORANDUM FOR MRS. ROOSEVELT MRS, BOETTIGER FOR YOUR INFORMATION. F.D.R. MYANGAGION Milk HONDR CONFIDENTIAL Franklin D. Roosevelt Library DECLASSIFIED DOD DIR. 5200.9 (9/27/58) May 5, 1943 The President, Date- 3-16-59 The White House. Signature- Carl Specer Dear Mr. President: This is in further reference to your neuorandum of April 8, concerning the Port of Fabarkation at Seattle. An a result of the in- vestigation which I have had ande I wish to report as follows. You stated that when you were in Seattle last September you did not have the impression that the Port of Embarkation was running offi- ciently. This may be explained by the fact that from outward appearances the Port makes 46. poor impression. You saw the old buildings and wooden warehouses, the facilities scattered at various points in the harbor and the mase of railroad crossings over a waterfront street with attendant traffic congestion. This condition it in believed will be greatly 1a- proved as soon as the now docks and office buildings which are now under construction are completed. There is & decided contrast with the outward appearance of the Port and the conditions existing on the dooks and in the warehouses, which are kept conspicuously clean. The handling of freight is being performed in a businesslike anner with no appearance of inef- ficiency. The actual loading of all vessels is done through contract stevedores by union labor. This arrangment appears to be producing sat- isfactory results. Twenty-four to twenty-oix tons par gang hour were actually being achieved at the time of the inspection which I had usde. Your neworandus indicates that you were informed that a member of the crew had been ordered to unload a ship cargo and a few hours later to reload the same cargo on the same vessel. This has occurred from time to time. Such situations are caused by the tactical and engineering re- quirements of the Alaskan Defense Command. At times, discharge in the Alaskan Defense Counand is necessary in the open sea without lights, high winds and under possible attack. This makes it necessary to try out the timing of the discharge at the loading point and the placing of particu- lar equipment and ammunition in certain protected locations on the Yes- sel tested so as to accomplish quickest possible discharge according to tactical plans. This causes handling and re-handling of the cargo. Obviously, the reason for this is not disclosed to those required to do the work and without this kno ledge they aight well consider it due to inefficient aanagment. CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL To The President - 2 - May 5, 1943 In your memorandum it was also stated that you were informed that the Army required certain sealed freight cars to wait for unloading until four different inspectors arrived to supervise the breaking of the seal of the cars. À careful check as to the procedure of unloading freight cars does not bear this out. The opening of the car or the breaking of the seal is done by the unloading crew and upon inquiry they themselves stated that they had always done this. The only occasion for inspection before a car can be unloaded would be the special case of damaged cargo or shipments of explosives which is in accordance with Army Regulations. In checking the records, no unusual delays were discovered as a result of this procedure. Your informant also advised you that Navy management was more efficient than that of the Army. Investigation does not indicate that this is a fact. However, it may be that in certain instances the Navy's handling seems more efficient than the Army and this may be true in cer- tain cases due to the fact that Navy Priorities were not changed as much as those of the Army and that more machinery and heavy equipment was moved on Army vessels than Navy vesselss Both of these factors might account for one assuming that the Navy loading was more efficient. However, one of the dock stevedore companies which unloads cars for the Army and also does stevedoring for the Havy was questioned, the head of the firm as well as its foreman, and their statements contained no inference that there was more efficient management by the Navy. In your nemorandum it is stated that a group of members of the Union drew up a statement of conditions and that a request for investiga- tion had been made during the summer of 1942 and that no action was taken. The only evidence of a prior complaint was one submitted by a longshore- aan named Crane in March 1942. This was fully investigated by the In- spector General's Department which made & thorough investigation and made certain recommendations, all of which have apparently be complied with. As a result of ay investigation I feel that the Port of Embarka- tion at Seattle is performing a difficult task in a satisfactory manner and is being efficiently managed. Changes have been sade and will con- tinue to be made in an endeavor to constantly improve the work. I would appreciate it if you would advise ne if there is any further information you wish in regard to this matter and I mould also like to be advised of other complaints relating to this or any other Port of Embarkation. Respectfully yours, (Signed) ROBERT P, PATTERSON ROBERT P. PATTERSON, ESG/mt Under Secretary of War. CONFIDENTIAL 985) hm PSF Nar Dept. folder THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON April 30, 1943. MEMORANDUM FOR GENERAL SOMERVELL In regard to your memorandum to the Secretary of War about a General Hospital in Minnesota or North Dakota, I think your Board ought not to give any weight to the "center of popu- lation" factor. As a matter of fact, it is absolutely contrary to my policy to place any large new Army or Navy units in existing centers of population. What I am trying to do is to disseminate population by using smaller places. I recognize that it is pleasanter -- and in some cases easier -- to put large new institutions in large cities. However, the larger view ought to prevail, and I want the new hospital to 80 not to St. Paul or Minneapolis but to Fargo. F. D. R. WAR DEPARTMENT WASHINGTON April 10, 1943. Dear Mr. President: In the course of the Cabinet meeting on Friday, the 9th, you called attention to the fact that & new military hospital was proposed to be built in the Minneapolis area and suggested that it might be better to put it in Fargo, North Dakota. I send you herewith a memorandum which has been prepared for me by General Somervell on the subject, showing that the proposed sites at either Minneapolis or St. Paul have certain advantages over the Fargo site, but that they are alight and that the Service of Supply would not raise objection to the construction of a hospital at the latter site in lieu of the former. Will you kindly let me know your pleasure? Very sincerely yours, Henry h Stenson Secretary of War. The President, The White House. Franklin D. Roosevelt Library DECLASSIFIED / DOD DIR. 5200.9 (9/27/58) Date- 3-16-59 Signature- Care L. Spices / CONFIDENTIAL war DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, ARMY SERVICE FORCES WASHINGTON, D.C. WAW/dmb SPRME 2881 MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY, WAR DEPARTMENT GENERAL STAFF: (Attention: Colonel W. T. Sexton) Subject: General Hospital at Fargo, North Dakota. 1. The following information is submitted in compliance with your memorandum on the above subject dated April 9, 1943: a. The War Department has a requirement for a general hospital in the Minneapolis area. Preliminary investigations dis- closed that a suitable site existed at Minneapolis and that the water, sewage and particularly the rail facilities leading to the north, west, south and east were excellent for such an installation. Because of objections raised by certain local officials of Minneapolis to the construction of a War Department general hospital at that City, a preliminary investigation was made in the vicinity of St. Paul. This investigation disclosed a better site at that place. The officials of St. Paul were enthusiastic over the prospect of having a general hospital built there and other aspects were equally favorable as compared to the Minneapolis location. b. In view of the above considerations, St. Paul was tentatively selected as one of the general hospitals to be recommended by the War Department for construction subject to Presidential approval after clearance by the Federal Hospitalization Board and the Bureau of the Budget. &. The War Department has also made a preliminary investi- gation covering the possible construction of a general hospital at Fargo, North Dakota. The rail facilities leading to the north and south are not as good as those at either Minneapolis or St. Paul and this area is not quite as suitable as the St. Paul-Minneapolis area from the standpoint of center of population. 2. Although the St. Paul location has slight advantages over that of the Fargo, North Dakota, location for the construction of a general hospital, this Headquarters would not raise any objection to the construction of a hospital at the latter site in lieu of one at St. Paul or Minneapolis. FORVICTORY BUY BREHON SOMERVELL, UNITED STATES Lieutenant General, SAVINGS BONDS Commanding. AND STAMPS 24-17016 > Nar Dept folder WAR DEPARTMENT ARMY SERVICE FORCES OFFICE OF THE COMMANDING GENERAL WASHINGTON file April 30, 1943 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT: I have attended to the question of hospital location at Fargo which you covered in your memorandum of even date. BREHON SOMERVELL Lieutenant General Commanding. war Dept. freder 2-43 June 17, 1943. -OEORET MEMORANDUM FOR The Secretary of War: The Department of State is very much concerned about the prospects of the United States diplomatic officers and their families who are at present held in confinement in Germany. I am in agreement that every practicable effort to obtain their early release should be made. The German Government has refused to consider an exchange unless the sixty-seven members of the German Armistice Commissions captured in North Africa be included in the number of German prisoners to be released. It is my desire that the War Department take such action as is necessary toward the release of members of the German Armistice Commissions which will make it possible for the Department of State to arrange for the exchange of German prisoners for American Nationals now held by Germany. FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVEL. DECLASSIFIED By Deputy Archivist of the U.S. By N. J. Stewart Date TUN 6 1972 admiral Leahy said this is OK. THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON June 29, 1943. DECLASSIFIED By Deputy Archivist of the U.S. JUN 6 1972 MEMORANDUM FCR By W. J. Stewart Date the SECRETARY OF STATE: FOR PREPARATION OF REPLY FOR MY SIGNATURE. F.D.R. Secretary letter from Hon. Robert P. Patterson, Acting Secretary of War, 6/26/43, to the President, in reference to the President's memorandum of 6/17 in which the President expressed the desire that the War Dept. take such action as is necessary toward release of members of the German Armistice Commission which will make possible the completion of arrangements for the exchange of these prisoners for American Nationals now held by Germany. States that inasmuch as this problem involves the release of military personnel held as prisoners of war in exchange for nationals with diplomatic status, and further that personnel from the same mission is held in the United Kingdom, the Secretary recommends that the President permit the War Dept. to coordinate this matter with the Combined Chief of Staff before any action is taken. A-L THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE 29, 1943. JUN 30 1943 MR. LONG MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE: FOR PREPARATION OF REPLY FOR MY SIGNATURE. SPECIAL Pressups F.D.R. DEPARTMENT rate Preso DEPARTMENT RECEIVED OF STATE qux JUN 30 1943 OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY DECLASSIFIED By Deputy Archivist of the U.S. By W. J. Stewart Date JUN 6 1972 SECRET war DEPARTMENT WASHINGTON 26 June 1943. The President, 666 SOCIAL DIVISION The White House. STATEMENT see 1 JUN 20 1942 Dear Mr. President: Parke DEPARTMENT OF STATE I refer to your memorandum of 17 June 1943 in which you express the desire that the War Department take such action as is necessary toward release of members of the German Armistice Com- mission which will make possible the completion of arrangements for the exchange of these prisoners for American Nationals now held by Germany. Records of the War Department indicate the capture of seventy-six officers and enlisted men of the German Army in North Africa, supposedly members of the German Armistice Commission. Forty-six of these officers and enlisted men are now held as pris- oners of war in the United States. Although the whereabouts of the remaining thirty is not definitely known to the War Department, it is presumed that they are being held in the United Kingdom. These individuals were in North Africa ostensibly as members of an Armistice Commission; however, the evidence 1s that with one exception they were captured in the uniform of the German Army and are military personnel. Included among them are one pan- zer colonel, one captain of Intelligence, two majors of Infantry, two majors of Air Corps and several line officers of Infantry, Artillery and Air Corps. The enlisted men represent a cross sec- tion of air and ground arms and the Navy. Twelve of these prison- ers are known to be members of the German "Abwehr," an intelligence organization consisting of espionage agents and saboteurs. The War Department believes these individuals are properly held as prison- ers of war and are not entitled to diplomatic status or immunity. Inasmuch as this problem involves the release of military personnel held as prisoners of war in exchange for nationals with diplomatic status, and further that personnel from the same mission is held in the United Kingdom, I recommend that you permit the War Department to coordinate this matter with the Combined Chiefs of Staff before any action is taken. Respectfully yours, DECLASSIFIED E.O. 11632, Soc. 8(E) and 5(D) or (E) OSD lotter, May 3, 1972 RLyPP# MAY 21 1973 By RT, NARS Date Acting Secretary of War. July 14, 1943 My dear Mr. Secretary: I have consulted the Secretary of State concern- ing Mr. Patterson's letter of June 26, 1943 respecting the status of the members of the former German Armistice Commission captured in North Africa whose repatriation the German Government has requested along with other German nationals from the United States and from certain of the other American Republics in exchange for our former mission at Vichy, and assimilated categories, including diplomatic officials of certain of the other American Republics, now held by the German Government at Baden Baden. I note that the records of the War Department indicate the capture of 76 officers and ehlisted men supposedly members of the German Armistice Commission in North Africa of whom 46 are held by the War Department in the United States and that the whereabouts of the remaining 30 is not definitely known to the War Depart- ment. I further note that some of those in the custody The Honorable Henry L. Stimson, Secretary of War. -2- of the United States are known previously to have been engaged in active military service. It would be useful to have full information concerning the previous mill- tary service, present whereabouts and status of all nem- bers of the former German and Italian Armistice Commissions captured in North Africa who are being held as prisoners of the United States. The availability for exchange of the military members of the former German and Italian Armistice Commissions, involving as it does an exchange of Americans, is not a matter which properly falls within the competence of the Combined Chiefs of Staff since it is not composed entirely of Americans. Since my letter of June 17 was written, the Depart- ment of State has received a further communioation from the German Government through the Swiss Legation at Washington in which the inclusion in the exchange of the military members of the Armistice Commission is not mentioned but in which the German Government makes far- reaching demands involving large numbers of German civilians detained in the United States and in certain of the other American Republics. In return for the American official groups in Germany, numbering 266 persons, and a few non-officials there, the German Government is now requesting & total of more than a thousand persons from the United States alone and envis- aging the inclusion of several thousand (it might run close to 4000) persons from & number of the other Ameri- can Republics. The repatriation of many of these per- sons is definitively opposed, some by the Department of State and others as well by our several security agencies. This move on the part of Germany indicates a definite disinclination to release the American group at Baden Baden and to hold them as hostages for the exchange of dangerous Germans here. In view of the general unacceptability of the present German demands it seems unnecessary at this time to deter- mine what military members of the former German Armistice Commission in North Africa might be included in the exchange. Subsequent developments might, however, make it desirable to examine each case on its merits in the light of the advantage to be obtained by the release of each such individual. Very sincerely yours, FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT / You DEPARTMENT I of i / war DEPARTMENT WASHINGTON, D.C. JUL 24 1943 The President, The White House. Dear Mr. President: In accordance with your letter of July 14, 1943, I have directed that full information be obtained concerning the previous military service, present whereabouts and status of all members of the former German and Italian Armistice Com- missions captured in North Africa who are being held as prison- ers of war of the United States. Respectfully yours, BLYPP Acting Secretary of War.. BECLASSIFIED E. G. 11662, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) or (B) OSD Letter 5- 3-12 By RT NARS Date MAY 21 1973 DECLASSIFIED FORVICTORY BUY UNITED STATES SAVINGS Boxos instrument DEPARTMENT OF STATE WASHINGTON August 10, 1943 My dear Mr. President: As you are aware, we have been negotiating with the Germans for the better part of a year in our effort to obtain the liberation of the diplomatic officers of this Government, our other citizens who have been assimilated into official groups such as newspapermen and relief workers, and the officials of the other American republics who were all seized by the Germans on French territory. The total number of such individuals is 266. We received in June a communication from the German Government demand- 1ng in exchange for these few individuals some thousands of Germans in this country and in other countries of this hemisphere. As I have informed you, we rejected the German proposal. The German Government under date of July 28, 1943 has again approached us with an offer in which its demands are less exorbitant. Briefly it proposes to release our officials and the others if we release the 26 German offi- cials captured in North Africa and all the German nationals from the other American republics who were brought to the United States from those republics in 1941 and 1942 with a view to their repatriation. After that our exchange agreement with Germany collapsed by the withdrawal of German safe conduct for further voyages of the exchange vessel over a route acceptable to us. According to the German figures, the number of Germans concerned in this demand is 900. According to our figures it is approxi- mately 750. We would also have to repatriate those few former officials of the French Government and their fami- lies who may wish to return to Europe and the very small number of Italian nationals whose position corresponds to that of the German nationals in question. The question The President, DECLASSIFIED State Dept. Letter, 1-11-72 The White House. Pty R. H. Perks Date JUN 6 1972 -2- The question of the repatriation of the non-official Germans covered by the latest demands of the German Gov- ernment has been discussed in some detail with the investigative agencies. In February of this year we placed before them the names of 586 German nationals from the other American republics, who had indicated a desire to go back to Germany. The agencies agreed to the repa- triation of 469 of these individuals, indicated that they did not favor but were not strongly opposed to the repa- triation of 39 others and stated that they could not in any circumstances agree to the repatriation of 78. There have also been objections by the British Govern- ment to the repatriation of great numbers of these indi- viduals, including many of those whose repatriation is approved by our own agencies. I am impelled to place this matter before you because of the fact that the Department is in receipt of most confidential information, received from a source in which I have great confidence, leading us to believe that unless their demands are met the German authorities intend to hold as hostages for captured Germans whom we might prosecute under the war criminal procedure our officials and the officials of the other American repub- lics whom they seized in France. It is my view that if we are to obtain the release of our officials before the time when we can actually liberate them by force of arms, we must do so on the basis of the present German proposal; otherwise negotiations regarding their release will probably continue indefinitely without favorable issue until the Germans are finally defeated. What the Germans might do to our officers in a final moment of desperation I am unable to say but the worst must be envisaged. They might even use them as a shield to prevent our bombing of mili- taryobjectives. I enclose for your signature, if you approve, let- ters to the Attorney General, the Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Navy requesting them to report to you whether there is any insuperable reason why German nationals who have been made by the German Government the quid pro quo for the release of our officials should not be released if we find it necessary to repatriate any or all of them in exchange for our officials and assimilated nationals. If our own agencies agree to give the Department of State a free hand in negotiating this exchange, we shall also -3- also have to get the British Government's agreement. While we hope that it will not be necessary to release the military members of the former German and Italian Armistice Commissions captured in North Africa, I feel it advisable that the Department of State have a free hand to use these people if necessary. In this connection I refer to your letter of June 17, 1943 to the Secretary of War. Faithfully yours, Correshire Enclosures: 1. Letter to Attorney General. 2. Letter to Secretary of War. 3. Letter to Secretary of the Navy. th aug 11 - 1943 My dear Mr. Attorney General: I enclose for your consideration a copy of a very confidential letter dated August 10, 1943 from the Secretary of State bringing to my attention the fact that 266 nationals of the United States and the other American republics seized by the German Government on French territory are apparently being held by the German Government for eventual use as hostages. The Secretary of State has reliable information that this is probably the real German intention but believes that the release by exchange of the officials in question might nevertheless be negotiated if sufficient inducement is offered. I an informed that the latest proposal of the German Government is specifically limited to a demand for the repatriation of the German civilian officials captured in North Africa and for the German civilians who left other American republics in 1941 and 1942 for repatriation through the United States before our exchange agreement The Honorable DECLASSIFIED Francis Biddle, By Deputy Archivist of the U.S. By W. J. Stewart Date JUN 6 1972 Attorney General. -2- with Germany was broken by that Government. The Germans wish only such of these individuals as desire repatriation to be included in their proposed exchange with us. I am informed that the names of all of these individuals were submitted to you in February of this year and that the only change in that list is that certain individuals need no longer be considered since they have in the meanwhile decided that they do not wish to be repatriated to Germany. I furthermore learn that in the reply which was made by the investigative agencies to the Department of State through the Office of Naval Intelligence on March 19, 1943 certain individuals were named as eligible for repatriation without objection, others were named as eligible for repatriation subject to advisory objection, and a third group was named as being in the view of the agencies entirely ineligible for repatriation since their repatriation would constitute a serious danger to the national interest. In view of the use which the Germans may make of our official group in Germany, including the officials of the other American republies which have allied themselves with us in the war against the Axis, I should like to be informed whether all of the German nationals covered by the latest German demand who are willing to go might not now be repa- triated without danger to our national safety. It occurs to me that since all these German nationals have been detained DECLASSIFIED By Deputy Archivist of the U.S. By W. J. Stewart Date ILIN 6 1972 -3- in our hands for a period of a year or more during which time it was improbable that they have been able to obtain information which would endanger us, their release at this time might be feasible. It furthermore occurs to me that the military situation in Europe has altered since last year to an extent that the harm which these persons might be able to do us is now far less than it was some time ago. I should like to have your reply in this matter at your early convenience. Very sincerely yours, &/Franklin D. Roosevelt Enclosure: From the Secretary of State, August 10, 1943. DECLASSIFIED By Deputy Archivist of the U.S. By W. J. Stewart Date JUN 6 1972 aug 11-1943 My dear Mr. Secretary: I enclose for your consideration a copy of a very confidential letter dated August 10, 1943 from the Secretary of State bringing to my attention the fact that 266 nationals of the United States and the other American republics seized by the German Government on French territory are apparently being held by the German Government for eventual use as hostages. The Secretary of State has reliable information that this is probably the real German intention but believes that the release by exchange of the officials in question might nevertheless be negotiated if sufficient inducement 1s offered. I an informed that the latest proposal of the German Government is specifically limited to a demand for the repatriation of the German civilian officials captured in North Africa and for the German civilians who left other American republics in 1941 and 1942 for repatriation through the United States before our exchange agreement The Honorable DECLASSIFIED Henry L. Stimson, By Deputy Archivist of the U.S. Secretary of War. By W. J. Stewart Date JUN 6 1972 -2- with Germany was broken by that Government. The Germans wish only such of these individuals as desire repatriation to be included in their proposed exchange with us. I am informed that the names of all of these individuals were submitted to you in February of this year and that the only change in that list is that certain individuals need no longer be considered since they have in the meanwhile decided that they do not wish to be repatriated to Germany. I furthermore learn that in the reply which was made by the investigative agencies to the Department of State through the Office of Naval Intelligence on March 19, 1943 certain individuals were named as eligible for repatriation without objection, others were named as eligible for repatriation subject to advisory objection, and a third group was named as being in the view of the agencies entirely ineligible for repatriation since their repatriation would constitute a serious danger to the national interest. In view of the use which the Germans may make of our official group in Germany, including the officials of the other American republics which have allied themselves with us in the war against the Axis, I should like to be informed whether all of the German nationals covered by the latest German demand who are willing to go might not now be repa- triated without danger to our national safety. It occurs to me that since all these German nationals have been detained -3- in our hands for a period of a year or more during which time it was improbable that they have been able to obtain information which would endanger us, their release at this time might be feasible. It furthermore occurs to me that the military situation in Europe has altered since last year to an extent that the harm which these persons might be able to do us is now far less than it was some time ago. I should like to have your reply in this matter at your early convenience. Very sincerely yours, 5/7ranklin D. Rossevelt Enclosure: From the Secretary of State, August 10, 1943. aug. 11-1943 My dear Mr. Secretary: I enclose for your consideration a copy of a very confidential letter dated August 10, 1943 from the Secretary of State bringing to my attention the fact that 266 nationals of the United States and the other American republics seized by the German Government on French territory are apparently being held by the German Government for eventual use as hostages. The Secretary of State has reliable information that this is probably the real German intention but believes that the release by exchange of the officials in question might nevertheless be negotiated if sufficient énducement is offered. I am informed that the latest proposal of the German Government is specifically limited to a demand for the repatriation of the German civilian officials captured in North Africa and for the German civilians who left other American republics in 1941 and 1942 for repatriation through the United States before our exchange agreement The Honorable DECLASSIFIED By Deputy Archivist of the U.S. Frank Knox, By V. J. Stewart Date JUN 6 1972 Secretary of the Navy. -2- with Germany was broken by that Government. The Germans wish only such of these individuals as desire repatriation to be included in their proposed exchange with us. I am informed that the names of all of these individuals were submitted to you in February of this year and that the only change in that list is that certain individuals need no longer be considered since they have in the meanwhile decided that they do not wish to be repatriated to Germany. I furthermore learn that in the reply which was made by the investigative agencies to the Department of State through the Office of Naval Intelligence on March 19, 1943 certain individuals were named as eligible for repatriation without objection, others were named as eligible for repatriation subject to advisory objection, and a third group was named as being in the view of the agencies entirely ineligible for repatriation since their repatriation would constitute a serious danger to the national interest. In view of the use which the Germans may make of our official group in Germany, including the officials of the other American republies which have allied themselves with us in the war against the Axis, I should like to be informed whether all of the German nationals covered by the latest German demand who are willing to go might not now be repa- triated without danger to our national safety. It occurs to -3- me that since all these German nationals have been detained in our hands for a period of a year or more during which time it was improbable that they have been able to obtain information which would endanger us, their release at this time might be feasible. It furthermore occurs to me that the military situation in Europe has altered since last year to an extent that the harm which these persons might be able to do us is now far less than it was some time ago. I should like to have your reply in this matter at your early convenience. Very sincerely yours, 5/7ranklin N. Roosevelt Enclosure: From the Secretary of State, August 10, 1943. THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON Au ust 17, 1943. MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE: FOR THE NECESSARY ACTION. F.D.R. Letter from the Secretary of Ear, 8/13/43, to the President, with attached list of the members of the German and Italian Armistice Commissions now in this country and their present whereabouts in so far as is known to the war Dept. These are the members of the former werman and Italian Armistice Commissions captured in North Africa who are being held as prisoners of war of the U.S. THE мугни MHILE AUG 13 1943 The President, The White House. Dear Mr. President: This is to reply further to your letter of July 14 requesting full information concerning the military service, present whereabouts and status of all members of the former German and Italian Armistice Commissions captured in North Africa who are being held as prisoners of war of the United States. Attached is a list of the members of the German and Italian Armistice Commissions now in this country and their present whereabouts in so far as is known to the War Department. Indicated opposite their names are the duties and organizations of those who have been interrogated in the United Kingdom or in the United States. Respectfully yours, (Sgd.) HENRY L. STIMSON Secretary of War Inclosure THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON 7-16-43 To give to the President when Secretary Hull comes to luncheon today. E.M.W. THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON September 3, 1943. MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE: FOR COMMENT. F.D.R. Secret letter from the Secretary of the Navy, 8/16/43, to the President, in reference to the President's secret letter concerning the proposed repatriation arrangement with the German Govt. Copy of letter retained for our files. Letter from Hon. John J. McCloy, Acting Secretary of War, 9/1/43, to the President, in re above. Copy of letter retained for our files. SEP 1 1943 The President, The White House. Dear Mr. President: I have canvassed with the utmost care the situation presented by your secret letter, regarding the latest demands which have been presented by the German Government for the 76- patriation of its nationals now in this country in return for nationals of the United States and other American Republics detained in Germany, with which vas inclosed the Secretary of State's letter of August 10, 1943, to you on the salle subject. I find that of the approximately 750 German nationals whose possible repatriation is in issue, 15 were received by w from Mexico, Peru, Educador, and Colombia, under formal commit- ment from the Department of State to those countries that ve would not hold those individuals here in detention. Their names, together with a statement of the countries from which they vere received and of their military or technical qualifications and status, are appended to this letter. Their repatriation will manifestly be of value to the enemy, but in view of the commit- ment referred to, the Var Department cannot and does not inter- pose any objection. The remainder of the 780 German civilians in question, to whose repatriation the several intelligence agencies have objected, are held here without any commitment which would har their continued detention, Whether they shall be returned yre- sents a question of policy which this Government is free to de- cide in its own best judgment. Certainly the return of skilled aviators, technicians, espienage agents and sabstours will no- sult in substantial military advantage to the enemy. I fully appreciate the weight of the several considerations mentioned in your letter, by reason of which you suggest that 10 may, possibly, do no great harm to release these men at this time, I do not feel that the lapse of time since they were taken into custody is decisive, since the danger in returning them does not lie in the information, but in the potentialities, which they will take back to Germany, nor do I consider that the changed military situation in Durope will materially diminish their capacity to do us harm, Nevertheless I have concluded that if, in order to & secure the return of the American and Latin American nationals now interned by the German Government, it is necessary to 10- patriate the civilians in question, then the objections hereto- fore made by the Mar Department may be deemed withdrawn. I would earnestly recommend, however, that any agreement which is finally arrived at should yield the enemy only the minimum neo- essary concessions, and should in no event @ so far as to ab- cept extravagant exactions on his part, The last paragraph of the Secretary of State's letter to you recommends that the Department of State shall have a free hand to release the military members of the fermer German and Italian Armistice Commissions captured in North Africa. Your letter, however, confines itself to the question of the return of the civilians referred to above, and the notes from the Svies Legation conveying to the Department of State the do- mands of the German Government which form the basis of the our- rent negotiations do not indicate that the German Government is insisting upon the return of any of the military members of the Armistice Commissions, It would therefore appear that this point is not presently presented for decision. If, however, I all in error in that respect, them I mut state that it is the view of the Var Department that any enemy demand for the return of military members of the Armistice Commissions should be unsquivocally rejected, This view 10 not based solely upon the fact that these individuals are military personnel and not - titled to diplematic status or inmunity, (as pointed out in my letter to you of June 26, 1943, and in the data attached to my further letter to you of August 13, 1943), but also upon con- siderations of such gravity and secrecy that I feel 10 would be distinctly imprudent to make a written record of them, It goos without saying, that I shall be glad to lay those considerations before you in person, at your convenience, Respectfully yours, (SIGNED) JOHN J. MOULCY acting Secretary of War. COLOMBIA BETHKE, Rudolf Reservist in German Air Force EIKHOF, Wilhelm Leading Nasi agent-Goajira Peninsula EVERS, Franz Scadta Pilot and Instrument Maker LANGE, William Flight Mechanic and Radio Operator (Wilholm) for Scadta MARGORAFF, Joachim Former German Naval Intelligence Officer SCHMIDT, Helmuth Former Scadta pilot HECK, Alfred Optical Expert; Mechanic; Chemist BERG, Walter Former Chief Engineer of Panamanian Motor Tanker DOBE, Oustav Sr. Gestapo Leader ECUADOR BOSSAREK, Anton Radio Operator, Mechanic and Pilot ELL, Georg Electrical Engineer, Knowledge of Canal Locks LOESCHNER, Henry PTL group member; knowledge of contacts PERU BODECHTL, Georg Outstanding Espionage Agent WESTHOFF, Ferdinand Outstanding member of P.Y.L. radio espionage MEXICO NICOLAUS, Georg Leading Espionage Agent in Two Americas SCORET 16 AUG 1943 Serial No. 093713 (SC)P1=4/EF30 Op-13/eah 8-14-43 By dear Mr. President: Reference is made to your secret letter concerning the proposed repatriation arrangement with the German Government and enclosing a letter from the Secretary of State on this subject. It is understood that the Secretary of State desires to arrange for the repatriation of approximately 266 nationals of the United States and other American Republics in return for approximately 750 German nationals now in this country. The Secretary of State believes that the Jerman authorities intend to hold our nationals as hostages for captured Germans whom we might prosecute under the war criminal procedure. This same view could readily be taken concerning every prisoner of war that may fall into the hands of the Germans in the future and I do not believe that it is an impelling reason for conducting this repatri- ation unless a reasonable agreement can be reached. A list of individuals for repatriation to Germany has been thoroughly examined again by the Office of Naval The President, DECLASSIFIED The White House, E.O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) or (E) OSD letter, May 8, 1972 Washington, D. C. By RT, NABS MAY 01 1073 - 2 - Intelligence and the objections are withdrawn in the case of all on the list except in that of George Nicolaus. George Nicolaus, a resident of Mexico, is the exception to the above clearance. Nicolaus was the head of the German espionage organization south of the Rio Grande. He is a thoroughly trained operative and dangerous to the welfare of the United States and the other nations in the Western Hemisphere because of his far flung personal contacts and influence, covering as it does persons in Central and South America and many persons in the States of the Union adjacent to Mexico. Returned to Germany, Nicolaus could easily organize and direct the activities of several echelons of espionage agents and operatives in the Western Hemisphere. In addition, because of his training and experience, he would be dangerous to the welfare of the United States as an evaluator of information transmitted by espionage operatives to Germany. His value is attested by the repeated efforts of the Nazi Government to obtain his repatriation. I recommend against meeting every German demand in this matter and specifically in this case recommend that Nicolaus be not considered eligible for repatriation. Previously the Office of Naval Intelligence has acted to coordinate the work of all the Investigative Agencies DECLASSIFIED E.O. 11652, Sec. 8(E) and 5(D) or (E) OSD letter, May 3, 1972 By RT, NARS Date, MAY 21 1973 - 3 - for clearing repatriation lists. The recommendations made in this letter are only those of the Navy Department. Very sincerely yours, Frank Know CC: Sec. of War Attorney General Op-16 BECLASSIFIED E.O. 11652, Sec. S(E) and 5(D) or (E) OFFICE OSD letter, May 3, 1972 By RT, NARS Date MAY 21 1973 C 0 PSF War folder 2-43 P Y June 26, 1943. My dear Mr. President: As an outcome of discussion held in the Office of Justice Byrnes, representatives of State, Navy, War and Interior Departments met to consider the situation pre- sented by our prospective shortage of domestic petroleum reserves and the consequent imperative need to assure adequate foreign reserves, and the best means of pro- ceeding to that end. They in addition gave particular attention to the situation in Saudi Arabia. They have agreed upon a signed report which we are transmitting to you. We concur and support this report. You will note that if one of its main recommendations is to be put into effect, that is, the creation of the Petroleum Reserve Corporation, it would be most desirable that this action be The President, The White House. arig. carres filed in Jesse gones folder, dr. 2-43. (Report sent to secy of Commerce, 6-29-43, xi jeer memo attached to orig corres.) I - 2 - be taken before July 1. Faithfully yours, Cordell Hull Secretary of State Henry L. Stimson Secretary of War James Forrestal Acting Secretary of the Navy Harold L. Ickes Secretary of the Interior Enclosure: Report. EA:HF:LWW PSF was Dept folder 2-43 war DEPARTMENT WASHINGTON, D.C. 10 President July 23, 1943. Honorable Harry L. Hopkins, The White House Washington Dear Harry: The editorial referred to by the President concerns two Army officers who were relieved from duty after the Truman Committee started its investigation and informed us thereof, but before the Committee announced its findings publicly. They will have a court martial trial. There were some civilian inspectors who were transferred (not fired) before the Truman Committee got after the Wright Aeronautical Corporation. I believe it was because of their complaints to the Truman Committee that the Committee started its investigation. PP Yours incerely, Robert P. Patterson PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL FORVICTORY BUY UNITED STATES WAR BONDS AND STAMPS TRUMAN GETS RESULTS UNDERSECRETARY OF OF WAR PATTERSON says that "vigor- the charges of Sen, Truman's Committee that the Wright Aeronautical Co. plant at Lockland, 0., supplied defective aircraft engines to the Army. Mr. Patterson says that two Army inspectors have been fired, there have been changes in the company's personnel and methods, and test runs for engines have been lengthened. Meawhile the Justice Department has entered civil suit against the company to determine whether the Government should col- lect damages, and announces that it is studying the charges to decide whether criminal action should also be taken. All of while are proper steps for the Government to take. But why was action delayed until a Senate committee pried the lid loose? war PSF EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT BUREAU OF THE BUDGET WASHINGTON, D.C. JUL 31 1943 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT Pursuant to the instructions in General Watson's memorandum of July 30, 1943, the following recommendations are made with respect to the authorized strength of the Navy and Marine Corps as of December 31, 1943, based on the memorandum of the Secretary of the Navy and approved by Admiral Leahy: Navy Officers. A total strength of 200,978 is recommended. The estimates and appropriations for the current fiscal year provide for a strength of 194,000 officers. The proposed increase therefore is 6,978, and it is recommended that this slight increase be approved. Officer candidates. The strength recommended is 120,282. The appro- priation for the current year was based on a strength of 122,218 so that this recommendation represents a slight reduction below that approved in the estimates. Nurses. The recommendation of 6,750 involves no increase over the prev- iously authorized number of nurses and the number appropriated for in the current appropriation act. Enlisted men. The recommendation for 2,092,960 men as the strength to be reached on December 31, 1943 is 242,960 in excess of the previously approved strength as of that date. The previous directive fixing the authorized strength of the Navy established 1,850,000 as the number to be reached on December 31, 1943 and this is the number used in submitting the estimates for the current fiscal year. It is recommended that this increase be allowed and it may be necessary subsequently to authorize additional personnel over and above the peak strength of 2,250,000 fixed for planning purposes as the maximum on June 30, 1944. Marine Corps Officers. The proposed number of 29,465 represents no increase over the number of officers presently authorized for the Marine Corps, including female Marine officers. Officer candidates. The recommended number of 12,000 is a slight re- duction below the average of 13,500 approved in a previous directive. Enlisted men. The proposed number of 370,500 is an increase of 24,000 over the presently approved enlisted strength of 346,500, including 12,000 female Marines. It is recommended that this increase be approved in order to carry out directives which have been issued to the Marine Corps by higher authority. ok foR Acting Wayne Director Coy WAR DEPARTMENT PSF Was Deept packer 2-43 file ARMY SERVICE FORCES Office of the Director, Special Service Division The Pentagon Washington, D. C. 2 August 1943 (Date) Received from the Research Branch, Special Service Division, the following confidential report(s): #285 - What The Soldier Thinks #2 #1 - Survey of Soldier Opinion USAFIME The White House, Washington, D.C. Please sign and return this receipt to the Research Branch, Special Service Division, 1E 609, The Pentagon. CONFIDENTIAL WAR DEPARTMENT Headquarters, Army Service Forces In reply Washington 25. D. C. refer to: SPSPR 061.2 (2 Aug 43) 2 August 1943. SUBJECT: Research Reports. TO: The President of the United States, The White House, Washington, D. C. 1. Transmitted herewith is one (1) copy of report, What the Soldier Thinks, #2. compiled from data secured by the Research Branch, Special Service Division during the first six months of 1943, and one (1) copy of report, Survey of Soldier Opinion. compiled from data secured by research representatives in the Middle Eastern Theater of Operations during May 1943. 2, Additional copies will be forwarded upon request. 3. Request that inclosed receipt be signed and returned, For the Commanding General, Army Service Forces: LIVINGSTON WATROUS, Colonel, GSC, Deputy Director, 3 Incls. Special Service Division. Incll, Report, What the Soldier Thinks, #2. Incl2. Report, Survey of Soldier Opinion. Franklin D. Roosevelt Library Incl3. Receipt. DECLASSIFIED DOD DIR. 5200.9 (9/27/58) Date- 3-16-59 Signature Carl L. spicer 24-42794 8-9-43 was Dept freace 2-43 Respectfully referred to the President. E.M.W. Secret By authority of C.G., S.O.S. AVG who WAR DEPARTMENT HKB Date ARMY SERVICE FORCES Initials OFFICE OF THE COMMANDING GENERAL WASHINGTON D, c, SPRMP 471.86 filentidated 3 AUG was PSF 1943 The President, The White House. Dear Mr. President: In my letter to you of 26 June 1943, I stated that the expansion of the RDX facilities would be placed under way promptly if the tests currently being made at Aberdeen Proving Ground were as favorable as anticipated. Preliminary reports of the tests indi- cate the desirability of effectuating the proposed plan without further delay. Therefore, steps are being taken to increase the capacity of RDX facilities by 100% of that originally planned. The Under Secretary of War has read and concurs in this letter. Respectfully yours, BREHON SOMERVELL, Lieutenant General, Commanding. Franklin D. Roosevelt Library DECLASSIFIED DOD DIR. 5200.9 (9/27/58) Date- 3-16-59 Signature- Care L. Spicer SECRET Har Dept. folder 2.43 SECRET file? OFFICE OF THE COMMANDING GENERAL WAR DEPARTMENT file ARMY SERVICE FORCES WASHINGTON D. c, 26 June 1943 The President, The White House. Dear Mr. President: In your memorandum of 24 June 1943, you inclosed a memorandum from Mr. Lauchlin Currie in which Mr. Currie points out that the Army Service Forces are reluctant to a major increase in the production of RDX, a new explosive which gives perhaps 25% greater explosive force than TNT which is our present standard explosive. Mr. Currie points out particularly the desire of the Air Forces to use a larger amount of RDX in their bomb loadings than the 25% on which their re- quirements have been based. The information now available indicates definitely the superiority of RDX for underwater work and our present production will suffice to meet the strictly operational requirements for this purpose. It would also appear that the use of RDX in our bomb loadings for other purposes would increase their effectiveness. However, the relative strength of RDX and TNT as determined by the comparison of the ex- plosive effects of small quantities does not necessarily apply when these explosives are used in large bombs as, in fact, much of the explosive force of all large bombs is wasted. The Army Service Forces are not opposed to the expansion of RDX facilities if the advantages of RDX warrant the expansion; however, TO do feel that we must be cautious as to the rate of expansion as it will result in the scrapping of TNT plants completed at great expense. Moreover, we have under development another new explosive known as EDNA which is almost as powerful as RDX and has a number of advantages in its transport, storage, and loading. No have authorized an expansion of the Holston Ordnance Plant which will increase its capacity to produce RDX by approximately 40% at a cost of less than a million dollars and with the use of only a small amount of critical materials. We have also authorized the immediate preparation of plans for a major expansion of this plant which will cost perhaps eighteen million dollars. This expansion Franklin D. Roosevelt Library DECLASSIFIED DOD DIR. 5200.9 (9/27/58) SECRET Date- 3-16-59 Signature Carl L. spear SECRET will be placed under way promptly 1f tests now being made at Aberdeen Proving Grounds are as favorable as anticipated. However, I an of the view that final decision with respect to this expansion can well be deferred until these tests are completed as the intervening time is required to prepare the requisite plans. Further expansion should not be placed under way until the high-octane gasoline program has advanced nearer to completion in view of the competition for critical components which would result between the two programs. The Under Secretary of War has read and concurs in this letter. Respectfully yours, BREHON SOMERVELL, Lieutenant Coneral, Commanding. SECRET - 2 - accepts & E the RETURN & $ Warpeptfolder was 2-43 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON June 24, 1943. MEMORANDUM FOR LT. GEN. BREHON SOMERVELL What do you think the answer to this 1s? F.D.R. Memorandum for the Pres., 6-22-43, from Lauchlin Currie re RDX; attached is a statement re RDX. PSF: War Dept. folder Ele THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON August 14, 1943. MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT: Re: RDX I know that you will be interested to learn that subsequent to your showing interest in the possible production of more RDX explosives, I have been informed that the Army Service Forces have authorized 8. substantial increase in the production. Land and Lauchlin Currie PSF war D. Roosevelt Library BECLASSIFIED SECRET EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT DOD DIR. 5200.9 (9/27/58) BUREAU OF THE BUDGET Date- 9-7-66 WASHINGTON, D.C. AUG 20 1943 Signature- Carl L. specer MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT Subject: Strength Basis for Figuring Veterans Administration Estimates of Appropriations, fiscal year 1945 The amount of funds required by the Veterans Administration to provide insurance, pensions, and hospitalization for veterans is a function of military strength. In order to aid the Veterans Administra- tion in preparing estimates of appropriations for the fiscal year 1945, I have secured from the Army and Navy schedules which show their active strengths on June 30, 1943 and their estimates of the gross additions and attrition, by months, from June 30, 1943 through June 1945 as well as the number of discharges which will go direct to veterans' hospitals. These schedules are summarized in the two tables which are attached. It should be noted that the Army schedules will not reach the total strength of approximately 8,200,000 (7,533,000 enlisted) which has heretofore been approved by you as the terminal strength for Decem- ber 31, 1943, by approximately 640,000. On the other hand, the projected strengths of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard by June 30, 1945 exceed by approximately 1,273,000 the strengths which you have hereto- fore approved to be reached on or before December 31, 1943. Since it is necessary to proceed with the preparation of the estimates for the Veterans Administration and since these schedules are the best currently available, I recommend that you approve their use as the basis for preparing estimates of appropriations for the Veterans Administration for the fiscal year 1945. This recommendation is not intended to suggest any change whatsoever in strengths of the components of the Armed Forces which have heretofore been approved by you. Enclosures: Tabulation - Active Duty Military Personnel Estimated to 6-30-45 Tabulation - Military Strength, Estimated Additions and Attrition SECRET SECRET Total Active Duty Military Personnel of the Armed Forces Actual on June 30, 1943 and Estimated to June 30, 1945 Marine Coast Navy Corps Guard Army Total Approved June 30, 1943 1,739,828 308,996 153,389 6,959,217 9,161,430 Additions-6 mo. 810,010 113,479 21,266 1,025,000 1,969,755 2,549,838 422,475 174,655 7,984,217 11,131,185 Attrition-6 mo. -103,900 -14,912 -7,172 -423,000 -548,984 Est. Dec. 31, 1943 2,445,938 407,563 167,483 7,561,217 10,582,201 11,200,000 Additions-6 mo. 673,200 91,338 11,600 450,000 1,226,138 3,119,138 498,901 179,083 8,011,217 11,808,339 Attrition-6 mo. -130,800 -18,490 -7,200 -531,000 -687,490 Est. June 30, 1944 2,988,338 480,411 171,883 7,480,217 11,120,849 Additions-6 mo. 438,900 88,237 7,200 600,000 1,134,337 3,427,238 568,648 179,083 8,080,217 12,255,186 Attrition-6 mo. -147,600 -21,648 -7,200 -622,000 -798,448 Est. Dec. 31, 1944 3,279,638 547,000 171,883 7,458,217 11,456,738 Additions-6 mo. 438,900 23,454 7,200 600,000 1,069,554 3,718,538 570,454 179,083 8,058,217 12,526,292 Attrition-6 mo. -164,500 -23,454 -7,200 -706,000 -901,154 Est. June 30, 1945 3,554,038 547,000 171,883 7,352,217 11,625,138 OK ok \ no no- 450,000 TULASSIFIED *nklin D. Roosevelt Library 3,000,000 CJO DIR. 5200.9 (9/27/58) Date- Signature- SECRET (Aug. 1943) SECRET Total Military Strength, June 30, 1943 With Estimated Monthly Additions and Attrition, Thru June 1945 Discharges Gross to Veterans' Month Additions Attrition Hospitals (Total strength June 30, 1943 -- 9,161,430) 1943 July 433,425 80,592 6,531 August 323,779 84,133 6,960 Sept. 322,504 88,434 7,393 Oct. 307,929 93,836 7,722 Nov. 296,054 98,844 8,150 Dec. 286,064 103,145 8,479 1944 Jan. 204,923 106,682 8,805 Feb. 205,003 110,262 9,230 Mar. 204,983 112,842 9,553 Apr. 203,663 116,322 9,777 May 203,743 118,901 10,001 June 203,823 122,481 10,124 July 188,857 126,008 10,239 Aug. 188,936 128,588 10,453 Sept. 189,016 131,168 10,567 Oct. 189,096 134,648 10,681 Nov. 189,176 137,228 10,894 Dec. 189,256 140,808 11,008 1945 Jan. 178,259 143,309 11,221 Feb. 178,259 145,809 11,332 Mar. 178,259 148,309 11,443 Apr. 178,259 151,809 11,554 May 178,259 154,209 11,565 June 178,259 157,709 11,576 Franklin D. Roosevelt Library BECLASSIFIED DOD DIR. 5200.9 (9/27/58) Date- Signature- SECRET (Aug. 1943) CONFIDENTIAL war PSF SURVEY OF Number SOLDIER 2 OPINION fiee UNITED STATES ARMY FORCES IN THE MIDDLE EAST July 21 - August 7, 1943 Report Prepared Under the Direction of United States Army Information Office by staff assigned from RESEARCH BRANCH, SPECIAL SERVICE DIVISION SERVICES OF SUPPLY, WAR DEPARTMENT September 2, 1943 Franklin D. Roosevelt Library DECLASSIFIED DOD DIR. 5200.9 (9/27/58) Date- 3-13-59 Signature- Report No. B-67 Copy No. CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL PART I MAIN FINDINGS 1. More than half the soldiers have trouble in finding interesting things to do in their free evenings. Soldiers in the Cairo area have less trouble and soldiers in the Benghazi area most trouble in finding interesting things to do. 2. Soldiers feel that radios are the most needed recreational facil- ity. Magazines, books, and swimming follow in that order. 3. Dances are the most wanted evening entertainment both in camp and in town. This is particularly true in the Benghazi and Tripoli areas. Stage shows are also in considerable demand. Movies, the best liked type of entertainment, are available on an average of three times per week to most of the men, and though the men ask for "later" movies, their demand for this type of entertainment is relatively well satisfied. 4, More than 8 men out of 10 see a movio during the week; but the number seeing a stage show or attending a dance normally comes to less than 10. 5. Soldiers rank the stage shows they have seen in the following order of preference: a. USO Camp Shows; b. Soldier Shows: C. ENSA Shows. They see USO Camp Shows most. 6. One-fourth the men never listen to a radio; about four men in ten say there 1s a radio to which they can listen "some" of the time; the remaining men, 37%, say there is a radio to which they can listen "most of the time". 7. U.S. programs are most wanted, preferably direct from the U.S., but re-broadcasts if the direct programs cannot be obtained. 1 - CONFIDENTIAL Part 2 MAIN FINDINGS 1. Soldiers are very much interested in taking correspondence courses or class work while in the Army. Sixty-five per cent of the men indicate that they are interested in taking such a course. Seventy per cent of high school graduates are interested in this educational plan. More than half the high school graduates (who make up 55% of all enlisted men in this area as compared with 39% for the Army as a whole) are interested in taking coûrses at the college level. Though it is unlikely that all these men would enroll in classes, there is no doubt that large numbers of them are anxious to further their education and would welcome an opportunity to participate in the United States Armed Forces Institute provided the time lag between lessons is not too great. 2. Soldiers appear to attach considerable importance to the need for having a knowledge and understanding of world events. 3. Eight out of ten say they do not have more than a "headline" knowledge of the news. Nine out of ten of these say they would like to keep up better but lack facilities or time. 4. Less than a third have heard orientation talks by their officers; they agree that the talks helped their thinking on the war, and they say they would like such talks regularly - if made by competent speakers. 5. Greatest interest was shown in talks by officers or men who have seen combat in this war. Talks on what is going on in the U. S. today or about the post-war world would interest the majority of soldiers. 6. Soldiers prefer talks followed by discussion. Discussions only, led by someone who knows the subject, are preferred to talks not followed by discussion. 7. Considerable interest is shown in tours to historic places. 8. Life, Readers Digest, Esquire, and Time, in order, are the favourite magazines. 9. Half the men think additional books and magazines are needed. In the Cairo area 5 mon in 10 think additional reading materials are needed, but in the Benghazi area 9 men in 10 think more reading material 18 needed. 10. "Best-seller" novels are the most popular. Mystery or Detective stories, Adventure or Romance stories are also very popular. Problems of the post-war world and books about social conditions, problems, etc., are also requested by many mon. - 2 - CONFIDENTIAL Part 3 MAIN FINDINGS 1. About four men in ten road STARS AND STRIPES weekly; about three men in ten read YANK weekly. 2. The primary reason for not reading these publications is difficulty in obtaining copies - - the distribution system has been altered somewhat since this survey was mado and it is hoped that most of the men now have an opportunity to ob- tain copies of the publications every week. 3. Only one man in a hundred rates either publication as "poor". 4, In STARS AND STRIPES soldiers like "News from Home" best. 5. In YANK soldiers like "News from Home" and "Pictures" best. 6. Additional nows from the U. S. is wanted more than anything else in both publications. - 3 - CONFIDENTIAL HOW THE INFORMATION WAS OBTAINED The findings presented in this report are based on the answers of 1437 enlisted men, representative of all types of troops in the Middle East, to questions submitted to them in the form of a written questionnaire during the period July 21 - August 7, 1943. A copy of the questionnaire is given in the appendix to this report. At each principal Army installation from the Canal area to Tunisia and Sicily, a random cross section of men was drawn from the rosters of units in proportions ranging from one in ten to one in twenty, depending on the size of the unit. Air Force troops in the Canal area are not represented inasmuch as Special Service Officers in that area failed to follow instructions. S. O. S. troops in the Canal area are represented. The questionnaires were administered to the men in classes of 15 to 60. The men were told that their papers would not be identified. Special Service Officers of the various units were responsible for the administration of the questionnaires, but no officers were present during the time the questionnaires were filled in - the classes being conducted by enlisted men specially trained for the work. Responses seem to demonstrate a spirit of earnest cooperation and a sincere desire to answer questions freely and thoughtfully in this atmosphere of friendly annonymity. The report is divided into three sections: Part I - WHAT THE SOLDIER THINKS OF RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES IN USAFIME. Part II - INTEREST OF SOLDIERS IN EDUCATION, TALKS, AND READING PREFERENCES IN USAFIME. Part III - SOLDIER OPINION OF STARS AND STRIPES AND YANK. - 4 - CONFIDENTIAL PART I WHAT THE SOLDIER THINKS OF RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES IN USAFIME NOTE: Percentages given in certain charts in this report add to more than 100 because men were given an opportunity to express more than one choice. Research Branch, Special Service Division United States Armed Forces in The Middle East - 5 - CONFIDENTIAL PART I MAIN FINDINGS 1. More than half the soldiers have trouble in finding interesting things to do in their free evenings. Soldiers in the Cairo area have less trouble and soldiers in the Benghazi area most trouble in finding interesting things to do. 2. Soldiers feel that radios are the most needed recreational facil- ity. Magazines, books, and swimming follow in that order. 3. Dances are the most wanted evening entertainment both in camp and in town. This is particularly true in the Benghazi and Tripoli areas. Stage shows are also in considerable demand. Movies, the best liked type of entertainment, are available on an average of three times per week to most of the men, and though the men ask for "later" movies, their demand for this type of entertainment is relatively well satisfied. 4. More than 3 men out of 10 see a movie during the week; but the number seeing a stage show or attending a dance normally comes to less than 10. 5. Soldiers rank the stage shows they have seen in the following order of preference: a. USO Camp Shows; b. Soldier Shows; C. ENSA Shows. They see USO Camp Shows most. 6. One-fourth the men never liston to a radio; about four men in ten say there is a radio to which they can listen "some" of the time; tho remaining men, 37%, say thore is a radio to which they can listen "most of the time". 7. U.S. programs are most wanted, preferably direct from the U.S., but ro-broadcasts if the direct programs cannot be obtained. - 6 - CONFIDENTIAL The question was asked: "Do you have trouble finding interesting things to do in your free evenings?" The men answered: Yes, No, Most of Much of the time the time Not very often Never 35% 22% 35% 8% Since a large majority of the men do not leave camp on an average day, camp Special Service programs must bear the brunt of helping men find interesting things to do in their free time. In the following pages the soldiers in the Middle East tell in effect how Special Service can help them with their free time problems, and the above chart clearly shows that more than half the men have trouble finding interesting things to do in their spare time. This problem looms largest around the Benghazi area, and smallest around the Cairo area. They Think Radios And Magazines Are Most Needed Recreational Facilities. Radios 58% Magazines 45% Books 37% Phonographs 32% Writing Tables 27% Day Rooms 23% Indoor Games 3% - 7 - CONFIDENTIAL