Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
16620085
label
Early, Stephen T.
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
16620085
sourceUrl
contentType
document
title
Early, Stephen T.
citationUrl
collections
President's Secretary's File (Franklin D. Roosevelt Administration)
Subject Files
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
16620085
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
89b5843b68830012
ocrText
PSF 146 X
Box
have
Su bject File
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 28, 1978
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT:
Admirel Leahy told the press yesterday
that Captain Ingersoll went to London on E mission for
him in order to goin information from the British
Admirelity on the methods used for computing exact
tonnages of Men of Rer. The Navy Department elso
stated on query that this mission had nothing to do
with economic blockdes or joint Anglo-American action
in any part of the world.
STE
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Feb. 14th, 1938
PSF: Early r
STEVE:
Yes, this is O.K.
Remind me in the morning to talk to
Secretary Ickes about this.
F.D.R.
Oked to Secretary Wallare
and to he released techary
for Undersday newspaper
publication.
85
OFFICE OF
THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE
2-14-38
Hon. Marvin McIntyre
Secretary to the President
The White House
Here is the statement about
which Secretary Wallace
called you just & few minutes
ago.
MHuss M buss
Personal Secretary to
Release Secretary Wallace
wed.
Dear mac-
The penal change is
Senatu yours
item
The governmental reorganisation bill as it stands in
is, in my opinion, a long step forward toward making democracy an
efficient agency for the general welfare. I hope that all those who
have been especially concerned about agriculture and conservation in
governmental reorganisation will give it their wholehearted and
vigorous support.
TO 18 by Under the Pain as hav Suate there
is
no implication requiring or inducing any further
consideration of the transfer of any agricultural functions from the
Department of Agriculture to any other department. In the term
"agricultural" I would include among others the functions of the Forest
Service, the Bureau of Biological Survey, and the Soil Conservation
Service.
Furthermore, with uncertainties cleared away, I as sure we can
make rapid progress in coordinating related functions in different
departments. As I see it, this interdepartmental coordination has
two aspects.
One has to do with planning. Fortunately, the reorganization
bill provides for an over-all planning agency which would be directly
responsible to the President and which would be so manned and so
physically located as to be no more under the dominance of one depart-
ment than another. It is my belief that through this agency the
President would be enabled to coordinate the planning functions of
other departments and agencies in a harmonious manner with the
agricultural, conservational, and land-use planning work in the
141
bon
- 2 -
Department of Agriculture. Similarly, planning in connection with any
non-agricultural functions which would continue to exist in the Depart-
ment of Agriculture would, through this central set-up, be coordinated
harmoniously with the basic planning work of related functions existing
in other departments.
Another phase of interdepartmental coordination has to do with
administration procedures, and current policies. The Farm Credit
Administration and the Department of Agriculture some months ago estab-
lished a permanent interdepartmental committee to coordinate programs
and policies as they affect these two agencies working for rural welfare.
The committee is only started but already it promises real benefits. I
see no reason why a similar method could not be used in coordinating
the agricultural, conservational, and land-use activities of any other
department with those of Agriculture, or of coordinating the non-agricultural
activities of this department with related work in other departments.
However the government is organized, there will be need for
cooperation and coordination. The problems with which government deals
are too complex and inter-related to forego such cooperation and coordin-
ation. I know that the officials of this department will be glad to see
removed the uncertainties which unquestionably have been & handicap to
full concentration of energies on their tasks.
It seems to no that the present status of the governmental reorgani-
sation bill and its likelihood of passage should be welcomed by all
sincere friends of agriculture, conservation, and the general welfare.
Steve
VSF: Early
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Subject File
February 23, 1939.
STRICTLY PERSONAL
Dear Boss:
This concerns the a problem in regard to your secretariat -- a
problem about which I have given much thought because I believe it 18
more important to you than you perhaps realize.
At the present time, the situation, as I see it, is
(1) McIntyre is hospitalized. His physical condition makes
it extremely doubtful, in my opinion, that he will be able in the future
to carry on unless he is given rest periods from time to time. Ross
McIntire's judgment on this point probably is better than mine and if
given will, I believe, confirm to you what I have said.
(2) Jimmy's resignation leaves his office without a head.
Jimmy Rowe is a very capable and willing worker. The fact is that
people do not know him. Because they do not know him, they are not
satisfied to discuss their business affairs with him or to be received
by him. Briefly, therefore, the office is not functioning in & helpful
way.
(3) No one of three secretaries to the President (assuming
there were three) can single-handedly and efficiently carry on the work
of these three offices. However able, industrious and willing this one
secretary may be, the load is too heavy for him to carry. He can answer
some of the telephone calls; he can see some of the visitors; he can
attend to some part of the inner office work, the paper work and routine,
but he cannot answer all of the telephone calls, see all of the callers
and keep 4 pace with the other demands upon him.
(3a) Hence, daily, there are disappointments on the part of
those who call and are not seen; who telephone and cannot talk; who
write and are not answered, etc. These disappointments add up in
terms of dissatisfaction. Unfortunately, they reflect upon you.
(4) Frankly, I feel the time for action has come.
I dislike the idea of presenting problems to someone, particularly
to you, unless, at the same time, I can offer something constructive in
the way of & solution.
- 2 -
And here is my suggestion. I have tried to think it through and
I confess that at first it did not appear very practical. But the more
I think about it, the better I like it.
Pa Watson does not intend to stay in the Army. He hopes within
the year to go abroad on a mission for you. He hopes some time later
to enter the field of politics. Meanwhile, I do not believe that he
would be adverse to accepting a temporary post in the government. Pa
is well known and well liked. Most Senators and members of Congress love
him. They know he is close and loyal to you. He makes friends and
keeps friendships. His appearance is imposing and his personality is
happy and pleasing. He is not a politician but that I believe is an
asset rather than a liability. I stress his loyalty again because
he possesses so much of that quality and if guided by your political
wisdom, his work would stand out in brilliant contrast to that hitherto
done by the various "Charlie Wests".
Pa is with you on the Houston. If this suggestion meets with
any favor, his presence aboard ship affords an easy opportunity to talk
it over with him. I wager that he will accept. However, he probably
will curse me to his dying day if he ever discovers that the proposal
came from this source.
All best wishes to you and your shipmates.
Sincerely State yours,
STEPHEN EARLY
The Honorable
The President.
GRAM
PSF: Early Steve,
jee
The White House
Subject File
Mashington
Washington March 31, 1939
Mr. Hassett
At press conference this morning suggest
President express satisfaction and appreciation of
votes by Senate Finance Committee yesterday when it
defeated thirteen to six and twelve to seven the
Connolly and Bailey zamendments increasing the tax on
imported Fats and 0110. Chairman Harrison read the
President 's letter to the committee before the votes
were taken. National Grange, the United States Livestock
Assn., the National Cottonseed Producers Assn., and the
Domestic Fats and 011s Conference are reported to have
served notice that they will have the fight continued
on the floor of the Senate to incfease them tax on
imported oils.
United Press flash just received says Chamberlain
told House of Commons today that Great Britain and France
will come to the military aid of Poland if the latter's
independence is threatened during the present European
security consultations. Chamberlain said they French
goverment has suthorized /to state that it stood in the
same position as the British government. This F Y I
Stephen Early.
10amd.
PATRONS ARE REQUESTED TO FAVOR THE COMPANY BY CRITICISM AND SUGGESTION CONCERNING
PsFicarly
CLASS OF SERVICE
WESTERN
SIGNS
DL - Day Letter
This is a full-rate
Telegram or Cable-
gram unless its de-
ferred character is In-
dicated by a suitable
UNION
File
Subject
NM - Night Menage
NL - Night Letter
LCO - Deferred Cable
sign above or preced-
NLT - Cable Night Letter
ing the address.
WLT - Week-End Letter
NEWCOMB CARLTON, PRESIDENT
J. c. WILLEVER, FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT
The filing time $ shown in the date line on full-rate telegrama and day letters, and the time of receipt at destination M shown on all is STANDARD TIME.
Received at
[April 1939
Memo
MINUTES IN TRANSIT
FULL-MATE.
DAY LETTER
For Mr. Haszett.
The U.P. summary of the European situation is as follows
DC
Rome---Italian: troops land on Albanian coast; smashe resistance
and march inland ; 400 war planes drop leaflets warning against
opposition as mussolini decides to make protectorate of Zog's
kingdom
London---- Britain seeks to include Hungary in anti-aggression
line-up by pledging to safeguard Hungarian independence if Hungary
fights any march of Germany troops across her soil.
THE QUICKEST, SUREST AND SAFEST WAY TO SEND MONEY IS BY, TELEGRAPH OR CABLE
PATRONS ARE REQUESTED TO FAVOR THE COMPANY BY CRITICISM AND SUGGESTION CONCERNING ITS SERVICE
12015
CLASS OF SERVICE
This is a full-rate
WESTERN
SIONS
DL - Day Latter
Telegram or Cable-
NM - Night Manage
gram unless in de-
NL - Night Letter
ferred character is In-
dicated by a suitable
sign above or preced-
UNION
LCO - Deferred Cable
NLT - Cable Night Letter
ing the address.
WLT - Wesk-End Letur
NEWCOME CARLTON, PRESIDENT
¿ e. WILLIVER, FIRST vice PRESIDENT
The filing time - shown in the date line on full-rate telegrame and day letters, and the time of reseipt at destination M shown on all comps, la STANDARD TIME
Received at
MINUTES IN TRANSIT
Berlin Germany, rejecting Polish explanations- of
FULL-RATE
DAY LETTER
British pact; warns she considers alliance important
move*in anti German drive
Warsaw--- Poles hold British pact is peace stabilization move.
Vatican City--- Vatican shocked at Italian march on Albania;
Pope Pius Xll rewriting Easter holiday to world. Bar
Paris-- France sees Jugoslavia bottled in Adriatic by Italian
move; Britain and France confer on effect of British - Italian friendship
agreement.
London--- Britain begins negotiations with Rumania on "stop Hitler"
bloc; Poland and Rumania reported already linked in "third nation"
defense treaty.
WESTERN UNION GIFT ORDERS ARE APPROPRIATE GIFTS FOR ALL OCCASIONS,
PATRONS ARE REQUESTED TO FAVOR THE COMPANY BY CRITICISM AND SUGGESTION CONCERNING ms SERVICE
12015
CLASS OF SERVICE
This is a full-rate
WESTERN
SIGNS
DL - Day Letter
NM - Hight Manage
Telegram or Cable-
NL - Night Leme
gram unless in de-
ferred character is in-
sign above or preced-
UNION
LCO - Deferred Cable
dicated by a suitable
NLT - Cable NightLemer
WLT - Wesh End Letter
ing the address.
NEWCOME CARLTON, PRESIDENT
AC WILLIVER, - incomment
The filing time as above in the date line on fall-rate telegrame and day letters, and the time of receipt as destination M shown on all - la STANDARD TIME.
Received at
fill mol
MINUTES DI TRANSIT.
BAY LETTER
Rome Goering due in Rome today by special train to consult
Mussolini as Albania balks at becoming Italian protectorate.
Berlin---- Keitel, Nazi war chief, to report to Hitler at Berchtesgaden
on talks with Italian chief of staff; German diplomatic move against
Poland awaited.
STE
THE QUICKEST, SUREST AND SAFEST WAY TO SEND MONEY IS. BY TELEGRAPH OR CABLE
STANDARD FORM No. 14A
APPROVED BY THE PRESIDENT
MARCH 10, 1926
FROM
The White House
PSF: Early
Subject
Mashington
TELEGRAM
File
fulle
3
OFFICIAL BUSINESS-GOVERNMENT RATES
June 27,1939.
Memo for Mr Hassett:
fills
Following from Secretary Early, Botwood,
New Foundland:
"Weather cleared releasing us from Shediac.
Amazing scenic views snow and lakes marked flight over New Foundland.
A happy crew and a he py ship. Expect see Ireland and England
tomorrow. Advise All."
###########
Clipper hopped off from Botwood at 7:27PM, EST, expected
arrive Ireland 8:45AM EST.
The Whit . ouse.
THE COMPANY WILE APPRECIATE SUGGESTIONS FROM ITS PATRONS CONCERNING ITS SERVICE
PSF.Ear
200
CLASS OF SERVICE
This bin full-rate
WESTERN
SIGNS
(43)
DC- Day Lemar
NM - Night Manage
Telegram-For Cable-
gram unless its de-
NL Night Came 40
ferred character la in-
diested by e-autrable
Ing the address
UNION WILLEVE
LC - Deferred
NLT - Cable Night
sign above or preced-
Ship
a. WHITE
The filing time M above is the data las - fulFeste talegrame and degilation, and the time of resipt at destination M above
or camps, is STANDARD TIME
R
NS93
TWS PAID 3*PAN AMERICAN AIRPORT PORIWASHINGTON NY 24
FRANKLIN D ROOSEVELT=
1128A
HYDEPARK NY=
THIS FIRST MESSAGE FROM A PASSENGER ABOARD THE FIRST AIR
LUXURY LINER ENROUTE SOUTHAMPTIN VIA THE GREAT CIRCLE
COURSE IS YOURS BY ALL RIGHTS STOP AS IT IS DISPATCHED
WE ARE FLYING AT AN ALTITUDE OF EIGHT THOUSAND FEET WELL
ABOVE AN ALL COVERING STRATA OF SNOWY WHITE CLOUDS CRUISING
SMOOTHLY AT 165 MILES PER HOUR AND ALLS WELL INCLUDING
THE WRITER BELIEVE IT OR NOT=
STEPHEN T EARLY,
165%
THE QUICKEST, SUREST ANDISAFEST WAY TO SEND MONEY BYSTELEGRAPH" OR, CABLE
Bx146
The President dictated this
8.8 a basis for Mr. Early's
broadcast before the Broad-
casters' Association in Atlantic
City on July 11, 1939.
Steve PSF: Early
Subject File
I am the last person in the world to advocate censor-
ship of what is said by broadcasters in the United States or
by newspapers in the United States. I say this not only
because I am a firm believer in the constitutional provision
for freedom of expression, but also because I am an equally
strong believer in the common sense of the American people
within our own borders. No "columnist", "interpreter" or
"broadoaster" within our borders who misinterprets, mis-
quotes or invente news out of a clear blue sky survives
long. The good sense of the American people catches on to
the fact that he is a perverter rather than a purveyor of
news.
In the same way the American people soon lose con-
fidence in the type of individual who seeks to stir up
prejudice -- prejudice against race, against religion or
against color.
Thus I can conceive of no permanent danger within
our country, even though great temporary harm is often
done to our national welfare by such people. The average
American citisen realizes that in most cases their principal
motive is to seek noteriety either for the sake of noteriety
itself or because they are paid large sums of money by
people who have special exes to grind.
There is a real danger -- a permanent danger, however --
in broadcasts and news stories which originate in the United
States but are directed to the citizens of other nations.
+
The people of other nations are not as familiar with our own
background as we are and the most fantastic stories about what
is going on within the United States are readily believed by
foreigners when they hear these stories over the short wave
or read them as so-called news stories in their newspapers.
They get wholly erroneous ideas not only about facts in the
United States, but also about public opinion in the United
States. The result is that these foreigners, because of
false impressions, become less friendly to us and make it
more difficult for us to maintain or to make friendships
with them. This affects of necessity what we call our
American relationship to international affairs as a whole.
I do not have to cite instances or to give
illustrations. I do not have to name names. You are just
as aware as I am that within the past few years there have
been newspaper columnists and radio commentators whose words
have been hailed with glee in certain portions of the earth
as proof that the United States is friendly to certain
principles of international conduct, which, as a matter of
fact, the overwhelming majority of Americans dislike and
abhor. To say that false news of this kind emanating from
the United States does harm not only to us but to civilization
as a whole is putting it mildly. But that does not mean that
the time has come for Government censorship over such false
news.
Rather it seems that those who control the radio have
a very definite public duty to stop false news from going out.
-3-
Definitely it is their turn - and definitely the Government
is watching and will continue to watch with great interest
to see whether those who control radio will carry out this
public duty of their own accord.
Because we in the United States have a sense of
proportion, a sense of knowledge and a sense of humor, we
can stand this sort of thing within our own borders, but
when it comes to our relations with other nations, that is
a different matter.
PSF:
Steven
filmal
Early
Subject
File
THE WHITE HQUSE
WASHINGTON
August 7, 1939
MEDICRANDUM FOR TE president:
SPECIAL ATTENTION, PLEASE:
Democratic nembers of Congress are going home. As
soon no they get home, or before they leave Washington, they
will endeavor by every moons at their command, to square them-
selves - to issue statements to the press for their constituents
to read in which they will point out what they did to help and
how little they did that was opposed to your policits.
Unless the people of the country hear your side of
the story they will accept the statements iven to them by
their Congressmen. The people are not looking into the records
unless those records are colled to their attention.
It 1a my firm conviction that you should not wait to
to on the radio until you return from your vacation. The time
in right now.
I on certain, too, that if you 8 on your vacation,
many of these Congressmen will not hestitate to point out to
their constituencies that the fact that you have left the
country on a cruise in in itself ovidence that you are not
disturbed but, on the other hand, you are willing to accept
the results.
When you return from your cruise, it will be too lato
to arouse opinion concerning the record of the Congress which has
just adjourned.
I realize that there are many who do not want you to
speck now. With them, I disagree: I recognise, also, you may
think the time is too shor for you to prepare yourself and go on
the radio from Hyde Park before you begin your cruise. Dispite
the bills to be signed, etc., I believe the necessary preparations
can be made by Friday night.
I think the people are entitled to an accounting - by
you to them - before you sail.
S.T.E.
PSF.sined Early
Subject File
September 4, 1939.
MEMORANDUM FOR
8. T. E.
I am inclined to think that you might
tell Mr. Hall that I have read, with & great
deal of regret, his editorial in the
"Montgomery Advertiser" of September first.
It has always seemed to me that in
difficult days when sincere people, who
are also patriotic people, are trying to
keep the nation going through difficult
domestic and international years, the
editors of the United States should use
language sufficiently restrained to avoid
the creation of personal bitterness and
recrimination.
You might suggest to Mr. Hall that
he should come to Washington at the
earliest opportunity and sit down quietly
with Mr. Carmody and talk with him about
the situation to which the editorial
relates.
Knowing Mr. Carmody, I feel certain
that he would be glad to do so and put
out of his mind the language previously
used by Mr. Hall.
I think it is a pity for any editor
to say of any public official in his news-
paper that the official is "a grotesque
bureauorat", "a nobody until President
Roosevelt hired him", "a designing
anthropoid", "a fanatio", "a catfish
wearing specs". It is equally a pity
for any editor to charge that a public
official "10 using a slush fund to in-
timidate."
z THE FROD THE
Lone /
/
-2-
Please tell Mr. Hall that on every
important public question there are things
to be said on each side and that these
things can properly be said on two con-
ditions, first, sticking to the facts,
and, second, not using invective.
F. D. R.
Stene
PSF: Early Subject File
PSF:
Her
2
NATIONAL POWER POLICY COMMITTEE
INTERIOR BUILDING
WASHINGTON
September 25, 1939
Views of J. M. Keynes on the Mar
As Given to L.K. Elmhirst
1. He thinks that France and Dritain could, within twelve
months, get complete mastery of the air and the sea and hold the
Marinot Line provided, they could depend upon a continuous supply
of improved models and machinery from the U. S. A,
2. If France, Dritain and the United States could establish
an economic block with thorough-going cooperation of buying, selling
and credit, such a block could undertake an economic- and trade-boycott
war on Germany--a kind of siege involving the minimn of bloodshed--
which would avoid Britain making any claim on American man-power and
which might be the decisivo factor in achieving victory.
Such a stop would immediately strengthen and encourage the
little democracies and border-line countries in putting up a resistance
to any Nazi penetration.
3. Full liaison on both sides is vital at this time.
MOMES: sorice commission
NOTE
Keynes in at present proporine a fuller statement for the Thite House.
I thought That This night b of interest
Michael Straight.
PSF: Early time
TELEGRAM
Subject File
The White House
file
Mashington
The White House
April 8, 1940.
4500
TRENDIAL
Mr. Hassett:
Early himself without assistance of either Secret
Service or F.B.I., Successfully discovered whereabouts of Admiral
McIntire. He can report--without using either unimpeachable
sources, or other forms of literary concealment-- that Ross
McIntire at this moment is at his desk in the Navy Department
giving all time and attention to strictly official business.
You can employ S.S., or F.B.I., to ascertain and
advise who made reservations for double room and bath for the
admiral without his knowledge or authorization.
The President has more reason to be worried about
"Pa" Watson. He is leaving Washington at noon today for New
York. He expected to return to Washington in time to be on
hand here to greet the President upon his arrival.
The party in New York tonight, Watson solemnly
affirms, will be stag. This stag stuff indicates Watson's
defensive mechanism is geared in high.
Tell the President he can put his spies on the
job tonight if he wants a true report on Watson as he cele-
brates a long delayed night out in the big city.
S.T.E.
PSF: Early Stene
Subject File
The White House
Washington April 25 1940
MEMO VIA HASSETT
FOR THE PRESIDENT AND ROSS MCINTIRE
HEADLINE:- Saratoga mystery
Saratoga, N.Y.:- Brig. Gen. Edwin M. Watson, secretary and
military aide to President Roosevelt, is missing. He arrived
here Monday morning for treatment.
It was learned today from unimpeachable sources that the
object of the general's visit to Saratoga was to reduce an
overaized waist line. Friends who called at his hotel to see
him early today, discovered that Gen. Watson had checked out
last night. He left no forwarding address.
-o0o-
NEW YORK NY:- Theatrical circles and night club hot
spots were on the lookout today for Brig. Gen. Edwin M. Watson,
secretary and military aide to President Roosevelt. There was
reason to believe the General had abandoned plans for & week's
stay in Saratoga and would be found later today with his Broad-
way cronies.
-o0o-
KENNEDY WARREN Apartment, Washington:- Mrs. Edwin M.
Watson today confirmed reports that her distinguished husband
had left Saratoga and was in New York City. She said that he
telephoned here last night, complaining of the cold and lonesome
life in Saratoga.
Mrs. Watson said that the General declared he was "alone and
so very lonesome".
STEVE.
stem
TELEGRAM
Subject File
then
The White House
+
personal N
Washington
TheWhite House
April 27 1940
FOR THE PRESIDENT
Kennedy Warren Apartments, Washington DC: The watson
family is reunited. The missing link was found today at
9:53 am (eastern standard time at home resting comfortably,
having returned late yesterday on the B and o line.
Unless unforseen complications arise, friends feel
certain the General will be able to assume his official
duties by the time the President arrives in Washington
from Warm Springs.
EARLY
ADD WATSON (LEAD ALL)
Washington DC: General Edwin M Watson, secretary and
military side to the President, arrived at the White House
Executive Offices at 11:10 a.m. today. To the utter amazement of
his distraught and overworked colleague, Stephen Early,
Watson greeted him by saying: "Come on, Steve, lets have a
drink.
EARLY.
PSF: Ealy
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Subject File
April 29, 1940.
CONFIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM
FOR THE PRESIDENT:
Senator Thomas of Utah would
like you to know, In confidence, and
as 8 matter of information, that he
has recently been seeing a number of
importent labor leaders. As a result
of these meetings, Senator Thomas is
of the opinion that the difficulties
between the A.F. of L. end the C.I.O.
are not us insurmountable as they
appear to be.
No
Senator Thomas wonted very much
to give you his ooinion of Phillip
Murray, head of the steel workers, CIO
affiliate. The Senstor says that Murrey
is the one man who can get to the besic
difficulties (between the C.I.O. and
A.F. of L.) without losing his head.
Beyond ull odds, Senstor Thomas sold,
Phillin Murray han the best head in
labor.
S.T.F.
PSF:Early
THE WHITE HOUSE subjectity
WASHINGTON
May 6, 1940.
Dear Mr. President:
Washington, Thursday, to see his first
A fraction of the men who left
Derby, was returned to Washington this
morning beuten. -- sad and poor, bruised and
Immediately upon his return, he
sent 8 messenger to the bank with an order
sufficient to meet his deficiencies.
to withdraw 8 sum of hard-earned money
He had spent the money entrusted
funds also had been depleted.
to him by certain of his friends. His own
his shirt.
This is his report. He did lose
from the bank hus just given him, he refunds
Out of that which the messenger
to you the sum of $12.00. A similar trans-
action with Watson has taken place.
The books are closed:
Now, he can truthfully say he has
another. seen a Derby and never, never wants to see
SEE
PSF: Early Folder
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 1, 1941.
MEMORANDUM FOR S.T.E.
I notice that the Navy is still
giving out strike information based on
the number of man-days lost. For instance,
it is said by the Navy that in September
up to the 27th, 109,000 man-days were
lost on strikes.
Tell the Navy that no layman knows
what 109,000 nan-days constitute. What
percentage does that figure bear to the
total number of man-days worked on Navy
contracts of all kinds all over the country.
F.D.R.
copy THE WHITE HOUSE
PSF: Early Folder
Subject File 1-42
WASHINGTON
January 7, 1942.
MEMORANDUM FOR
S. T. E.
Another dispatch from Rio.
All available copies of "Life" were
immediately bought up in Rio by
Axis agents and then distributed
through the Army and Navy of Brazil.
This has created a serious reaction
against the Government and Arahna,
the Foreign Minister, and has given
us a serious setback.
What does "Life" say to that?
F. D. R.
(PSF: Early Folder
STATEMENT FOR PRESS CONFERENCE
Subject File
February 13, 1942.
1. The Burma Road is still open and will be kept open just
as long as possible, with the hope that it will be kept
permanently open.
2. If the situation so develops that the Japanese should
actually make it impossible to use the lower end of it --
to start things over it -- plans are being actually, not
worked out, but carried out, for the replacement of the
air
Burma Road by a complete day-in-and-day-out,service of a
capacity for transportation equal to that of the Burma
Road -- both ways.
3. The air route will, of course, not be made public,
for obvious reasons.
4. It ,would be a fair assumption, however, to let the
American air traveling public know that if airline
planes in this country decrease in number, one place
where they will be performing an even more useful
purpose will be in keeping the lines open with China.
PSF: Early Folder
THE WHITE HOUSE
Subject File
WASHINGTON
Friady, March 6, 1942.
MEMORANDUM FOR: S. T. E.
FROM:
THE STAFF
The following is definitely
authentic -- picked up by several
radio receiving stations here:
"Rome Broadcast --Axis planes
raided Washington last night. The
President was asleep in the White
House, heard the bombs and rang
for the servants. The servants
were so frightened they did hot
respond to the President's repeat-
ed summons. Finally, the President
reached the Secretary to the
President, Hon. Stephen T. Early,
who was lying drunk in the cellar
of the White House with a bottle
of whisky beside him".
Stone Early Folder 1-42
THE WHITE HOUSE
Subject File
WASHINGTON
March 12, 1942.
MEMORANDUM FOR STEVE:
Don't you think you might send
this confidentially to Luce (but you must
paraphrase the code telegram from Kirk,
March 5th) and ask Luce how long this sort
of thing is going to continue?
F.D.R.
File
THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE
WASHINGTON
gekod
3d
March 7, 1942
My dear Mr. President:
In reply to the inquiry contained in your memo-
randum of March 7 as to what I have done with regard
to the offensive article concerning the King of Egypt
published in the February 16 issue of Time, I may say
that immediately after the publication of this issue
of Time the Egyptian Minister called to see me.
I expressed to the Minister my very deep regret
that an article of this character which reflected upon
the King of Egypt should have been published in an
American magazine. I told him that I would make my
views known to the editor of Time. The Minister said
that he had already received word from the chief edi-
tor of Time that he was coming down to Washington to
call upon the Minister to express the regret of the
Board of Editors that this article had been published.
Subsequently I myself spoke with two of the edi-
tors of Time and made it clear to them that the policy
they
The President,
The White House.
-2-
they were pursuing by publishing articles of this
character, which had in the past created and still
were creating such deep resentment on the part of
people of friendly countries, was doing a very ser-
ious disservice to the highest interests of the
United States at a peculiarly critical moment.
Since that time they have consulted me on three
or four occasions with regard to questionable material
that they had ready for publication, and on two of
these occasions when I expressed my strong objection
to publication of this material the material has not
been published.
In conclusion I may say that the Minister appeared
to be satisfied with the apologies tendered him by the
editor of the magazine.
Do you think of anything further which I might
usefully do?
Believe me
Faithfully A yours,
Alls
W
Tyll
Cairo
This telegram must be
clostly persphresed be-
Dated Harch 5, 1942
fore being communicated
to any ne. (3C)
Rec'd 4:37 n.m.; 6th
3ecretary of State,
Washington.
365, March 5, noon
..lthough insofer na I en owere the nrticle on
Egypt published in foreign news of "TT'S" of February
16 hrs not yet been connented on officially here, it
is likely that the strte of indignation which similar
reflections provoked in the post my be curulative in
the present instance. Acc rdingly I should appreciate
receiving any observations the Department may care to
make on the deplorable nonifestation of bad taste
which ocn serve no other purpose than to ngitate
further n. state of offairs already more turbid than
is o instible with the reclization of the meximum
var effort in this area.
KIRK
nst
Early folder folder
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 12, 1942.
MEMORANDUM FOR STEVE:
Don't you think you might send
this confidentially to Luce (but you must
paraphrase the code telegram from Kirk,
March 5th) and ask Luce how long this sort
of thing is going to continue?
F.D.R.
March 7, 1942
My dear Mr. President:
In reply to the inquiry contained in your memo-
randum of March 7 as to what I have done with regard
to the offensive article concerning the King of Egypt
published in the February 16 issue of Time, I may say
that immediately after the publication of this issue
of Time the Egyptian Minister called to see me.
I expressed to the Minister my very deep regret
that an article or this character which reflected upon
the King of Egypt should have been published in an
American magazino. I told Mm that I would make my
views known to the editor of Time. The Minister said
that he had already received word from the chief edi-
tor of Time that he was coming down to Washington to
call upon the Winister. to express the regret of the
Board of Editors that this article had been published.
Subsequently I myself spoke with two of the edi-
tors of Time and made it clear to them that the policy
they
The President,
The White House.
-2-
they were pursuing by publishing articles of this
character, which had in the past created and still
were creating such deep resentment on the part of
people of friendly countries, was doing a very ser-
ious disservice to the highest interests of the
United States at & peculiarly critical moment.
Since that time they have consulted me on three
or four occasions with regard to questionable material
that they had ready for publication, and on two of
these occasions when I expressed my strong objection
to publication of this material the material has not
been published.
In conclusion I may say that the Minister appeared
to be satisfied with the apologies tendered him by the
editor of the magazine.
Do you think of anything further which I might
usefully do?
Believe me
Faithfully yours,
PSF: Tenrly Freder
Subject File
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 29, 1942.
MEMORANDUM FOR S.T.E.
Tell the Editor of "The Yank"
that I want a complete file of it for the
Library at Hyde Park.
Do you know some kind soul who
has one of the few complete collections
of "The Stars and Stripes" who would like
to bequeath his set to the Library, because
some day when I get through here I an
going to write a biography of the Editor
of the "Stars and Stripes" -- one Stephen
T. Early?
F.D.R.
file Rusmal
PSF: Emly Folla
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Subject File
June 2, 1942
MEMORANDUM FOR S.T.E.
Of course I do not believe a word about
what you write of your record on the "Stars and
Stripes". I understand that you were the only
man who was completely in charge because you were
the only man who could remain relatively sober
in Paris.
I had heard the "Stare and Stripes" called
various names, but never heard it called the "Stars
and Strips" - you must have been thinking of
Paris when you dictated the memo.
F.D.R.
6
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 30, 1942
POR THE PRESIDENT:
I assure you that a complete file of
YANK will ba kept for you.
I shall do my utmost to find "some
kind soul" who possesses one of the few complete
files of The Stars and Stripes -- one whose
privilege it will be to bequesth his collection
to you for keeping in the Hyue Park Library.
I have had E hunch for several years
as to who this will be. However, he was never
the Editor of The Stars and Strips. He was
detailed to Paris, after the Ardstico, to be
Assistant Officer-in.Charge of The Stars and
Stripes and to adjust the troubles caused by
the Officer.in-Charge, Major Buy Γ. Visniski.
The troubles caused by Visniski had brought about
& condition of near nutiny by the enlisted
porsonnel.
When Visniski was ordered to return to
the United States, Lajor Lark S. Tatson became
the Officer in Charge. Ceptain Stephen ?. Early
because the Assistant Officer in Charge. Because
of Tatson's illness, Ceptain Early became Acting
Officer in Charge of The Stars and Stripes.
Private Harold Ross, nov of the WE YORKER,
war the Oditor. The paper was published by and for
the enlisted nen of the A.R.F. just as YARK will
be published by and for the enlisted men of this war.
PSF; Early folder
Subject File 2-43
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 21, 1943.
MEMORANDUM FOR
STEVE EARLY:
In view of the fact that
Pa and Wilson will both be away on the
26th, and in view of the condition of
Mac's health, I hope you will be
agreeable to acting as civilian aide
to President Barolay of Liberia during
his visit.
F.D.R.
PSF.
2.45
Subject F16
January 1, 1945
Dear Mr. Secretary:
I have your letter of the
twenty-eighth.
I think it will be satisfactory
for the officer in charge of Public Re-
lations at Supreme Headquarters, Allied
Expeditionary Forces, to have the services
of period. Mr. Stephen T. Early for a sixty-day
However, I do not think that he
can be svailable at Headquarters until
about the middle of February. end of anuary
I think it would be preferable
that his services be rendered as a civil-
ian rather than as an officer in the Army.
I shall ask Mr. Early to make the
ment. necessary arrangements with the War Depart-
Very sincerely yours,
The Honorable
The Secretary of War
Washington, D. C.
war department
Even
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1944.
The President,
The White House.
Dear Mr. President:
The officer in charge of Public Relations at Supreme
Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Forces, with General of the
Army Eisenhower's approval, has asked for the services of Mr.
Stephen T. Early for a. sixty-day period.
He states that a survey of the progress of the Public
Relations organization in France, and its general effectiveness
in meeting the needs of the numerous correspondents there, leads
him to believe that he would profit greatly now in having the
services of a well-known newsman from home to observe the opera-
tions and offer suggestions for improvement.
He further points out that such a man should be one
that has had experience in the last war and one who had the
respect of the press at home for his judgment and his technical
knowledge of deadlines, communications, and of general public
interest in war coverage. He believes Mr. Early would be ideal
for this job and earnestly requests that his services be made
available.
I hesitate to initiate a request that would deprive
you of the services of an aide as valuable as I know Mr. Early
to be, even for a limited period, but I feel it necessary in view
of the importance attached to the matter by General Eisenhower's
headquarters, to present the request for your consideration.
Respectfully yours,
Therry h Thinson