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"J" General Correspondence Subject File Box 155 : * PSF file PSF 3.2 National Press Club 6% Kirke St., Personal+ Mashington Chevy Chase, Md., Tels Wisconsin 2981 Nov. 13, 1940 President Franklin D. Roosevelt, The White House, Washington, D.C. Dear Mr. Presidents In accordance with the gracious note of November 8th written at your suggestion by your secretary, General Rivin M. Watson, I an again addressing you on the matters referred to in my recent wires to you and Mrs. Roosevelt and my letter to you. I return to the problems so soon again because I honestly believe a forthright facing of them immediately by the Administration is intimately involved in the future of the progressive labor movement of our country and the possible effective leadership thereof by Phil Murrey. It is By hope that Henry Wallace has by now told you of our conversation of yesterday. He, I felt after talking with him and Jim LeOron, understood fully the immediacy and purpose behind my requests to him, and through him to you. With the Ford contract, the International Shoe contract and many others staring them in the face, what do you think Phil, R.J. Thomas of the Auto Workers, and the others who went down the line for you can do to answer the derisive taunts of John Lewis and his commmist-inspired supporters referred to in the late city edition of the N.Y. Times by Louis Stark on the front Desoperterday? I have also had two considerable talks with Isador Lubin who makes astonishing and pussling admissions to me - mimisssions such as that Sydney Hillman and he have seen scarcely any of the contracts before they were signed, that they didn't know anything about the Ford contract until after it was announced and that, even now - days after they assured Leo Goodman, Research Director of the United Shoe Workers, that the International Shoe contract had been amended to include provisions calling for strict adherence to your labor directive - they cannot get & copy of the contract for the United Shoe Workers. What, in heaven's name, can be the function of labor representation on the Defense Commission if it 1sn't to carry out your labor directives. Lube admits to me that he thinks the time has come for Sydney and Him to conduct an open campaign against sabotage in the Army and Havy on these problems. It is certainly no answer to say that Justice Felix Frankfurter says precisely the same thing happened during the last war. b The OIO executive board meets in Atlantic City (Chelsea Hotel) on Friday. Phil ought to have some tangible reassurances on the Ford contract and allied problems before that date if he is to do the job we all know he can do and want before him you to respond? do for our country. Do you want him publicly to ask for these things Tours respectfully, Gardnor Jackson Gardner Jackson. Men Corres fre PSF 3-42 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY WASHINGTON, D.C. May 12, 1942 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL President Franklin D. Roosevelt The White House Attention: General Edwin M. Watson Dear Mr. President: Under Secretary of the Navy James Forestal may have told you of his telephone conversation with no regarding the attached clipping. I sent him a typewritten copy of the clipping last week and he responded with a call. I told him that Tom Cullen, Chairman of the Democratic County Committee of Orange County, New York, had given me the clipping and had made inquiries of me concerning it. In the course of our conversation he asked me whether anyone connected with the ministration was in particular charge of the situation in the 26th District of New York. I raised the same question with Mr. Forestal who said that he did not know of anyone acting in such capacity and thought that it would be well to have someone given that responsibi- lity. In addition to frequent inquiries from Tom Cullen, I have received repeated inquiries from Jim Causey who has been instrumental in organizing a nonpartisan committee in the District. This Committee is circulating various materials at present. In an effort to ascertain whether any definite plans had been formulated on this matter or whether any are likely to be formulated soon, I talked with Dave Niles; this note to you is the result of that talk with Dave who suggested that you would certainly be interested in seeing the clipping herewith. Yours sincerely, Gardner Jackson THE NEWBURGH NEWS MI THE NEWBURGH. NEW YORK, FRIDAY. APRIL 21. 1912 Level THE UNITED PRESS New or to SIGNS OF THE TIMES Col. Fish Reports Forecasts Great To Constituents Work Schedule By Telegraph For Region NINEL TERMS - - nust hirage Bridge a loss Boths making modings - possibility ni additing Newborgh Final the will Arport il Prgent for approval Du in . Respectfully forwarded to the President: Euw. E.M.W. BE Gun Carres gen Corres. "J" 3-42 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON Bx153 October 8, 1942. MEMORANDUM FOR GENERAL WATSON I do want to see Gardner Jackson and you might ask him to come in on Friday morning for fifteen minutes. Will you give the attached to me when he comes in? F. D. R. appointment with gardner Jackson never anamyd fied Jan. 6- 1943, R.B. 015 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY WASHINGTON, D.C. October 2, 1942 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL The Honorable Franklin D. Roosevelt The White House Dear Mr. President: Yesterday an intimate business friend of mine told me of & long conversation he had the preceding day with Leroy Lincoln, president of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. In addition to using blackguarding language about you, according to my friend, Mr. Lincoln disclosed plans he and most of the insurance industry and various segments of other industry have completed regarding Tom Dewey, as candidate for Governor of New York and as subsequent candidate for the Presidency. These plans involve the war effort intimately. Mr. Lincoln told my friend that they had discussions with Tom Dewey and had agreed to abandon all other prospective presi- dential candidates, including Senator Taft and Governor John Bricker of Ohio. My friend led Mr. Lincoln out by saying to him, in effect, "Aren't you taking an awful risk with this fellow Dewey? After all, he made his reputation as a reformer district attorney and you don't want to depend upon a reformer, do you!" To which Mr. Lincoln replied, according to my friend, "Oh, don't worry about that. We've taken care of that. He's no reformer. We're satisfied about that. Why, as a matter of fact, we have got everything all set including the next insurance commissioner of New York already, and as for labor, we have an understanding with him that he'll crack down on labor to beat hell when he gets in and we've really got Roosevelt on the run now." My friend said there was quite an extensive conversation about this labor thing, a good deal of it centering on the Union of Insurance Agente which the CIO Office and Professional Workers have tried to build up. - 2 - The most disturbing feature of the conversation to my friend was Mr. Lincoln's attitude towards the war effort and to the progress of the war in Russia and elsewhere in the world. My friend got the explicit impression that Mr. Lincoln and those with whom he has been conferring are working for a negotiated peace and will do all they can to have such & peace accepted at the earliest possible moment. My friend said that Mr. Lincoln seemed to know all about the workings of the lobby against the parity bill conducted by Ed Babcock and all about Eric Johnston's participation therein. He described to my friend how the Chamber of Commerce has been reorganized under Eric Johnston and the insurance division of the Chamber has been increased in importance and size and placed under the chairmanship of James Madden, First Vice President of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. According to my friend that division collects between $150,000 and $200,000 a year f om the insurance industry, most of which from now on out, my friend gathered from Mr. Lincoln, will be used to further the efforts of Mr. Lincoln and his associates. At the same time my friend transmitted to me in confidence a copy of a letter signed by Joe Pew of the Sun Oil Company along with certain accompanying material, photostatic copies of which I have attached to this letter. Joe, according to my friend, is linked up to this general Lincoln picture. The Hitler speech, implying fairly explicitly that the Nazis will hold what they have got and let the Allies do what they can about it, seems to strike a responsive note in the Lincoln mind and be the opening gun of the great drive to call the war off and do business one with another. I pass this information on to you because it comes to me from a source which I have found over the last ten years to be almost infallible both in substance and in interpretation. The source has the highest regard for your objectives, though feeling that you have never throughout your Administration been tough enough with the monopoly, finance and business interests typified by Lincoln, Pew, and the views they represent. This source shares the fears of some of the responsible labor leaders that the operations shown you during your trip may in a number of instances have been dress rehearsals concealing the actual conditions in this or that plant and the actual state of mind of the corporation heads responsible for this or that plant. I trust you are as well as we all want you to be and as well as a number of my newspaper friends telephoned me last night you - 3 - seemed to be during your press conference. Yours sincerely, Gardner Jackson Special Assistant to the Under Secretary P.S. My immersion in the parity fight has brought to me information and opinions from key figures on the Hill and elsewhere which seem to me 80 important that you ought to know at least some of them. Consequently, I am endeavoring to try to get & small slice of your valuable time to recount to you what I think the meaning is and what I think it calls for from this point on. MASS radio "SUSTAINING" PROGRAMS ON NATIONAL NETWORKS "This Nation et Wor" - the new coast-to-coost Blue Network program which brings employer, employee, housewife, minister, and people in of wells of life to the microphone to talk straight from the shoulder to the public about their efforts for victory. A worthy successor to the Mutual Network shows which each week for more than e whole year featured Fulton Lewis, 1. os "Your Defense Reporter," and the 1941 hit radio show, "Defense for America," both APPEALS tremendous factors in building public appreciation of Industry's mirocles on the production battle line. * Services to Commentators - "Briefs for Broadcesters," - increasingly popular service featuring one-minute fillers especially designed for women com- mentators, spotlighting the unique and interesting phoses of Industry's participo- tion in the vor effort. Also regular news releases to all commentators. * Redio Forems - participation of industrialists in such progroms - the University of Chicago Round Table, Town Hell of the Air, etc. Spet Network Addresses - by industrial leaders. groups. These include: COOPERATION WITH COOPERATION WITH COOPERATION WITH RELIGIOUS LEADERS WOMEN'S GROUPS AGRICULTURAL GROUPS Representatives of Industry meet with the clergy, talking The tremendous influence of women's organizations, an over their viewpoints, helping the churchmen obtain an increasingly crucial factor in national affairs, is intensi- understanding of the true function of our enterprise sys- fied by the rapidly growing participation of women in tem, its force for material and social welfare, its relation all phases of war work. The NIIC program of confer- to religious freedom, and at the same time gaining a ences between women leaders and businessmen, study better understanding of the clergy's problems. The 29 courses, plays, radio programs, and other cooperative ac- Conferences between businessmen and farm leaders, clari- regional conferences in 1942 will fan out into hundreds tivity carries a fuller understanding of the enterprise fying problems and points of view and defining methods of local conferences built on this vital concept. system into the daily lives of America's organized women of cloier cooperation with one- of America's most influ- leaders. ential minorities. SUN OIL COMPANY HOWARD PHILADELPHIA N PEW.JA PRESIDENT August 19, 1942 Some time ago I wrote urging that you lend your support to the National Industrial Information Committee. Mr. Bennett Chapple, Assistant to President of the American Rolling Mills, told me he also intended to bring the matter again to your attention, but whether he has had the opportunity to do this or not I hope you will give consid- eration to my request for liberal financial assistance. War measures inevitably emphasize Federal controls, building up executive and bureaucratic powers. It will require intelligent understanding on the part of the public to combat this trend after the war is over. The Committee's work is vitally important to this end BO that when hostilities have consed, a sympathetic public will help us return to the nation one of the essential freedoms for which we are fighting and producing - the freedom of initiative. These matters are of first concern to you and your business. I do not know how familiar you are with the Committee's activities in the past, but a glance through the enclosed folder will give you a good idea of the extent of our work at the moment. You will agree, I am sure that these activities, which are only a few of the vast and comprehensive public information program, give authority and direction to management's leadership in the affairs of the nation. May I add that public relations experts are constantly analyzing the N.I.I.C. program, not taking for granted any part of it, but asking for reasons back of every feature, the response obtained, and its value to businessmen of the country. I can honestly say that their reports have convinced me that the program is better than ever this year, and is doing an essential job on behalf of the enterprise system. Business leaders throughout the country recognize the necessity of preserving free enterprise as a fundamental part of the American way of life. I believe you share this conviction. Therefore, it is my sincere hope that you will want to participate with the group of business and industrial leaders who have taken the initiative in organizing an understanding of and respect for the motives of industry and management. A subscription from your company would help guarantee the continuance of what in my opinion is the most effective program of public relations of its kind ever attempted. Naturally the amount you subscribe is for your judgment, but even if present conditions permit your sending only & nominal sum, this support on your part will indicate your personal approval of the activ- ities sponsored by our Committee. Sincerely yours, Chairman National Industrial Information Committee Your Program for Public Understanding in a Nation at War THE RELATIONSHIP between American competitive enterprise and the people is ex- ceedingly important today, when all Americans are teamed up to win a war. The people must understand the magnitude of industry's task and its patriotism. They must know that freedom of enterprise is not only one of the basic principles that America is fighting to preserve, but that the great industrial machine, built by private enterprise, is our most powerful weapon for winning the war. Management must be alert to the public's call for leadership open-minded and ready to answer any questions that may be in the minds of the people. Through the National Industrial Information Committee, both these aims are being achieved in 1942. Using every medium of public information, the N.I.I.C. each day is carrying the story of industry's war-winning efforts to 130,000,000 Ameri- cans - in a way that will answer their questions, and build free private enterprise firmly into their ideals for the post-war world. Likewise, management is being kept informed of the course and temper of public opinion so that each company's own public relations and other policies will be effectively geared to the actual problems we face in this critical time. Here are some of the principal media used by the N.I.I.C. during the past nine years - tested and proved in effectiveness: 1] RADIO - Fulton Lewis, jr., "PRODUCTION FOR 6] SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES - Over VICTORY," broadcast weekly on the Mutual net- 2,000,000 new booklets are requested by schools work, currently reporting to the people on the each year and are used by two out of every progress of war production. Also spot news three high school students in the country. releases and frequent informal talks by busi- Films, bulletin board posters, commencement new men. and assembly speakers round out the N.I.C.C.'s 2] MOTION PICTURES - "AMERICAN ANNI- comprehensive program of cooperation with the nation's educational Institutions. The VERARY" - N.I.I.C.'s 1942 movie, scheduled to National Education Association and other reach more than 8,000,000 persons in over 4.000 leading theatres. Last year's picture "Dr. similar organizations in cooperation with she N.I.I.C. conduct a series of direct conferences FENSE FOR AMERICA." after establishing a new between educators and business men to capi- high in audiences for this type of film, will be shown in 1942 to non-theatrical groups, Includ- taline on educators' growing recognition of the ing schools, camps, clubs, etc. with estimated necessity to emphasire principles as well as the showings of 1,000 monthly. facts about the American way. 3] POSTERS AND DISPLAYS - 500,000 7] CHURCH COOPERATION2 regional conferences between clergymen and business plant, school and railroad station bulletin men designed to stimulate hundreds of local board posters, also travelling department store conferences in 1942, bringing to clergymen un- window displays in the best known stores of derstanding of the necessity to continue free- the country. dom of enterprise in order to preserve other 4] CAR CARDS-Over 28,000 carried In street freedoms, including that of religion. can and buses reaching over 12,000,000 per- 8] WOMEN'S GROUPS-Joint Home-Indus- sons in their daily travel. try conferences, radio programs, newspaper 5] NEWSPAPERS - Regular request services feature columns and study courses, used last to 8,000 weeklies and every major daily paper year by 598 women's groups, carrying the in the country news, health, women's fea- story of free enterprise to one of America's tures, cartoons, spot news releases and special most important and Influential groups - its material for editors. Also "personally con- women leaders. ducted" inspection trips to war production 9] SPEAKERS - Industrial executives of the plants by top-ranking news correspondents, Speakers Committee in 1941 addressed dramatically aiding the portrayal of industry's a daily average of 2.000 persons, dramatizing contribution to war production. the story of America's enterprise system. CHECKING PERFORMANCE-Constant surveying of public opinion by the Opinion Research Corporation - almost daily contact with experts on the N.A.M. Public Relations Advisory Group - and guidance from the Public Relations Committee and Board of Directors of the N.A.M. are your insurance that the National Indus- trial Information Committee hits its target. National Industrial Information Committee NINE YEARS OF BUILDING FAITH IN AMERICAN BUSINESS SPONSORED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MANUFACTURERS Date 1942 To J. HOWARD PEW, Chairman NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL INFORMATION COMMITTEE 14 WEST 49TH STREET, NEW YORK, N. Y. WE AGREE that the winning of the war and the preservation of freedom require that the American people have a complete understanding of the job industry is doing to win the battle of production, of the basic characteristics of the private competitive enterprise system, and of the sincere motives of American management. To the achievement of that purpose we pledge our support to the Public Informa- tion Program of the National Industrial Information Committee. Please enter our subscription for & Check attached. Please send bill on 1942 NAME OF COMPANY ADDRESS CITY STATE SIGNATURE TITLE Over 4,000 companies, large and small, in every field of business support the N.I.I.C. program with subscriptions ranging from $25 to more than $25,000 annually. The Committee offers the following abbreviated schedule of average subscriptions to assist you in determining your support of this program: COMPANIES HAVING A CAPITALIZATION OF: $100,000 $ 25 $1,000,000 $225 200,000 50 2,000,000 375 300,000 75 3,000,000 500 400,000 100 4,000,000 650 500,000 125 5,000,000 800 $6,000,000 and over $1,000 to more than $25,000 (This subscription will be devoted entirely to the purposes outlined above. None will be used to support the regular Association activities of the N.A.M.) Principal public relations channels used are shown on the reverse side ! 7/8/23 gen. Water says Corbones to hold 20 PSF Here Conce "J"3-43 WAR DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF WASHINGTON 8 September 1943 7 MEMORANDUM FOR GENERAL WATSON: You will remember the case of Congressman Jackson, of Washington, whom the President wished inducted as an enlisted man, Jackson requested that he not be in- ducted until early September. This is to let you know that Jack- son is now in the Army and that he left Fort Lewis, Washington, on September 6, to report at Fort McClellan, Alabama. this McCarthy 6-17-43 Phoned Col. McCarthy -- Congr. Henry M. Jackson of Washington came in to see the President about a retirement from the House. He is & very able young fellow and the President does not want him to retire from the House. But Jackson is anxious to get some service in the Army. The President was wondering if, afterCongress convened, he could go in and get some summer training until next September and then decide what could be done. The President wanted you to handle this matter and report to me the results. In the meanwhile will you contact Congr. Jackson and let him or his secretary know when you can see him. Re will come to your office and you can find out what he wants and what can be done. The President seems to be sympathetically interested in his case. SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF WASHINGTON June 24, 1943 MEMORANDUM FOR GENERAL WATSON: I have had a meeting with Congressman Jackson of Washington, who wishes if possible to enter the Army as an enlisted man, undergo basic training, be assigned to a combat unit overseas, see action, and return to Congress in February. The President's memorandum of June 17, 1942, to the Secre- tary of War and the Secretary of the Navy directed that all members of the House and Senate who were then on active duty be placed on inactive status, and that future requests from members be considered only on the basis of active duty for the duration of the war. I have heard informally that this memorandum was issued at the request of the Speaker of the House. I recommend against giving Congressman Jackson active duty for the following reasons: 1. Between 15 and 20 members of the House and Senate have been turned down by the Secretary of War for service in any capacity, commissioned or enlisted. Among these are the following Democrats: Brooks of Louisiana, Richards of South Carolina, Nichols of Oklahoma (on three occasions), Sparkman DOD DIR. 5200.9 (9/27/58) of Alabama, Starnes of Alabama, Beckworth of Texas, Chandler of Kentucky, and Scrugham of Nevada. The Secretary of the Navy Date- 3-16-59 has turned down many more. DECLASSIFIED 2. Numerous members of both Houses still hold Reserve commissions but are not permitted active duty, even during recess periods. 3. The general practice of having Congressmen on duty for limited periods of time has proved unsatisfactory because, upon returning to Congress, they have shown a tendency to speak without restraint on the floor, often misusing classified infor- mation and employing their observations to embarrass the War Department and the Administration. While this would not occur, I am sure, in the case of Congressman Jackson, it probably would in others. I feel certain that you and I could explain the situation to Congressman Jackson to his satisfaction, and I recommend that, unless the President desires otherwise, we arrange to have a talk with him for this purpose. PSF filens- JOHNSON & WOOD MEMBERS NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE CHALMERS WOOD MEMBERS NEW YORK CURB EXCHANGE MEMBER NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE AYMAR JOHNSON VICTOR 8. BYRON 30 BROAD STREET H. DUNCAN WOOD MEMBER NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE AMBROBE D. HENRY NEW YORK PEROY A. BYRON,JR. HERBERT c. STRACK MEMBER NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE TELEPHONE HANOVER 2-1444 EDWARD B. BYRON June 16,1936 President Franklin D. Roosevelt, The White House, Washington, D.C. Dear Mr. President: Although, I em sorry to say that my views do not coincide with some of the things the present administration are doing and although I do not altogether admire all of your advisors, I know your heart 18 in the right place and that you have tried your best in many ways to better the situation since you took office when the country was in such a terrible state, and I congratulate you on the many constructive and splendid things you have done. I want you, however, to thoroughly understand that although I can not conscientiously work for you during the next few months, you naturally will have my vote. Marian and I are going down to Philadelphia at the time of your nomination end we are also taking a party of our friends on our boat to the Harvard-Yale boat race, at which time I hope we will have the pleasure of seeing you. Yours as ever, AJ:0 / A ARMSEA HALL NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND 28th July - 36 Dear Franklin, I note by the newspaper you are cruising up the coast in Harry Tweed's schooner which, by the way, is 8. very com- fortable boat. I have been on her several times. I hope you are having & good rest from the different ceres and worries that confront you as President. Knowing the strain of all you have to do and having just had & knock-down blow myself, I wonder if, as an old friend, I may give you a little word of warning. Although I am not in political affairs, I an pretty active and always up early doing one thing or another - whether commutting to New York from Islip, taking care of my business affairs or Marian's and the rest of my family. In other words I have not been accustomed to giving myself a rest. The middle of May I moved the family up here and after getting everything going, went back to New York, coming up only week-ends. All this activity resulted in an accumulation of tiredness as I did not really relax. Foolishly I did not go to a doctor and get overhauled. An a result, last Monday I had a nice little heart attack called - 2 - coronary thrombosis. They tell me I will be 88 well as ever afterwards if I take things easily. At present I am flat on my back and will have to remain in bed a good eight weeks. I am sending this letter, first to give you a little personal advice as I hope you will never have to go through the same thing. Secondly, if you ever want to get away from the world in general and just relax in bed for a week or more without any- one knowing it, all you have to do is to come up here to us at Newport any time after September first, when the crowds have gone. We are going to remain here this year until after election. Our place is situated on the Bay near the point, and you could have the best rest of your life, if you should want one. Marian, I an glad to say, got her health back this Spring in Boston, through Loring Swain, my old classmate whom you may remember being on the crew. He's & wonderful fellow. I hope you don't mind my sending you these few lines. We often forget that after the age of fifty we cannot go as hard as formerly! Although I know you are getting 8. change of scenery on the yechting trip,I also know it is B. pretty strenuous job on a boat of that type as I have done so much of - 3 - it myself. With best regards to you and Eleanor, Yours Aywar. as ever, ROAD pus mil ARMSEA HALL NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND 28th July I 36 Dear Franklin, I can't stop Aymar's writing you, although I know you are too busy to read letters! However, his recent experience has made him enxious about you in the superhuman job you are shouldering. Forgive this very informal little note. Amid these strenuous days, when such colossal demands are being made on you both, I want you and Eleanor to know that some of your friends appreciate all that you are giving so unsparingly of yourselves for us all, and that you have our affection and loyalty. We hope you have got some rest recently and pray for your strength in the days to come. These are extraordinary times and I understand some big world event is pro- phesied for September 16th! Please do not bother to answer these notes, but let us know if we can ever be of help in any way. With my love to you both, and 890ml 75king - Your affectionate cousin, Maria PSF hele Drawn 2-14 PERSONAL February 27, 1936. Dear Aymar:- Many thanks for that nice note of yours. How interesting and delightful it would be if the Montacol 011 Company should, after fifteen years, really strike oil. By that time you and I will certainly need the money! My best to you and Marian. AS ever, Aymar Johnson, Esq., 30 Broad Street, New York, N. Y. JOHNSON & WOOD MEMBERS NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE CHALMERS WOOD MEMBERS NEW YORK CURB EXCHANGE ATMAR JOHNSON MEMBER NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE VICTOR s. BYRON 30 BROAD STREET H. DUNCAN WOOD MEMBER NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE AMBROBE D. HENRY NEW YORK PEROY A. BYRON. JR. HERBERT STRACK MEMBER NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE TELEPHONE HANOVER 2-1444 EDWARD B. BYRON February 25, 1936. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, The White House, Washington, D.C. Dear Mr. President: Some years ago, if you remember, you purchased through my advice some Montacol 011 Co. stock. A few days ago I wrote to Mr. Baker who is connected with that Company, and asked him if the stock was still worth anything, for, if you remember, that they made several test holes but did not strike oil, and unfortunately ran out of money, He kept writing me, however, that he still was absolutely confident that oil would be found on their property at a deeper depth. I got the follow- ing letter from him yesterday. It will speak for itself. "The Montacol Co. is still very much alive and we are hopeful that within the next couple of years there will be sufficient demand for additional oil reserves to warrant the drilling of a deep test well on the Baxter Basin fold. The leases are in good standing. Several gas wells have been drilled under the deal we made with the Wyoming California Petroleum Corp. However, we can not expect any income from these wells until the cost has been refunded from gas sales. The gas sales are limited and therefore we can not hope for any appreciable returns to the Montacol Co. unless oil is discovered. Finding oil in California is becoming extremely difficult, and it appears likely that California refineries will find it necessary to draw on other states for their crude supply within the next couple of years. As soon as this condition comes about, there will be a very marked increase in wild-catting in the Rocky Mountain area, as this district and the West Texas fields are the most likely source of supply for California refineries. It looks to me as though the possibilities are as promising as at the time we made our investment back in 1920 - 1923." I thought the above would interest you, and I still feel that with a little more patience he is right, and that eventually we will strike oil in this section, for I have been out there and seen it literally seeping out of the earth within sixty miles to the north. -2- I note by the papers that you went up to Cambridge for the Fly dinner. I am sorry to say that this year I was unable to go there for our club dinner. Hoping this finds you as well as ever and that all the mountainous problems which you have daily are not too much for you, I am Yours as ayman ever, AJ:GC File Inco PSF Carres AYMAR JOHNSON SONFIDENTIAL 625 PARK AVENUE 3d April 1 37 "J" My dear Mr. President, I received your letter of April 1st which was marked confidential and which I can assure you has been considered absolutely confidential by me. I have done a great deal of thinking about the matter to which you refer and, therefore, have not sent an answer until to- day. In the first place, as far as your not having attended a meeting since 1928 is concerned, I do not think that that is very important owing to the fact that you have been Governor and since then President. Although I admire your honest feeling in the matter, the mere fact of having your name on the Board of Trustees whether you are able to attend the meetings or not, is a great help in inspiring people with inter- est in the Church, which has been sadly lacking. As to the second reason why you think you should resign, I have always had a feeling that every bishop and preacher should refrain from mentioning politics or ex- pressing personal opinions in rendering a sermon from the pulpit. I feel the pulpit is a place from which the Gospel alone should be preached. But I can absolutely assure you that since the day I have been acting as secretary - and I rarely miss - 2 - AYMAR JOHNSON en PARK AVENUE a meeting - I have never heard a thought of any kind expressed in either the anteroom where we assemble or at the meetings themselves, by any of the Board, to the effect that someone else would be preferred in your place. There is going to be a very large and impressive gathering at the Cathedral when they finally decide to open the Nave. Actually I cannot tell you when this will take place although there is a possibility of it occurr- ing this spring and, of course, I feel that your presence would add to its cause. For almost two thousand years, leaders of the times have been misunderstood by the religious authori- ties of their day. But surely the larger issue is the fact that in this day of much dangerous division, end in order to further the spiritual and moral swekening you have yourself stressed the need for, the Christian Church, more than ever before, and regardless of party, prejudice, or personal feelings, needs to present a united front. I cannot help but feel that any step such as this, would be publicly detrimental, first to the Cathedral and its com- pletion, but above all to the endeavour at Christian 00- operation, in which you yourself have given us so fine EL lead. You have asked for e thoroughly confidential reply to your letter and I em giving it to the best of my ability, hoping you will consider mine as such as I have taken yours to be. P.S. Iam stilling business Yours as ever, but the office three times a week (2) CONFIDENTIAL April 1, 1937. My dear Aymar:- Many thanks for the clipping. Take care of yourself and have a complete rest in Bermuda. I do hope to see you both when you get back. May I ask you confidentially about a matter which has been on my mind for sometime? I have been a Trustee of the Cathedral for about a quarter of a century - in faot, I think my length of service has been exceeded by only one or two others on the Board. As you know, I have not been to a mesting since 1928, before I went to Albany. From the point of view of useful- ness, therefore, I have no right to continue to serve. There is, however, another reason which strengthens the thought that I should resign. It is hardly right for no to remain as a Trustee when I feel 80 little sympathy with many of the words and actions of the Bishop. Frankly, many of these words and actions are, from my point of view, un- christian. Write me confidentially your thought on the matter. I am inclined to think that many members of the Board would, perhaps correctly, prefer someone else in my place. As ever yours, Aymar Johnson, Esq., 30 Broad Street, New York City, New York. als THE WHITE HOURS JOHNSON & WOOD receive 26 1937 MEMBERS NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE CHALHERS WOOD HENDERS NEW YORK CURB EXCHANGE MEMBER NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE ATMAR JOHNSON VICTOR a. BYRON 30 BROAD STREET H. DUNCAN wood HEHBER NEW TORA STOCK EXCHANGE AMBROBE D. HENRY NEW YORK PERCY A. BYRON.JR. HERBERT O.STRACK MEMBER NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE TELEPHONE HANOVER 2-1444 EDWARD a. BYRON March 25,1937. < & ML Hon. Franklin D.Roosevelt, President, White House, Washington, D.O. Dear Mr.President: With everything that is going on these days, I thought it might amuse you to see an article written March 18 to the editor of a very large European paper. This article was written by Bradish Johnson, Jr. who worked for a long time for the N.R.A. and then went abroad to write for papers, etc. Marian and I are leaving for Bermuda about April 19 and remaining there until about the middle of June. From there TO are going to open up the house at Newport for the summer. If you should come up that way to see the boat races, do drop in and have a eup of tea with us. Our place is 10 the second house on the right as you come in the harbor. It is a large old fashioned house with columns and a green copper Anrzie roof. You will probably are Marian semiphoring to you as she does it very well. Hoping this finds you in the best of health, I em Yours as aywan ever, Alie P.P. The have As been in Marian's family about from yours, in Anti-Roosevelt Nonsense Paris, March 13. To the Editor, European Edition All or this absolute tripe and non- E sense with which all these disgruntled a so-called patriots have been "packing" t the Mailbag makes me sick and tired B They are all hopping mad because they - can't get everything their own way in the United States. Thank the Lord they can't because st is just the type e of person who is raising all the bullaba- is loo these days against the finest Presi- dent we have ever had that got us di into the mess in which we found our- y selves in 1929. Ab! 19291 That magical date! Those wonderful figures! It seems to me that I remember the days when Herbert Hoover was President. Those last days n. of his tenure of office when every 1 time be opened his mouth the stock market dropped & half & dozen points. ( 1 At that time the boys were erying out I for someone, for anyone to be elected in place of "dear old Herbert." € I And then what happened? Roosevelt ( was elected, just as you, or you, or you, who are all gnashing your teeth now, . would have been elected if you had been running instead of-Roosevelt, He snapped people out of the dumps into which they fell during those marvelbus n times under the leadership of Herbert. When Roosevels saved the banks by action instead of just sitting, they I praised him. When be did a lot of 1 other things, they praised him. When be did still more, the nation ze-elected . - is him by the most overwhelming major- 5 sty ever known in the history of the United States, Now what? Because he finds that a conditions since he spoke before have . changed, and be wants to do things to take care of these conditions, there is & terrific how] from the discontented wolves, who are in & minuscule minor- ity. ( Thank the Lord for & President who is not afraid to change his mind when changing his mind is going to be the best thing for the country. A MODERN PATRIOT. 140 SECAYKAN SONINSET SOCATEAN alm LEDGES SOMETHAND SOMERSET PSF Carris. BERMUDA Bewdley Gen: "I" Pembroke lot Feb. '38 Dear Mr. President, Bradish has just written me a long letter telling me about the way Ambassador Bullitt acted at the time of his son, Bradish G. Johnson's funeral in Paris about e week ago, end I thoroughly agree with him that his actions were absolutely undignified and discourteous. Yours anover THE GIDEON PUTNAM THE "J" BARATOGA CURATIVE BATHS SARATOOA SPA Sir 26 Size AND MINERAL WATERS UNDER STATE SUPERVISION Saratoga Springs PRIVATE OFFICE EDWARD c. SWEENY. PRESIDENT NEW YORK GIDEON PUTNAM NOTE: 03A13388 40 ROBERT I. SCOVILLE, MANAGER AM SE 38 Sept. 23, 1938. THE MALL or SPRINGS d-v Dear Mr. President: As my stay here has nearly terminated as I am leaving next Wednesday which will have been three \ weeks, I thought I would write you a line to tell you some- thing about this place and the good that it has done me, for I know what interest you have taken in it - in fact, as I understand it, it was through your efforts while governor that the springs here were made possible. I feel one hundred percent better than when I arrived. I was much too over-weight, weighing 188, and I am now 180, although I intend to take off at least five more pounds after leaving here by continuing the diet that I have been on. The bath house is magnificent in every way, and run beautifully. I do not put the full credit to the waters alone, although I feel that they have a great deal to do with the cure. You are allowed to stay in the baths ten minutes, with the water bubbling all the time, and it literally turns your skin red which shows the re-action that must be taking place. The diet is a very sane, sensible one with much variety, cutting out sweets, heavy sauces, starch, sugar, thick soups and desserts, but you never feel hungry from the way they have worked it out. You also take just 80 much light exercise in the morning and afternoon. I have Dr. Comstock, who is a very sane, sensible man, as well as being a delightful person, who says he has had the pleasure of meeting you. This hotel, The Gideon Putnam, is expensive, but beautifully run. Also the Roosevelt Baths are the most expensive; but, as you know, the Washington Baths and the Lincoln Baths are less expensive, and there are many cheap rooming houses and hotels in town where the people with less means can come and enjoy the waters. THE GIDEON PUTNAM BARATOGA CURATIVE BATHS AND MINERAL WATERS SARATOGA SPA UNDER STATE SUPERVISION Saratoga Springs PRIVATE OFFICE EDWARD c. SWEENY, PRESIDENT NEW YORK GIDEON PUTNAM HOTEL ROBERT 1. SCOVILLE, MANAGER -2- THE HALL or SPRINGS I have met many people in the hotel who have been to Baden Baden, Nauheim and other European cures, and they say that this is, if anything, far better than those abroad; 80 you 800 the good you have done for thousands of people. The recent hurricane and tidal wave which swept Long Island and the New England coast has been a terrible catastrophe, and I hate to think of the thousands of homeless people and the lives that have been lost in this recent event. It looks to me from what I hear over the radio today as though there is going to be a European war as it seems impossible to satisfy Hitler. If it should take place you may possibly find Marion and myself in Washington this winter, as I feel we will become more war minded if that occasion occurs, and if we do I have already been asked to work in the Intelligence Department of the Navy in which I am enrolled as a lieutenant commander in the Reserves, unless I could find some other way to help our country. If war should not take place Marion and I are going to Islip from here, and will probably remain there for a month and a half, and then go to Bermuda for the winter. I am delighted that Jim is coming on 80 nicely, and I hope that he takes a long rest for his recent operation has naturally been a great shock to his system. Hoping this finds you in the best of health, in which Marion joins me, I am Yours as ever, P.S. & was sarsy X hear ayman of Freddy De Rhams death Clue by are am old friends an gaing. yen PSF "J" Carris " JOSEPH JOHNSON 2214 PEACHTREE ROAD filersonal, ATLANTA aug. 21 1940 my Dear Miss Letland: lay the inclosed before will Mon thristy the President. I do not expect answer. with Kind requrds, Yours truly Joseph H. Le Johnson Hand mis marganite white House Washington Original toury copy - JOSEPH JOHNSON 2214 PEACHTREE ROAD ATLANTA aug. 21, 1940 Dran m. President: may g suggest that Roy Howard, Nilopon's favority Flmerican, be watched Care- fully. /7+ all Oritical incomments he turns up in Japan. I know him well must 15 Japanner - his and in his daily office Incor; and his indoor dress. Think Roy is abit of a rat, but g don't thric he is a traitor. Is just that he may have The Japanese point fins. g certining hope Inow of our proplem the East make of hin a confident g viniture our does not know how daep Secret diflomatic service his fingers are m the Japa- MASL p.m. Roy Can pass over there for a tap, as my one Piava who Stes Roy may be- Roy said in his latter to you "I spark mither Spanish nov Portugre." Does the gream Chines Dutch, Siaming ? Jarmise? Borneo-ese? 2 J thinu many surprises would Come of a complete Check up of Roy's relations with the high-ups Tapan Is he working for us us? should we not fund ont? Yours truey Joseph Johnson P.S- On with Flmurica, m. President! will take care of woeky welliz, He al- Letter Explains at- In ry. in Why Howard ben tips Refused F.D.R. be THE al- ver Editor Wrote President He Was Not Qualified out for Task. - 9a WASHINGTON, Aug. 20-UP) Ina deh G. B. Parker, editor-in-chief of his the Scripps-Howard newspapers, this today desued the following state- Hch ment in connection with Presi- the dent Roosevelt's assertion that the Roy Howard Mehairman of the old newspaper abein; turned ket down an offer to help on the lol- dense programi to Mr. Howard is in the Far East for the Scripps-Howard newspa Mr pers, His trip will include LAmi sins tralia China, Japan, the Dutch nan Bast Indies and the Philippines, MY and he plans to (nwrite for our papers his impressions of the of Ith cal Oriental isituation. in- Letter Found. It's He could not be Anday alta but a check with his of gives do what seems to the to behin ade- DWS, quate statement on matter re- rest ferred to in Hydi Park Pred- be's dential conferegbe Whesday. a ines letter to Preside Rooseve Wifed ones last June 5 Howard at: While I. fully appreciate the difficulty of any man appraising accuratel; bis-own It und is loss Reult for the to judge his his Incompetency. now Thas been 00 years since I first any time M South America, told than Drief Found-trip by on During those years 1 have a pet contacts with the politics and edy, the personalities of the continent ular Statesmen and journalists with sec- whom I formerly had contact Ide have passed from the picture. As lone I Tpeak neither Spanish nor Per juite tugese, use establahment of new olng contacts would be a slow process. likes Nothing Personal. would be jerroneous to be lieve that Army personal affairs play (any -part in my decision. No (personal considerations ever have or ever will linterfere with my rendering to you, or anyone in your position) any public serv- les for which I am qualified. I am sure you must know that. So long. as American democ- racy continues I' believe that our press will have. . function that is at the same time an obligation. 12 believe that without attaching too much importance to my posi- tion in American journalism there is a modicum of reason for my belief that in such times as these I may be in a better position to render some) service through a medium with which I have had 40 years' experience, than through one with which I am wholly un- familiar." Wish The Pres. about mas tacked 11ᵗʰ, to Louis Johnson PSF In Corres g THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON March 6, 1943 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT About three weeks ago, Justice Frank Murphy told me, at the Mayflower Hotel, that several years ago he came into your office following a conference you had had with me and that you told him that you had just told me that on the following Monday you were going to appoint me Secretary of War. Justice Murphy continued that trying to be helpful and finding Drew Pearson at his office when he returned there, he gave Drew Pearson this story. Murder will always out, 80 at long last I know how this story got out for I have checked with Drew Pearson, having Justice Murphy's statement, and Pearson confirms this origin of the story. I want to reaffirm what I once said to the President and that 18 that I did not release this in- formation and until Justice Murphy's statement, did not know from whence it came. LOUIS A. JOHNSON PSF you " corres THE WHITE HOUSE 3 WASHINGTON January 24, 1945. MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT: Lyndon Johnson came down to see me yesterday to tell me that the day before the Federal Judge in the District of Austin, Texas, had died. He further tells me there 1s one thing Alvin Wirtz has always wanted and that is to be a Federal Judge. Lyndon said he had done such & wonder- ful Job with that Convention mess in Texas that he really felt Alvin Wirtz was deserving of this spot. However, he feels that Senator Connally will have a candidate or several whome he will recommend and on his list may or may not be the name of Alvin Wirtz. Lyndon tells me that all your friends in Texas are for Mr. Wirtz, such as Jimmy Allred, etc. and will go on record recommend- ing him. I have a feeling that Bob Hannegan will be for it as, of course, he was of great help to our cause in Texas. This is for your information in case something should get by from Sen. Connally pressing for someone else. I just wanted you to be reminded about Alvin Wirtz and know that he is anxious for this appointment. G.G.T. THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON Haroh 3, 1941 MEMORANDUM FOR WAYNE JOHNSON Ever so many thanks for yours of February twentieth. I do think things are beginning to oliok pretty well but I an some- what appalled by the faot that at least nine out of ten men being brought here by the Production people are not only Republicans but are mostly violent anti-Administration Republicans. Can you dig out for me the names of twenty or thirty Democratic businessmen who have had successful experience? F. D. R./tmb & Homax THE MHILE Honse Me writes. 1-4' JOHNSON & SHORES PSF I EAST 575 STREET "I" WAYNE JOHNSON NEW YORK February 20, 1941. Honorable Franklin D. Roosevelt, The White House, Washington, D. C. Dear Mr. President: Just a note to tell you that I think that your London selections are great. Winant should have wide popularity and do a splendid job. We all know that Averill will. I often think of the awful problem you have on personnel, and please do not think that I don't under- stand some of your grave problems in making these selections. With all the demand for capable men on this side, it makes it all the harder to find the ones you want for foreign representation. From all my business and other connections I find a feeling through the Country that industry is beginn- ing to do a first-class job, although there are still a few who are asking themselves "What is going to happen after the war?" I told them they won't have to worry if Hitler wins. If anything arises at any time where I can be of any* help, just have someone give me a ring. Ever Wayne. sincerely, Y JOHNSON & SHORES 1 EAST 572 STREET WAYNE JOHNSON NEW YORK February 20, 1941. Mr. Marvin McIntyre, The White House, Washington, D.C. Dear Mac: Will you please hand this to the President for me. Sincerely, bayne enc. file permal sen-3 ine Roosurtta Remember ? T.R. the St.Patrick's Parade 7 This must pens.) be one of Im - wait atleas for G.O.P. Commontion. May be until Chicago o, acclamations for you're due a bit whats F happened since 1932. Flory thing's O. O.K. K. Ediay ohistons Arte Mixoy "how the likes the Mad Dog " I Tell her to to show to photo rapherx , tell when im th how people ful her for promfat actions on they re around. 1 Thank pens cort beller. F PSF You Carres "J" [1940] Gen. PSF Carres. arres. [1937]] Wear President and mis. Robertt file ? maurice and I want you to know how very much we telegram. We were thilled beyond appreciate your lovely gift and expression to be remembered in such a gland fushion on our wedding day and shall chrish them as our prized possessions. Sincerely, Worthy Jones Brady PSF Carris " THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON free December 2, 1941. MEMORANDUM FOR MAC Will you answer him and say I was very grateful to him for his letter and that it is a coincidence that two days before I had taken up the procedure he suggested and may still use it? F. D. R. versonal & Confidential. your Cones -41 1615 Secture St. h. mg washington S.C. nor. 29, 41 Dear President Rooserelt:- I take the liberty of passing this suggestion on to you, knowing your desire to reach a peaceful settlement in the Posific. I have reason to be consumed that if you, Inc. President, could see your may clear to send a personal cable direct to the Emperson of Japan suggrating that these two nations find a peaseful settlement, it would be effective. The Emproers mand is final in Japan- - the army X the hory and the nation would bour to it with out question. you there, In. President, mould appeal to the our source that would assure a settlement I see no reason may it should not be a just settlement, for the Emperor's exercise of his power should create an alims pluse in which a just peace may be "2" a possible Ifryon desire to speak to me personally about this I will be at your bidding. There are some Things comested mith the above which d am not at liberty to write even though this mond comes to you im opened. I need not tell you that this letter, and every thing connected ith it, mill be hept in strictest confidence although I have eng agements d can cancel them and come to traching,ton on Widnesday if you desire Z I mill be at c/o Sr. Lee Tuttle, In aim St. methodist speak to me about the above. Until Wednesday Church, Thomasmille, &.C. I have for there tonight. I could even come to Warm Springs as plane, if necessary, though it would upset my schulule. the situ ation is so urgent that this in my you will forgive this urgent note, but excuse. your Respectfully hh. E Stanlers Jones 3.Stan Janes. PSF Gen Carres. 2 Jessie Janes October 14, 1937. Memo to President From Jessie Jones--telephoned from Houston In re-Joe Kennedy wanting R.F.C. to lend money to The American lines. SEE--Maritime Commission folder-Drawer 2--1937 PSF Gen Carris your July 22, 1936 Wrate My dear Miss Joseph: Your letter of July twenty-first has been received and I shall give the check you en- closed to the President as soon as he returns to the city. With best wishes, I an Very sincerely yours, STEPHEN EARLY Assistant Secretary to the President Mts Nannine Joseph, 200 West 54th Street, New York, N. Y. IDW Asse CABLE ADDRESS: NANJOBEF nammingpaph 200 WEST 54TH STREET NEW YORK. N. Y. July 21st, 1936 Dear Mr. Early: Even tho the newer book, ON OUR WAY, has been out so long, John Day still seem to sell occasional copies of LOOKING FORWARD, and I have just had a royalty statement and check for $72.75, and also $25.00 from England for & brief extract that one of the papers used over there, the combination making a total of $97.75, commission on which 1a $9.77, leaving $87.98, of which half as you know always goes to Earle Looker on LOOKING FORWARD, for his work on $45.99. the manuscript, and BO enclosed is check for the remaining I think that sales on this will go on for a long time, just small amounts, but they do add up, don't they? By the way, & friend of mine, who has just returned from an automobile trip from coast-to-coast, and who took no main highways, only country roads, who's a farmer himself and therefore can talk to farmers, comes back more con- vinced that ever that the President will be re-elected by an overwhelming majority. Naturally this was good news to me, and I thought, tho I'm sure you know it anyway, you'd like to hear it. Sincerely yours, NJ:SA Mr. Stephen Early Memingraph WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTAL LOSS OR DAMAGE TO MANUSCRIPTS WHILE IN OUR CHARGE PSF Gen Carris. "J" All correspondence for 1936-1937 From Nanine Joseph and Earle. Looker in downstairs file.