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Ford Newsletter, Apr.-June 1953
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Ford Newsletter, Apr.-June 1953
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This file contains material relating to Dwight Eisenhower, Julius Rosenberg.
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
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Netherlands
Department of Defense. 9/18/1947-
Appropriations and expenditures
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1953
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1953
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This document scanned from Box D1 of the Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
FOR RELEASE APRIL 2
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
There ought to be a special "Economy" Medal of Honor awarded to
people like Sinclair Weeks, Secretary of Commerce, whose efforts may
not be above and beyond the call of duty but are certainly outstanding
examples worthy of special recognition.
At a time when most are wailing over cuts in Federal appropria-
tions, Secretary Weeks, appearing before the House Appropriations Com-
mittee asked for less, rather than more, funds for his department.
Naturally, the committee was not prepared for this unusual an-
nouncement. Instead of the $1,138,495,925 allocation, Mr. Weeks re-
quested an appropriation of only $928,000,000.
Part of the new Secretary's feats along the economy line includes
sale of the government-operated barge lines of the Inland Waterways
Corporation. Secretary Weeks stated that some of the Corporation's
activities are in direct competition with privately-owned barge lines
servicing shippers in the Mississippi-Missouri Valley area. This is
a major step toward getting the government out of business which
could be better performed by private enterprise, And all this means
money saved for the taxpayer.
As I say, when Congress gets around to awarding "Economy" Medals
of Honor to civilians, Mr. Weeks will head the list.
*
Ambassador and Madam van Roijan of the Netherlands, who have the
unique distinction among most Washington dignitaries of doing a min-
imum of social entertaining, threw open their Embassy doors this past
week in honor of his Royal Highness, Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands.
Prince Bernhard was forced to interrupt his visit to the United
States earlier last month because of the flood disaster in his country.
He returned here only a few days ago to resume his tour and also to
accept the funds for relief of the flood victims which has been raised
by various groups throughout the country.
The Prince was composed and gracious at the reception given in
his honor on Tuesday, March 24. I was, on the contrary, just a little
fretful and nervous having travelled from the office, all the way
across town, to the Embassy with a check for over 31,000.00 (Grand
Rapids' contribution to the Dutch people) tucked away in my pocket.
Since I do not make a habit of carrying checks of that size on my per-
son. I was greatly relieved when the time came for me to hand it over
to Prince Bernhard.
Aside from this, however, I was proud
extremely proud
of all
the folks in Western Michigan who had collected the sum ov over $134,
000.00 for their neighbors across the Atlantic. It was a great honor
and privilege for me to be asked to represent the communities of Hol-
land (which contributed over 2,400), Zeeland (which gave nearly 5,000),
Grand Haven (which had a total fund of over $6,000) and Grand Rapids
at the presentation ceremonies.
I should like to take this opportunity to thank you all publicly
for your generosity. I feel certain that it was not merely the narrow
bond of nationality which prompted your generous and spontaneous re-
sponse. Judging from the large amounts which were contributed from
every corner of our nation, I would say rather, that it was the all-
embracing bond of Christian charity which made possible the great con-
tribution of money which Prince Bernhard will take back to his countrymen
FORD
GERALD
LIBRARY
page two
*
Old eligibility registers for postal appointments are on their
way out of circulation. These registers were inherited from the past
Truman Administration which had established its own systme of qual-
ifications for filling top Post Office positions. The new Administra-
tion, however, has initiated "a program to establish higher standards
of eligibility for postal appointments. il This may indicate that new
Civil Service exams will be used to fill vacancies in Zeeland and
Rockford post offices.
This information comes to us by way of a joint statement issued
by Postmaster General Art Summerfield and Cival Service Chairman
Philip Young.
*
*
*
Lots of visitors this week:
Earl Feringa, Edward Newhof, Jr., George Hardy,
David Trapp, Roberta Nickersen, Mr. and Mrs. A.L. Alben,
Mr. and Mrs. R.J. Bangle, Ernest T. Conlon, Joe Denniston,
Mr. J. B. Haeffner of Grand Rapids.
Lester Hoogland, Ronald Van Haven of Zeeland.
Mrs. R. A. Boersma, Jacquelyn and Buzz of Holland.
HAVE A HAPPY EASTER !!
FOR RELEASE APRIL 9, 1953
YOUR WASH NGTON REVIEW
By Gerald R. Ford, Jr.
The so-called Tidelands Oil issue has been considered in the House and
disposed of by a fair and equitable bill that is satisfactory to the reasonable
parties concerned whether they be those who believe in Federal control or staunch
states'-righters. The legislation as it passed the House underwent some mighty
severe criticism, but here is the bill as it finally got through.
First, the submerged lands within the "historic state boundaries" were
affirmed as the property of the individual states. Second, the subjerged lands
seaward from the "historic state boundaries" were reaffirmed as belonging to
the Federal government.
This compromise bill between the two extreme points of view means that Uncle
Sam retains uncontested title to over 13 billion barrels of oil with a potential
value of 34 billion dollars. The various states under the bill would own sub-
merged land with a potential oil reserve of one and three quarter billion barresl
at an estimated value of slightly over 4 billion dollars. In other words, the
Federal government would end up with about 89 per cent of the off-shore oil re-
serves in dispute.
It should be added, and this is most important to all Michiganders, the
bill confirmed the title of the State of Michigan to 38,459 square miles of sub-
merged lands in Lakes Huron, Michigan and Superior. This submerged land in the
three Great Lakes is potentially worth many, many millions to our Michigan cit-
izens for it includes oil and gas reserves and other mineral resources.
This issue with all the sham and subterfuge removed is an involved legal
question on which many wise jurists have disagreed. The U. S.Supreme Court in
the three cases have divided almost equally and only one vote breake ths tie.
After much study and analysis of the law and the practical aspects, I voted
in favor of this bill.
FORD LIBRARY
-2-
When emissaries from Britain show up in Washington with their little black
briefcases, it's generally accepted that they're hoping to use those brief cases
to carry back a U. S. loan to England. America really sits up and takes notice
when there is any alteration in this routine.
This is why U. S. officials were pleasantly surprised at the recent visit
to Washington of British Foreigh Secretary Anthony Eden and Chancellor of the
Exchequer R. A. Butler. It seems that this time the black portfolios were bulging
with plans for the creation of a multi-billion dollar international fund or would
bank.
In a few words, the activity of the bank would involve exchanging currency
among all nations. Very few of us, I think, realize the complicated process in-
vilvwd in changing lira to yen tna francs to dollars and back again in ordinary
international business transactions. Experts tell me it's as complicated as the dear
ladies trying to figure up their check after a luncheon date.
Nevertheless, President Eisenhower and his advisors have stated that the pro-
posal would be a subject for long and thorough study before any definite decision
is reached or commitment is made.
It was at these same conferences that Secretary Eden announced that Great
Britain would cooperate with preventing strategic materials from reaching com-
munist China. British ships, we are told, will no longer carry strategic material
into Communist China ports. This comes as good news indeed to Americans who have
been waging this phase of the present conflict practically single-handed.
The Cherry blossoms burst forth this week
stealing a march on the Cherry
Blossom Festival by about a week. and many Michigan residents were on hand to en-
joy them. Visitors to our office this week included:
Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Verbert, Barbara Eckberg, Julie Crossman, Mr. and
Mrs. Herbert F. Eastwood; Bill Fran, Kathy and Chuck Bennet; Mr. and Mrs. John
Grooters; Jack Van Aartsen; Mr. Charles Sligh,Jr., Mrs. Walter Schroeder;
Grace F. Guerin; Harold C. Priest; Capt. and Mrs. Walter Camp; Clarence Lockwood;
Mr. and Mrs. Everett S. Lehman; David W. Bale; Mrs. Theodore Ageman and Patricia
Mr. and Mrs. Sherman Lepard, John and Mary Jean and Judity of Grand Rapids. Mr.
and Mrs. A. E. Smith of Spring Lake. Ervina VanDyke, Mr. and Mrs. Willard Wichers,
Janet and Beth; Paul J. Baker of Hobland.
LIBRARY
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
With the boss away enjoying his first vacation since his
election to Congress, the office crew experienced its first solo flight. We were
pretty much excited over the prospect of acting as junior deputy Congressmen for
a week, but we soon learned we're incapable of instilling the least flicker of fear
and trembling in the hearts of visiting constituents. The combined efforts of the
four members of the staff, for some reason or other, cannot equal the magical effec
of a smile and a handshake from the Congressman, himself. We readily resigned our-
selves to the fact that as far as our constituents are concerned, there's no sub-
stitute for Jerry Ford.
But despite the fact that we're only second best in the eyes
of the citizens of the District, each one of us feels a strong personal interest in
each and every constituent who deals with our office. In our day to day routine
of typing up letters in response to your many requests, and fulfilling the hundred
and one other services you have a right to expect from your congressional office,
we seldom have an opportunity to tell you what we think as all this correspondence
and official business passes through our hands.
We wouldn't be human if we didn't gripe and we do our
share of it, there's no question about that. We get madder than blue blazes when
we receive requests for farmer's bulletins from an individual who forgets to in-
clude his address. And you may not believe this, but some people write the Con-
gressman and never in the course of the letter tell him what they want, We re--
alize that it's purely a matter of oversight and fortunately, these incidents don't
occur too frequently.
Most people would really be bewildered by the number and
variety of strange requests the office receives over any given period of time,
Each and every one comes as a challenge to our ingenuity. Would you believe that
we have actually received the following received the following requests?
Dear Mr. Congressman, please send our school a flag which
has flown over the Capitol.
Dear Mr. Congressman, could you tell me where I can get,
a mate to an army combat boot?
TORD
LIBRARY
page two
Dear Mr. Ford, where would I go to find the source of the
legend that John Quincy Adams ghost still haunts the old House of Representatives?
Dear Congressman Ford, how can I keep my husband's nylon
shirts from turning yellow?
Dear Representative Ford, where can I procure a 10-pound
Smithfield ham?
You can easily see why it takes a new member of the staff
considerable time to accustom herself to the fact that she is employed in a congress-
ional office and not a clearing house for miscellaneous information.
That maverick breed called Congressional secretaries have
and advantage over all other citizens in the entire United States. They, almost more
than anyone else, by the very nature of their jobs, are the daily spectators of dem--
ocracy in action. Where else in the world can a citizen write his representative to
obtain any and every type of information and assistance?
Since the inner office has been conspicuously empty for the
past few days, despite our most concentrated efforts the stack of mail on the desk
swells with each passing day. We hope the hoss has had a good rest because it's
going to take a well-tempered Congressman to tackle that mountain.
There were many disappointed visitors this week who were
unable to say hello to Mr. Ford. There were Grace and Doris Knol, Dr. and Mrs. Luther
Carpenter, Luther and George, Mr. and Mrs. John C. Vredevoogd, Nolan, John and Bruce,
N.G. Simons, Jr., Richard VanHouten, Marianne Beatty, Susan Doody, "etsy Beaton,
Lillian Bockheim, Mary Lou Prescott, Therese Despres, Roberta Robinson, Mr. and Mrs.
C.H. Bertsch, Claude L. Barkley, all of Grand Rapids.
FOR RELEASE APRIL 23
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD H. FORD, JR.
The sub-committee of the House Ways and Means Committee has embarked
upon an extensive study of the social security system. It hopes that investiga-
tions will show that the program can be put on a pay-as-you-go system.
Here in my Washington office I have accumulated a file bulging with
correspondence from people in Michigan who are dissatisfied with existing social
security provisions and regulations. and rightly SO. It has long been my
contention that the change in economic conditions demands a review end alterative
of the social security system. Old fashioned social security allotments which were
guaged to a bare minimum according to standards of years ago cannot be considered
adequate in terms of present day inflation.
The committee headed by Congressman Carl Curtis of Nebraska has out-
lined some of the chief problems it will undertake for conderation during the
course of its hearings:
1. Shall the object of social security be protection from want or a
substantial income for retired workers?
2. Shall the government confine itself to social insurance, leaving
relief or destitution to the states?
3. What about inequities whereby thousands of persons qualify for
benefits with only nominal contribution to the insurance fund?
4. Shall social security be extended to the 7 million now outside of
the system, chiefly 4 million farm operators, 1 million self-employed doctors,
lawyers and other professional people, and 2 million domestic and farm workers?
5. How can chiseling be eliminated in federallly subsidized state old
age and other help?
6. Shall the old age trust fund be abolished and replaced by a "pay-
as-you-go plan with benefits paid currently from currently levied payroll taxes?
7. To what extent has the social security system been used as a po-
litical football?
This comprehensive investigation will provide concrete facts on which
Congress and the President may form a basis for future changes in Social Security
and other retirement legislation. In the meantime the economy efforts of the
LIDRARY
new Administration will directly aid and assist our retired people in that a
balanced Federal budget is a major factor in controlling inflation.
Immediately after returning from my vacation I submitted a new bill
to the Congress, H.R. 4589, prohibiting certain government subsidized agencies
from using the franking privilege. I have long been considering this piece of
legislation for several reasons. The Post Office Department has been operating
in the red for tool long a period while at the same time these agencies of the
Federal government who use the franking privilege have been reporting sizeable
profits. It does not seem just to force the Post Office Department, which finds
it impossible to make ends meet, to bear the postal expenses of these government
organizations.
Furthermore, it is unfair to private business to permit these govern-
ment operated businesses which are in direct competition with private industry
to be freed from paying postage fees. My bill is aimed at rectifying this situa-
tion and helping to put the Post Office Department back on the road to self-
support.
Visitors: Claude L. Barkley, James R. Wildey, Allen Johnson, Mrv. and MT
John Wurz and Mrs. Robert Wurz, of Grand Rapids.
Shirley Slater, Janice Staal of Holland.
A.J. Fisher and R.G. Fisher of Grand Haven.
FOR RELEASE APRIL 30
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
Like everyone else this week, I was chiefly concerned
with following the reports about the returning American POW's. Yet while
all eyes turned toward the intense drama being enacted at Freedom Village,
Congress plodded through some of its most drab and irritating legislation.
High on the list of things-we-never-like-to-mention
comes the matter of appropriations. This week the House considered the so-
called Independent Offices Appropriation bill for fiscal year 1954. Another
step toward probable tax reductions in the near future came in the form of a
721 million dollar reduction inothe budget for the Executive Office of the Pres-
ident and sundry independent offices. The total appropriation of $451,020,493
is over 542 million dollars less that the 1953 appropriation.
The Independent Offices Appropriation bill is the first
of approximately ten major appropriation bills to pass through the House this
session. I sincerely hope that this will serve as some indication of reductions
to be effected in the remainder of the Appropriation bills still to come before
the House of Representatives.
President Eisenhower has ordered the White House yacht,
the Williamsburg, placed in the "mothball fleet". The yacht will be taken over
officially by the Navy June 30 and put in storage. Announcing the move, the
White House said: "It is being placed in the mothball fleet because the White
House believes it is a symbol of needless luxury in a Federal budget the Ad-
ministration is trying to cut as much and a S fast as possible." Operation of
the Williamsburg cost $600,000 a year.
Earlier this week, Mr. Eisenhower dispatched a special
communication to C ongress recommending the enactment of emergency immigration
legislation. within the framework of immigration laws for admission of 120,
000 immigrants per year for the next two years. The President feels that those
refugees and escapees from behind the Iron Curtain, who are now seeking homes
in the free nations of the world, should be welcomed to the lands they braved
LIDRARY
-2-
death to find.
In this same American tradition of offering help to the
distressed, I submitted a bill some time ago, for the relief of victims of the
Netherlands flood disaster. The bill has been referred to the House Committee
on the Judiciary. My proposal because it also involves our immigration laws
will undoubtedly be considered by the House and Senate committees along with
the general measure recommended by the President.
With the Senate weary and irritable over the Tidelands
squabble, and the House deeply engrossed in important budget legislation, we've
scarcely had time to notice that the D.C. daylight saving time issue is ready
to make its annual clamor for attention. It's at times like this that the
opponents in Congress of D.C. home rule are most inclined to agree that it might
not be such a bad idea after all.
However, since no agreement has been reached in years
past, we will temporarily lay aside national legislation to act as city com-
missioners - all 513 members of Congress - to determine the merits of daylight
saving time for the less than 10 square miles comprising the Nation's Capital.
Visitors to Washington from Michigan's Fifth District this
week were: David J. Seuser, Mrs. C. Cowdin, Mrs. M. Chase, of "rand Rapids.
Rev. Philip R. Glotfelty of Lowell. Mrs. William Vandenberg, Mrs. O.S. Cross,
Mrs. William F. Kendrick, Miss Lida Hogers of Holland.
FOR RELEASE MAY 7
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
Whileothe distinguished members of the U.S. Senate in no way resemble savages,
it might be well, under the circumstances, for them to adopt a few of their tricks.
It has been aaid that in certain tribes of savages a man is allowed to speak
at their councils only so long as he can stand on one foot. The instant the other
foot touches the ground his time is up.
In contrast to the savage custom, it seems the Senate has a ruling that a
Senator must rise and stand on both feet in order to maintain his right to the
floor.
For those of us who preferred to get our good night's rest, the Congressional
Record preserved the entire proceedings fo the 22-hour vigil when Senator Wayne
Morse addressed an empty and desolate senate chamber all through the night of April
24. We learn that the good Senator from Oregon encountered certain difficulty
with this small detail of senatorial rules of order during the course of his
lengthy speech. This lone member of the Independent Party in the Senate, trying
to make himself as comfortable as possible while delivering his all-night oration,
relaxed against his desk. He was promptly reminded by a sleepy collegue that he
was out of order. The Senator from Oregon insisted that his left foot was just as
much on the floor has was his right foot. No comment was forthcoming from the other
two Senators who nodded drowsily in far-flung corners of the Senate chamber. Sen-
ator Morse continued
on
and
on
and
on
Meanwhile throughout the wee hours of the morning, Morse's only real audience
the Senate record clerks whose job it is to take down in writing every word which
falls from the lips of the Senators, filled up nearly 100 pages of the Congressional
Record
at a cost to the American taxpayer of over $8,000.
Post master General Summerfield took the first steps to restore some of the
postal service cuts made by the Truman Administration. He has stated that by re-
shuffling working schedules and by making more efficient use of equipment it will
be possible to give longer hours of service to Post Office patrons. Tije new longer
hours may extend in some cases as late as 7:00 p.m.
The improvements are being tested in and around the Washington, D.C. area
first before being put into effect in other parts of the nation.
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
FOR RELEASE MAY 14
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
The big news in Washington last week was the announcement of Pres-
ident Eisenhower's budget request for the Army, Navy and Airforce for the
twelve months starting July 1, 1953. All during the political campaign last
fall there were some who said Ike, as a military man himself, would never
bear down on his old friends, the Generals and Admirals, when it came to
cutting government expenses. The new Eisenhower budget for the Department
of Defense clearly indicates that the old soldier now residing in the White
House meant what he said about cutting out waste, extravagance, poor plan-
ning and bad management in the Pentagon.
In January of this year former President Truman proposed a military
budget of about 41 billion dollars. Ike and his advisors have cut that
figure about 5 billion dollars and with the assurance that our over-all
national security will not be jeapordized. In the revised budget the Army
had an increase whereas the Navy and the Airforce took some cuts. The
boost in funds for the Army means a significant increase in the use of
South Korean troops in the war against the communists in the Ear East.
Will these reductions in military appropriations weaken the U.S. in
the cold and hot war against communism? The President's answer, I am cer-
tain is an emphatic "no." His new military budget means better planning,
less waste and more efficient utilization of our manpower and equipment.
A rundown of House legislation during the past week includes a pro-
digious amount of minor legislation which under ordinary circumstances is
not the kind to make newspaper headlines, The largest piece of legislation
to come through the mill this week was the bill appropriating funds for the
State, Commerce and Justice Departments. The House cut this appropriation
bill about 22 per cent. The State Department took the biggest cutback, a
33 per cent reduction. The Justice Department including the F.B.I. was given
just about what the President requested. The Congress has always had com-
plete faith in Mr. J. Edgar Hoover who has done a superb job in protecting
America against subversives and criminal elements. The new Attorney General
Mr. Herbert Brownell, makes a good team-mate for Mr. Hoover.
Among the minor legislation approved last week were bills to increase
fines under the Sherman Anti-Trust Act from $5,000 to $50,000 and to permit
the entry of 500 children under 6 years of age, adopted by U.S. citizens ser-
ving abroad in the U.S. Armed Forces or employed by the U.S. Government.
On Tuesday, the members of the House conducted memorial services
for the members of Congress who died during the year. The members of Con-
gress set aside one day each year on which they pay tribute to all members
who passed away during the year. Special prayers are offered, hymns are
sung and eulogies are given in honor of the deceased members. The House
also observes a so-called "rose ritual". As the roll is called of the
deceased members and their biographies are read, a rose, one for each mem-
ber, is placed in a pecial vase. After taps sounded and the Chaplain pro-
claimed the benediction, the House adjourned as a further mark of respect
to the memory of the deceased.
Visitors: Mr. C. Nelson Smith and C. Nelson Smith, Jr., Joe J
VerWyse, Mr. and Mrs. A. VanKeulen, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Joppe, Mr. and Mrs.
Paul DeMaagd, Herb Daverman, Thos. E. Walsh, Dr. Ralph Blockma and family
of Grand Rapids. The Blockmas just came back from Pakistan where Ralph has
been a medical missionary for many months.
CORD
LIBRARY
FOR RELEASE MAY 21
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
We have reached that point in the legislative year when almost every phone
call is notification of a committee meeting and almost every day is spent deep in the
bowels of the Capitol building where our Committee on Appropriations holds its ses-
sions. Up to this time three appropriation bill have been hammered into shape and
passed through the House. While the remainder of the appropriation bills are be-
ing hashed out, the Defense Appropriation bill gathers momentum for what is certain
to be an all-out contest on the floor of the House sometime late in June. While
certain members of Congress ( and some well-known propaganda columnists in our news--
papers) scream "Disaster!" and "Suicide!" most patriotic citizens who are willing
to analyze the facts, hold to the belief that cuts can be made to balance the bud--
get without endangering our national defense.
The section of the Defense budget proposed by President Eisenhower which
has been undergoing the severest attack is the five billion dollar reduction in
the proposed appropriation for the Air Force. Despite the claims of the opposition
it can be proven that the proposed cut is entirely legitimate and does not neces-
sarily herald the Nation's ruin.
It's as simple as this: At the beginning of the war when defense production
was slowly and laboriously beginning to move, it was necessary to appropriate money
and place orders for defense materials (particularly aircraft) years in advance.
Three or more years had to be allowed for delivery of highly intricate military
equipment. Now, however, the production lines are moving along at a steady and ra-
pid rate, it is not necessary to make provision for this so-called "lead time." In
other words the time lapse from drawing board to delivery of our new fighting air--
craft has been substantially reduced. It is now possible to obtain delivery any-
where from 1 to 2 years from the time the order isplaced. In effect this means
that it is not necessary for Congress to appropriate funds for planes and guns so
far in advance. We can defer appropriations to a later date when we will be in a
better position to evaluate the amount needed and the type of equipment required.
Furthermore, this also means our taxpayers will not be paying for out-
of-date parts, rusting unused in forgotten warehouses. By bringing order and de-
livery dates closer together it is possible to decrease the amount of waste by a
substantial margin. The speeded up "lead time" will also permit our airmen to be
equipped with the most modern and newly-developed planes.
FORD
LIBRARY
page two
It is my judgement that a thorough analysis of the facts should make it
perfectly clear that it is possible to cut defense appropriations without hamper-
ing in any way whatsoever, our national security. It should be noted that the
Air Force even with the cut of five billion dollars will have 40 billion dollars
in unspent funds. That ought to keep them operating for a twelve month period
without too much difficulty.
Last week I failed to make any extensive comment regarding the provision
in the State, Commerce and Justice Department bill which would, had it passed the
House, give the Secretaries of these departments authority to dismiss personnel
when they considered subversives and poor security risks. I was screly disappointed
with the result of the vote. Why this authority which had been granted the Democrat
predecessors of these Cabinet members should suddenly be considered dangerous, I can-
not understand. If these top-ranking official cannot be entrusted with the judicious
and fair execution of duties which belong to their office, their competence might
well be questioned in other fields as well. The outcome of this vote was indeed
a humiliating one to those of us who have every confidence in our Administration.
To give you an example of the type of minor items which our committee is
investigating during the course of its hearings I cite the problem of the Alaska
Communications Service. This government owned and operated business provides tel--
ephone and telegraph service for the territory of Alaska. When Army officials
not long ago requested funds for improvements and operating expenses for the Com-
munications Service we discovered that not since 1945 have the patrons experienced
a rate hike. At the same time, backiin the United States we have watched our tel-
ephone rates go up and up. My committee upon discovery of this situation directed
the Army to take immediate steps toward readjustment of rates to meet their expenses
and capital outlays. It's hard to understand why all the taxpayers should subsidize
the commercial rates on telephone and telegraph service between Alaskaand the United
States.
It is by means of small economy measures such as this that our Appropria-
tions Committee hopes in the long run to make large savings.
Visitors:
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Maitner, Niel A. Weathers, K.J. Barclay, Mr. and
Mrs. John L. Wierengo, Jr., Mrs. George F. Reinhard, Miss Agnes Ykema,
all of Grand Rapids.
FORD LIBRAR
FOR RELEASE MAY 28
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
The President a few days ago in his nationwide radio speech made cer-
tain statements that bear repeating. Here are Ike's words on economy:
"Government cannot do this job (practice economy) -- any more than
any other job -- utterly alone. You and your fellow citizens who want
your government to spend less must yourselves practice self-restraint
in the demands you make upon government. You as citizens cannot help
the common cause by merely favoring economy for every group except the
one to which you belong."
President Eisenhower's comments on economy were sensible, but his
words, in many instances seem to have fallen on deaf ears. I find many individuals
and organizations who want Congress to practice economy --- on somebody else. Pre--
sumably, these same falks want a tax cut for themselves, yet they aren't willing to
help absorb the necessary reductions in Federal spending.
This attitude on the part of some citizens is being reflected in the
various appropriation bills coming before the House of Representatives. For example,
the funds for the Department of Agriculture were boosted 112.9 million dollars in
excess of the amount proposed by Secretary of Agriculture Ezra Benson. After care-
ful, thorough study, Secretary Benson made his recommendations to the Congress and
these proposals were concurred in by the Farm Bureau and the Grange. Your Congressman
voted to sustain the reduced recommendations of the Department of Agriculature in the
belief that a sound soil conservation program should be based upon permanent practices
with emphasis on the technical aid and assistance of the Soil Conservation Service.
this point, the House box score on appropriation bills is six
down and four or five to go - and the big one's still to come. We must remember there
can be no balanced budget unless the expenditures by the Army, Navy, Airforce and for-
eign aid program are reduced.
This brings up the furore being generated over the cuts made in the
proposed budget for the Airforce. It should be remembered that President Eisenhower,
himself a military expert of no mean proportions, has personally endorsed the proposed
military budget. Ike had this to say:
"With all this in mind, we are putting major emphasis on air power,
which daily becomes a more important factor in modern war. Our revised
budget will provide the Airforce with more than 40% of all defense funds
programmed for 1954. As of this June 30, the Airforce will have available
a sum totalling more than 40 billion dollars. Buttressing this strength
are those additional funds allocated to naval air power for 1954 --- to-
talling more than half of the Navy budget. This means that almost 60 cents
out of every dollar to be available for national defense in the next year
will be devoted to air power and air defense.
FORD
page two
The pressure groups, wanting more funds from the Federal Treasury,
have also had their effect on the appropriation bill for the Department of Labor,
Health, Education and Welfare. For example, the Michigan Education Association wrote
all Michigan Congressmen complaining about a 2 million 600 thousand dollar cut in the
funds for vocational education even though the House committee on Appropriations had
recommended over 16 million dollars for this purpose. Others complained about a slight
cutback in funds for the Federal apprenticeship training program. Such attitudes make
one wonder whether these folks want economy and a tax cut, or only think they do. Let
me assure you, as your Congressman, I'm voting to cut every appropriation bill, where
the facts justify it because I'm convinced the vast majority of Americans want a solvent
government, not a bankrupt one to turn over to the next generation.
Visitors: Melvin L. Fox, J.C. McComb, Rollins T. White of Grand
Rapids.
Don Johnson of Grand Haven.
###
FORD VIBRAR'S
FOR RELEASE JUNE 4
[1953]
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
Squatting in a five foot trench three miles from the anticipated burst of the
first stomic shell fired from a cannon is an experience I shall never forget. In the
trench, an arm's length from me, was the Secretary of the Army Robert Stevens and next to
him was General Joseph ollins, Army Chief of Staff. Along with other observers, we occu-
pied the narrow front-line trench as this nuclear shell was fired.
It was a shot heard 'round the world! This test is regarded as one of the great
military milestones since the first caisson was rolled into place in the 14th century.
The whole intricate operation was calculated to the second. In the last briefing
just before trigger time we were told precisely o when and how to squat in the trenches and
how soon we could stand up and look. We were warned to keep our mouths closed tight unless
we wanted them full of Nevada dust.
The flash was fantastic in its brightness. To see the target area from our trench
we looked right into the sun which gave off a hot, red glow on that clear, dry Nevada mor-
ning. However, after the burst, the flash from the explosion was so brilliant, "Old Sol"
in the background appeared but a mere speck of light.
Immediately following the flash, columns of smoke rose from the ground to a point
in the sky many thousands of feet high. It was a dark, ominous cloud that had the appear-
ance of an awesome tornado multiplied many times in size and destructive force.
In relatively few seconds after the big explosion, those in our slit trench
filed out to waiting jeeps for the actual inspection of damage in the target area. Gen-
eral Collins and I rode in the fourth vehicle. The first two contained technical Army per-
sonnel who carried all the testing equipment and the third jeep held the Secretary of the
Army and the General in charge of the operation. Our jeep, within an hour after the blast,
had toured the target area to see first-hand the devastation wrought by the first nuclear
shell from the giant atomic cannon. The destruction was terrible to behold! Animals and
machinery used in the experiment were beyond recognition as we approached the center of the
target area. The experiments set up at varying distances from zero ground (target area)
could be viewed from our jeeps only with great difficulty principally because the earth was
swept up into dense clouds by a heavy breeze. This on-the-spot look at the damage vividly
illustrated the horrors of atomic warfare.
General Collins and his guest left Washington at 9 am the morning before the test
for a ten hour non-stop plane trip to Indian Springs Air Base and then a short trip by car
to Camp Desert Rock which is the Army headquarters for the 2400 combat troops used in the
exercise.
LIBRARY
page two
After arrival at Camp Desert Rock (a very appropriate name for this desolate spot)
in the late afternoon, General Collins with other top-ranking Army officials and your
Congressman, as a wide-eyed civilian, inspected the giant gun and listened to a most inter-
esting briefing on the pre-shot history of the test, the gun's crew, and the expected firing
accuracy. What amazed me was the original complexity of many of the details of firing and
the superb simplification which had taken place across-the-board so that the ordinery G.I.
could handle vital jobs accurately and rapidly.
Following the evening meal, another briefing session took place, with emphasis on
what the troops in the trenches would do after the explosion. The "troop use" phase of the
exercise was carefully worked out to simulate combat as closely as possible, since an atomic
shell fired from a 280 mm. gun is intended for tactical use with ground forces. From my
first-hand observations of the target area after the explosion, I'm convinced that advancing
G.I.s would meet little opposition from anything which might be located in the spot where
the shell burst.
The gun itself can be described as a highly mobile "Big Bertha" - despite its
ponderous 85 tons. Carried by two motor tractors, it can move across fields as well as a-
long highways. It is slightly more than 84 feet long. In the past months the 280 mm. gun
has been fired frequently with standard shells at a full range of about 20 miles.
The Army has been criticized by proponents of the aerial atomic bomb for spending
funds for this type of weapon. General ollins contends that a heavy gun of this range is
absolutely essential for protection for our ground forces. He speaks from his experiences
in World War II in which German heavy artillery far outranged our own. The infantry be-
lieves such a gun is necessary because it can be aimed accurately and will use both conven-
tional and atomic shells under all weather conditions. My first hand appraisal leads me to
conclude that the Army now has an all-around weapon without which our future field forces
might be seriously handicapped.
Upon emerging from the blast-seared target area which was enveloped by dust-sat-
urated air, General Collins spotted two helicopters waiting to transport the observers
back to Camp Desert Rock. After bouncing around an atomic target area in a jeep it was a
pleasant relief to fly cross-country in a matter of minutes to a shower, clean clothes, and
the trip back home.
********
Visitors: Mr. and Mrs. Richard H. Coles and Mayor Paul Goebel of Grand Rapids.
FOR RELEASE JUNE 11 [1953]
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
When one has been a member of Congress for more than one term
messages from the Executive mansion become a not too uncommon occurence.
And yet, the sight of the impressive gold presidential seal on a piece of
mail never fails to inspire considerable excitement and awe.
This past week the Congressmen's wives were in for a special
treat. Each and every member of Congress carried home to his wife one of
the formal "at home" cards issued by Mrs. Eisenhower. In less formal
terms this means "you are invited to tea." Since this sort of thing
is in the realm of the ladies world, I'll let Betty take over from here.
Her report of this exciting affair follows:
"In as much as an "at home" announcement from the White House
is nothing short of a command invitation, only the most serious of emer-
gencies excuses anyone from attending the party. as if any of us would
think of refusing. Thus, that sunny afternoon of June 4th found approx-
imately 300 of us "Congressional wives" approaching the grand entrance to
the White House by means of the long driveway. We entered the East Gate
and were ushered through a long procession of uniformed guards to the
main ballroom which is breathtaking in its gold and creamy-white decor.
Once inside, it didn't take us long to reach a unanimous
agreement that most of us had committed our first big blunder before we
ever set foot outside our own homes. It seems we all had some sort of
foggy notion that this was to be a garden party and thus had hauled out
our fanciest and biggest hats. Even the spacious White House ballroom is
not large enough to hold 300 w-i-d-e brimmed hats let alone their owners
who are doing their best to avoid disastrous collisions.
Despite the handicaps we carried on bravely, forming a line
through the green room, the blue room, and into the red room where
Mrs. Eisenhower (hatless) stood receiving the guests.
Although by this time most people would have found the thought
of another reception and round of hand-shaking almost too much to endure,
Mrs. Eisenhower was fresh and radiant as she greeted each one of us as
if for the first time.
Page 2
As my turn came to greet the first lady, I couldn't resist the
temptation to mention that our son Mike had recently played with her
grandchildren, David and Ann, while they were at the home of Mr. Eisen-
hower's Army Aid, and our neighbor, Col. Robert Schultz. The Schultz'
daughter, Karen, is one of Mike's regular playmates. With a grand-
mother's twinkle, she recalled that the children returned home that day
with their noses all sunburned.
The brief meeting over, I passed on to the next room where the
beautifully laid tea table held tempting iced cakes and tea. Here, too,
the uniformed servants in their cutaway coats reminded us of the extreme
formality of the occasion, and the dignified atmosphere which must neces-
sarily surround the Nation's First Home and the First Family.
Among the many guests who attended the tea was Hazel Scott, the
wife of Representative Adam Powell of New York. Hazel Scott is the famed
negro pianist widely acclaimed throughout the country. Mrs. Powell's
appearances at Washington social affairs are few and far between since
she spends most of her time in New York or on tour.
During our short visit to the White House on this occasion we
had an opportunity to view the interesting and unusual room devoted
entirely to the china collections of past presidents. This, or course, is
a high spot for any woman who visits the Executive mansion.
Almost without our realizing it, we were guided by the guards
stationed at intervals throughout the house, through the various rooms,
to the front hall where the Marine Band, in their brilliant red jackets,
played appropriate music, and finally out of the great doors into the late
afternoon sun. Another exciting and memorable afternoon at the White House
was over 1.
Visitors: Hugh J. Meeter, Mr. and Mrs. Victor Larsen, and
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Behnke, Dale and Bruce, of Grand Rapids.
For Release June 18
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
By Gerald R. Ford, Jr.
We have heard a great deal during the past few weeks of
the proposed budget cut of approximately five billion dollars for
the Air Force. This past week Secretary of Defense Wilson effectively
refuted all of the statements made by high Air Force officials and
others on this controversial issue. Here is what he said, "Under
the proposed budget, we will continue to have the best fighters and
bombers in the world, in sufficient quantity, to perform their
assigned missions".
Mr. Wilson revealed that the Air Force had overestimated by
$4,727,000,000 the amount it would spend on aircraft production in
fiscal years 1953 and 1954, and that funds carried over from past
appropriations would more than offset the cut ordered in Air Force
procurement in fiscal year 1954.
Since Mr. Wilson's testimony, I have noted a strange quietness
from those who criticized the proposed cut!
#
President Eisenhower, in a message to Congress during this
past week, requested authority to make available to the country of
Pakistan up to one million tons of wheat out of stocks held by the
Commodity Credit Corporation. There is overwhelming evidence that
Pakistan is faced with a serious famine which may result in thousands
of deaths from starvation. President Eisenhower believes America
should step forward to help in this crisis.
I favor this humane and farsighted recommendation by the
President. At a time when we desperately need friends in the Far East,
the wheat should be made available immediately, if for no other reason
than to reinforce the friendly relationship of this important country.
In addition, the Commodity Credit Corporation has so much wheat on
hand acreage controls may be necessary next year. From all indica-
tions, Congress will grant President Eisenhower the authority needed
to make this wheat available to our friends and allies in Pakistan.
*********
GENELA FORD LIBRARY
Page 2
President Eisenhower is making good on his promise to
revamp the Executive Branch of the government to make it more ef-
ficient and less costly. To date he has submitted to the Congress
a total of ten reorganization plans to streamline the government,
cut costs and save money. You can bet your last dollars the
entrenched bureaucrats will scream to the high heavens against these
proposals. So far not one reorganization plan recommended by Ike
has been disapproved by the Congress. This is a good batting average,
and undoubtedly results from the fact that President Eisenhower has
followed rather closely the specific recommendations of the Hoover
Commission.
The White House and the Congress can work together, and
it is refreshing to find that situation prevailing nowadays for the
benefit of the taxpayers. For example, on January 1st, just prior
to the inaugeration of President Eisenhower, federal employment
totaled 2,554,824. At the end of April, the figure was down to
2,502,790, a reduction of over 50,000. This cutback in the federal
payroll means an estimated saving of $220 million a year. A fur-
ther cut can be expected in the next twelve months.
Sour note from the past - Perle Mesta, Truman's
appointee as Minister to Luxemborg, has $7,369.00 in terminal leave
pay due. Earlier this year most of the top ranking officials in
the Truman administration collected a little extra salary of over
$700,000 on the basis that they hadn't used up their vacations.
Its a loophole in the law which passed the Congress in the 1930s.
The House and Senate under the Eisenhower Administration are
tightening up the law so Cabinet officers, foreign envoys and others
in top positions can not "tap the till" in the future.
Visitors - Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Elenbaas, and daughter,
Barbara; Mr. C. R. Evenson; Mr. C. A. Tappan; Bette Ennis;
Mrs. V. Gedvila; Miss Shirley Decker; Mrs. Peter H. Decker.
FOR RELEASE UUNE 25
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JRs
For the past couple days most Congressmen, their secretaries and constituents
visiting the Nation's Capital have had to fight their way through milling mobs of Rosen--
berg sympathizers roaming all over Capitol Hill. The House Office Buildings, only a
block from the Supreme Court were swarming with the overflow of demonstrators who had
arrived on the scene for propaganda purposes and to lend moral support to defense at-
torneys for atom spies Julius and Ethel Rosenberg.
After the temporary stay of execution by Justice Douglas, the Supreme Court
reconvened once more to tackle the problem of the Rosenbergs. In almost no time at all
some 2500 sympathizers descended upon the Nation's Capital and marched the three blocks
from Union Station to the Supreme Court. From there they thronged to the various Rep-
resentatives' offices and then moved on down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House
where the joined the picketers who have been a familiar sight in front of the Executive
mansion ever since the conviction of the atom spies.
Throughout the case I have felt that our Federal courst, the jury and the
President have bent over backward to give the defendants their "day in court." They
have received treatment here in the United States which they could never have hoped for
had they been arrested in the country to which they sold the atom secrets. A communist
trial is a farce, for the defendent is guilty before thejudicial process gets under way.
Patriotic Americans wonder what consuming greed or slavish devotion to the communist
cause could have prompted such a betrayal of our United States. I am firmly convinced
that the evidence presented left no question as to the Rosenberg's guilt.
An act of treason is a deliberate betrayal of one's country. And the treason
of which the Rosenberg's have been convicted is far more treacherous than that of Ben-
edict Arnold or Even Klaus Fuchs. The execution of the Rosenbergs should be ample
warning to other would-be traitors to the United States.
Incidentally, we might wonder about the source of the money which paid the
expenses of the 2000 and more demonstrators who came to Washington in behalf of the Ro-
senbergs. Congress might well look into the source of funds for this gang of demonstra-
tors.
Page two
It looks like Congress will adjourn about July 31st. With this deadline facing
the House and the Senate the legislative mill has been in high gear for some time now.
In the past week or two the House has a pproved an extension of the Reciprocal Trade Act
as recommended by the President, and okayed the Mutual Security Act (foreign aid) with a
reduction of almost three billion dollars below the recommendation of former President
Truman. The House has completed action on all but two appropriation bills with total cuts
of about ten billion dollars from the original Truman budget. When the reductions in the
Army, Navy and Air Force are included, the budget for the Eisenhower Administration will
be approximately fifteen billion dollars under the Truman figure. On recommendation of
the President the House has approved a bill to turn over surplus wheat to drought-striken
Pakistan, a good friend in one of the world's hotspots. The most encouraging observation
at this point during the session is the close harmony between the White House and the
Congress on almost every point of legislation.
I'm not above a little plagiarism now and then but in this instance I feel I
must give credit where credit is due... and to Rep. Norris Cotton of New Hampshire
goes the credit for this gem:
"An atomic expert told our committee the other day that the sun is
composed of the same elements as the hydrogen bomb and is likely
to destroy the earth in about ten billion years. For a moment I
was frightened I thought he said ten million and I was afraid
that wouldn't be quite enough time for us to balance the budget."
Visitors: Mr. and Mrs. William Obermeyer and John, Neola Wolf, Jay C. Hansen, Mr. and
M s. Ward Freeman, Mr. and Mrs. Ward Blackall, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Vanderlind, Mr.a nd Mrs.
Len Osterink and sons Bruce and Larry, Mr. and Mrs. L. rettenberger, Mr. and Mrs. Law-
rence Kaat, Miss Florence Colemen, all of Grand Rapids,
Esther H. Kooyers, Lucille Kooyers, Altos Kooyers of Holland.
Ford L. Broman of Grand Haven.