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Ford Newsletter, July-Sept. 1953
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Ford Newsletter, July-Sept. 1953
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This file contains material relating to Dwight Eisenhower.
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
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Japan
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Department of Defense. 9/18/1947-
Federal budget
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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 JULY 2
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
Advances made by President Eisenhower toward reorganization of our ex-
cessively cumbersome Federal government have put a new spark of life into gov-
erpmental processes. As the first move toward a balanced budget, the President
sought to streamline wherever possible. His military training taught him that
no organization functions properly if there are too many bosses duplicating one
another's work,
President Eisenhower's accomplishments toward the goal of more effec-
tive and efficient government have been encouraging to the American public and
to advocates of the Hoover Commission recommendations. The Internal Revenue
Department, for instance, in the past, bungling around in left field, has been
brought closer to home plate. The Chief Executive has cut the unwieldy number
of Internal Revenue Districts by one half.
Other agencies which have come in for substantial pruning, and in some
cases complete elimination, are the Defense Production Administration and the
Economic Stabilization agencies. In addition 20 RFC offices have been closed
throughout the "ation.
In the Post Office Department experiments are under way to accomplish
more effective operation of this vital activity of our Federal government, A
Presidential directive established a "pilot" region to test decentralization.
Large scale personnel reorganization has been effected in the past
six months resulting in closely-knit organization and more efficient operation
of the various agencies.
Pruning and cultivating a garden, long overgrown with weeds is no
easy job. But once the weeds have been eliminated, order restored, and the
sunlight permitted to reach the roots of the plants, the garden can be ex-
pected to produce better than ever. President Eisenhower and the Congress
have held to this policy during the past five months and results will soon be
evident in better service from your government for less money.
***********
Congress, in recent years, has spent no little time berating various
federal agencies whose "big wigs" insisted upon having at their disposal large
chauffeur-driven limousines provided for them by taxpayers money. This prac-
LIBRARY
page two
tice has been criticized in the past, but is being corrected under the new
Administration,
But while Congress casts its economy stones downtown in the direction
of the Executive Agencies it would be wise to inspect its own glass house. Last
week I did some checking and to my surprise found that some little-known employ-
ees of the legislative branch of the government were enjoying the luxury of gov-
ernment-owned and operated limousines with chauffeurs.
The Architect of the Capitol, for example, with a salary of $15,000,
for a good many years has had limousine service at public expense nothing
less than a 210 horsepower sedan with white sidewall tires and other frills.
The Assistant Architect of the Capitol, whose annual salary is $14800, has also
been provided with an expensive sedan and driver.
To eliminate this needless expense I sponsored an amendment to prohibit
the expenditure of federal funds for the pruchase, operation or repair of such
special cars for these two well-paid employees of the legislative branch. The
House of Representatives agreed with my amendment. If the Senate concurs, next
year more progress can be made in cutting down on some of the special vehicles
provided employees of the House and Senate/ This practice has developed without
too much publicity, but it is my contention that in all fairness to all taxpayers
a very definite line must be drawn to eliminate these unnecessary luxuries. In
the future, we'll be looking forward to seeing considerably fewer deluxe automo-
biles parked in the vicinity of Capitol Hill.
The Department of Defense appropriation bill was approved by the Commit-
tee on Appropriations with a further cut of 1.3 billion dollars below the budget
presented by President Eisenhower and 6.2 billion dollars less than the Truman
budget. My subcommittee, in charge of the Army funds, reduced the requested a-
mount by $689 million. The cuts will eliminate unnecessary and uneconomical oper-
ations and programs without any decrease in our military strength, Our commit-
tee bill is the result of extensive hearings, careful analysis and deliberate ac-
tion. I assure you that we would be the last ones to make hap-hazard cuts in an
appropriation which means so much to the security of our nation.
Visitors: Mr. and Mrs. L. A. Matthews and daughter Jean, Mr. and Mrs.
S. H. VanderMeer, Delores Konyndyk, Janet Smith, Mrs. John M. Nelson, Arthur H.
German, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cox, Si Albert, and Seth Pidwell of Grand Rapids.
Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd McLaughlin and family, Ruth Ver Duin of Grand Haven,
Florence Becker of Holland.
FOR RELEASE JULY 9
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
The dramatic crisis over excess profits tax legislation reached
a. climax barlier last week and might have provided enough excitement
for an entire month of legislative action, nevertheless we can expect
large doses of "hot" news to break into the headlines at frequent in-
tervals in the remaining weeks of this session.
Wednesday of this past week saw the culmination of many long
months of eye-straining and brain-tingling scrutiny of the defense
budget. The military subcommittee of the House Committee on Appropria-
tions, fertified with facts and figures acquired during the long and
complicated hearings, presented its bill to the other 426 members of
the House of Representatives.
We expected a certain amount of opposition and it was forth-
coming. In most instances, however, when the committee made known its
reasons for the various cuts in items in the defense budget, the com-
mittee recommendations were readily accepted. But before full emplana-
tion for each item was given, I'm afraid my collegues were more like
vultures than thefriendly fellows I work with. Cn the whole however,
they're reasonable chaps and though a few bristled at decreases in the
research and development appropriation, for example, they became less
vehement in their opposition when the committee pointed out that there
were over 39 million dollars in un-expended and over 400 million un-
obligated funds available in the Army alone for this purpose.. IN AD-
DITION TO the allocation which the committee recommended for this year,
Research is important if our Army is to be the best in the world. We
want our G.I.'s to have the finest guns and the most modern tanks, yet
it would be unwarranted extravagance to appropriate hard-earned tax dol-
lars for such purposes ifthe money would not be spent wisely.
It was anticipated that a big explosion would be set off when
the Airforce budget came up for consideration. Congressman Mahon of Tes-
as had many strong supporters of his amendment which would add over one
billion dollars to the Airforce appropriation, but on the crucial vote
his amendment was defeated overwhelmingly. The evidence was convincing
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
page two
that the effectiveness of the airforce would not be hampered by the
reductions recommended by President Eisenhower. Some people contend the
mere appropriation of billions of dollars means Uncle Sam will have the
best Airforce. This is certainly not the case. President Eisenhower
and Secretary of Defense Wilson want an Airforce actually equipped with
planes, pilots, and the necessary bases. For too long a time, despite
the appropriation of billions by Congress, the Airforce has had "paper"
wings, because of non-delivery of planes, poor personnel management, and
waste in the construction of airfields. These conditions will be correc-
ted under Ike and the new military leaders.
Now that the major work of my Defense Department sub-committee
has been completed, the Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, Con-
gressman Tabor, was afraid that I might have a little spare time and
assigned me to the sub-committee on Mutual Security.
For the next few weeks therefore, I shall be a member of the
committee considering the actual appropriations for foreign aid. If any
of you should be confused by the Mutual Security bill which passed the
House a few weeks ago, that bill merely authorized appropriations and
set a limit on the amount Congress could appropriate for foreign aid.
Now it remains for the special committee to which I have been assigned
to screen the foreign aid budget, item by item. It is contended that
additional cuts can be made, If this is possible I shall certainly do
my part in making the reductions.
Visitors who braved the July heat to visit their Nation's Capital:
Mr. and Mrs. William Sytsema, Mr. and Mrs. Si Schippers, Luella Brady,
Audrey Snyder, David TerMeer, Patricial Zahm, Esther Hartmen, Mr. A.E.
Underhill, Joanne E. Schields, Delores Sayles, Mrs. Cedric Sayles, Mr.
and Mrs. William Kuiper of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Mr. James W. Clark,
Mr. and Mrs. Wilfred Paull of Rockford.
FORD (TERAP)
FOR RELEASE JULY 16
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
Confined to our committee room for exceptionally long periods
of time this past week, I hardly feel qualified to discuss anything but
mutual security appropriations in this column. Our nine-member sub-
committee literally burned the midnight oil ferreting out every detail
of the foreign aid budget and we have accomplished an encouraging a-
mount of work. The committee expects to make its report in a matter of
days but until that time hearings are in progress. The committee in-
tends to persever in its search for every possible cut of unnecessary
items from this very important appropriation bill. The committee's
recommendations will be based on this criteria -- how much can and
should Uncle Sam spend for his own military and economic security.
*
*
*
*
More and more encouraging reports are being made by the Exec-
utive branch of our government which prove that economy hasn't been
just a matter of talk, nor has the attitude prevailed that economy is
something the other fellow should practice. For the most part, each
and every department has made every effort to cooperate to the maximum
in saving our tax dollars.
Over in the Commerce Department, Secretary Weeks ordered the
shutdown by July 31 of 11 of his department's 42 field offices through-
out the country.
At the White House 14 lower priced sedans have replaced costly
limousines which had been used during the former Administration.
The Veterans Administration has consolidated many of its
divisions into fewer tightly organized and smoothly functioning divisions.
For example, the agency's personnel, administrative services, and pur***
chasing branches are being combined under one administrator for better
service to veterans at less cost.
*
*
*
*
*
President Eisenhower recently announced his intention to revoke
the Truman "gag" order on news from executive agencies. This order gave
almost unrestricted censorship authority to all Federal agencies, whether
page twn
or not connected with efense work, and was bitterly criticized by the
nation's press. A new order will give limited classification power to
sensitive agencies only.
There's been more heat in Washington than that generated by
Old Sol alone. Senators and Representatives along with the general pub-
lic are getting hot under the collar extracting information from rebellious
witnesses mostly alleged communists, who, as it turns out, aren't such
cool customers themselves.
It has been g enerally agreed that the wholesale recourse to
immunity by commie-tinged party-liners under the Fifth Amendment has hope-
lessly frustrated the work of several otherwise highly effective commit-
tees of Congress. It is generally agreed, too, that something must be
done about this refusal to answer on the grounds of self-incimination.
Obviously, it is necessary to change the letter of the law.
And here's where the difficulty arises. Should the Amendment be changed
to eliminate the possibility of its abuse but also to protect those who
have a right to its legitimate use? Actually, two fundamental princi-
ples must be kept in mind: the full exercise of legislative and investiga-
tive powers conferred on Congress must not be interfered with and at the
same time witnesses must be assured maximum fairness.
At the present time many bills are pending in the Congress
which their advocates believe would solve the problem in one way or ano-
ther. Congressman Keating, Republican of New York has championed a bill
which would establish a "bill of rights" for witnesses called to testify
before congressional committees. He has also submitted a bill which
would give Congressional committees immediate access to court decision
as to whether or not a witness may declare immunity under the Fifth Amend-
ment.
On July 9, the Senate passed a bill which would permit two-
thirds of the full committee concerned or a majority of the members of
one of the Houses of Congress to grant immunity to a witness if he so de-
sires. On the other hand, if a witness fails to receive this supporting
vote he may be cited for contempt of Congress.
Generally speaking, we may say that too many witnesses have
overstepped their bounds in refusing to answer justifiable questions and
Page three
yet it is very difficult to draw the line between the so-called con-
tempt and legitimate silence. A Congressional sub-committee has been
established to study the various details and consêquences of the re-
quired legislation. It is hoped they will be able to report a satis-
factory solution to the problems which have been besieging congressional
investigating committees.
*
*
*
#
Visitors: Foster D. Poe, William Gedris of Grand Rapids.
FOR RELEASE JULY 23
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
Last week after members of the Foreign Aid sub-Committee on Appropriations
had heard many wintesses point out the benefits of this program, President Eisenhower
himself invited us to breakfast at the White House. The invitation said 8 a.m. so
ten Congressmen on our Committee, General Gruenther, boss of the combined allied
forces in Europe, Budget Director Dodge and Mutual Security Administrator Stassen,
assembled at the White House a few minutes ahead of the appointed hour. For obvious
reason Emily Post frowns on tardiness on such an occasion.
Before getting to the serious side of the breakfast conference let me tell
of an amusing incident. It is customary when you arrive for a White House meal, for
an aide to greet you and indicate precisely where you are to be seated at the table.
A la Washington style, place cards are arranged strictly according to protocol. On
this occasion however, the President, after greeting everyone with his most infectious
smile, grabbed two guests by the arm and asked them to sit next to him. Lo and behold
the President's graciousness had fouled up the seating arrangement! The little mix
up reminded all the men present how similar incidents in the past have put us in the
dog house with each of our wives.
What did President Eisenhower talk about? First, Ike said he was unalterably
opposed to any give away program. Second, he was in favor of foreign aid only because
it was the cheapest and most effective way for the United States to protect itself.
The President looks upon this program as a part of the whole national defense program.
If Uncle Sam doesn't spend the money to help our allies, he believes, our nation will
be forced to spend many times more money and lives to keep aggressors from our own
United States borders.
The President did not tell the ten Congressmen to make no cuts in his bud-
get for foreign aid. In fact, he expressed the opinion that reductions should be made
if they could be factually justified.
Following the breakfast, the committee returned to its sanctum at the Cap-
itol where we worked diligently most of the day and far into the night on the dollar
amounts to be included in the appropriation bill. It was no easy task and no one
took the responsiblity lightly. The final result showed that the committee had cut
about $1.1 from a total of $7.3 billion. Did the committee go contrary to the Pres-
ident's request? I doubt it. We can show where the extra money could not be wisely
LIBRARY
page two
spent in the next year. The cut was a fair and reasonable compromise between
widely divergent points of view. It will permit the United States to work with our
allies in destroying the ruthless communist dictators behind the Iron Curtain. This
is a job which we cannot do alone.
Reports of large reductions in Federal payrolls have been coming in from
various government agencies with considerable regularity. For the month of May
alone, a total personnel cutback of 23,500 was declared by all Federal agencies com-
bines.
Of course, "personnel cutback" is a high-sounding way of saying people are
losing their jobs. Despite the fact that payroll reductions may bring about economy
in the Federal government, it's still bad news for those individuals who have been
effected by the lay-offs.
Perhaps some of you have been wondering as I have lately about how these
drastic personnel reductions are going to effect our employment picture. I did a
little research on my own this week and obtained some figures from the Labor de-
partment which proved very enlightening.
Labor Department statistics show that employment figures for June of 1953
exceed those of the same period last year by over one million. In other words, over
one million more people in the U.S. now hold jobs than were working last year. In
the same period last year over one million persons were unemployed, The unemployment
figure for 1953 is about 200,000 less than 1952.
In other words, the over-all employment picture is, in effect, much im-
proved over last year. Furthermore, figures demonstrate quite clearly that job-seekers
are being absorbed into industry and business at a far more rapid rate than has been
seen for quite some time.
Visitors: Mr and Mrs. M.H. DeVivorne and Anne of Grand Rapids.
Mrs. D.W. Burton and Jeanne of Sparta.
FOR RELEASE July 30
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
What's it like to live behind the Communist Iron Curtain and what drives a
young man to seek refuge from dictator's opression by escaping to the free world?
The answer to this question was given to me by Lt. Franciszek Jarecki, the
22-year old Polish flier who in March 1953 dramatically delivered a Russian MIG into
the hands of the Allies. The people of Poland submit to the dictates of the Russians
only because there's not much else to do when someone issues orders at gun point and
one has no weapons to defend onesself. Lt. Jarecki continued to say that the Polish
people did avail themselves of two very effective weapons at their disposal: sabotage
and small but frequent revolts. Lt. Jarecki cited the example of a Russian munitions
factory which had been moved no less than three times in an effort to thwart saboteurs
who in the past had been especially efficient. The factory now stands, the Lieutenant
tells us, in a largely wooded area and bears a sign "Kitchen Utensils."
During the warm-up preceding the filming of my regular television broadcast,
my guest, Lt. Jarecki who speaks only Polish, engaged in a lively discussion with
Congressman O'Konski of Wisconsin and my Administrative Assistant, John Milanowski.
I was forced to rely upon them to act as my interpreters. Though the language barrier
provided some difficulty we all managed to carry on our discussion with considerable
ease.
Naturally, in the off-the-record discussion we were most interested in de-
tails of Lt. Jarecki's experiences which were neglected in most newspaper stories. It
was almost impossible to believe that this youthful, handsome boy (for he hardly
seemed more than that) held the controls of a Russian MIG. And yet, in all modesty,
he told us that under the Russian system, jet fliers are the "cream of the crop", so
to speak. Out of 8,000 boys in his age range, 150 were chosen to enter the jet train-
ing school, and Lt. Jarecki led his class.
He had been acclaimed by Red officials as a "model" young communist, and
yet all the time in the back of his mind was his plan to escape from the regime of
lies under the communist thumb. He was taken on speaking tours throughout Poland to
encourage the youth of the country to be like himself, a "model" communist. His
closing remarks always were: "Follow my example. Do exactly as I do." Now Lt. Jar-
ecki hopes the young Poles under communist domination will remember his advice.
FORD LIBRARY
page two
When questioned about his future, the young hero says that he has been so
overwhelmed by America that he can hardly think what he should do. He does want to go
to school more than anything else, but wants to have time to think over his course of
studies first.
At present Lt. Jarecki can think of nothingbeter than a well deserved rest after
his ordeal and the long list of speaking engagements which have taken him all over the
United States. After a little relaxation he looks forward to continuing his efforts to
free Poland from the communism which holds it captive. He plans to exert every effort
to help America in its fight against the successors of Joe Stalin.
One of my biggest regrets these days is that I cannot get back to the District
to attend same of the functions to which many of you have so graciously invited me. The
closing days of a session of Congress leave no room for quick trips home. During this
period there is a vast number of roll calls and important committee meetings on vital
appropriation bills which demand our undivided attention.
It is very difficult to say "no" to every single invitation which comes my
way from back home, especially when so many of them include an opportunity to give you
a first hand outline of what your Congress has accomplished this year. But until ad-
journment (which we still expect to be around July 31) "no" must be the very apologetic
but firm answer.
After adjournment and following a committee investigating trip I plan to be
back in Western Michigan and at that time hope to make good many of the rain checks
I've accumulated in the past weeks.
Thanks for being so patient.
********
Visitors: Mrs. D. W. Burton of Sparta; Harold Fox and S. J. Hilarides of
Grand Rapids.
FOR RELEASE AUGUST 6
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
Heading into the home stretch toward final adjournment for the first session
of the 83rd Congress meant long hours on the floor of the House and longer hours in
conference with Senat Appropriation Committee members.
In the heat of last minute legislation, the House approved two major
Presidential reorganization plans. Plan No. 7, which received the green light from
House members in the last few days, establishes a single Foreign Operations Admini-
stration to supplant the Mutual Security Administration and related agencies.
Plan No. 8 calls for a unified United States Information Agency which
would replace the Voice of America and various other agencies which are engaged in
virtually the same type of work.
These reorganization plans are, obviously, in accord with the Hoover Com-
mission recommendations, and also with the economy program which this Congress has
endeavored to carry out. Both these plans became effective on August 1.
Action on postal rate increase has been postponed indefinitely by the
extremely heavy schedule of legislation before the House this week. Chairman Rees
announced that it had been impossible to continue and complete hearings this week
because of the frequent calls for members to be present on the floor while vital
legislation is being completed before adjournment.
Up to this time the committee has heard testimony from approximately 60
witnesses who had various objections to the bill. The last to be heard prior to
cessation of hearings were Post Office officials who believe new rate increases are
necessary to erase an annual deficit estimated by former President Truman to be
approximately $746 million. Postmaster General Summerfield, by economy and efficiency,
has reduced this deficit by $431 million. This shows what good management can do for
a government agency.
Chairman Rees expressed the opinion that the hearings had been full and
complete in every detail and would provide more than adequate information and facts
for the committee to begin immediately to write up new Postal legislation as soon as
the next session begins.
#
GERALD FORD LIBRART
PAGE 2
House and Senate conferees this past week put their heads together on the
appropriation bill involving slightly over $34 billion for the Army, Navy and Air
Force. In any measure in which this much money is at stake, legitimate differences
of opinion are bound to exist between the two Houses of Congress.
As might be expected, there was considerable discussion over details in
amounts and wording in the two defense bills. However, a concentrated effort on the
part of all the House and Senate participants brought forth the final version of the
bill in relatively short order.
The completed draft came well under the amounts specified in both the House
and Senate bills. The result is perhaps unique but certainly understandable.
Conferees agreed on a bill which was $125 million under the House appropriation and
$65 million less than the Senate version of the defense appropriation bill.
By special invitation I was permitted to attend the signing of the bill by
President Eisenhower this past week for the relief of Franciszek Jarecki whose experi-
ences I discussed at some length in last week's column.
This was a very special private relief bill unlike most in that everyone is
familiar with the name Jarecki, and with the heroic deed it immediately calls to mind.
The President's signature on this private bill means that Lt. Jarecki of the Polish
Army becomes private American citizen Jarecki, free to work, go to school and to show
his gratitude for his new found freedom. It must be a welcome relief to be liberated
from the oppression of the Communist dictators. This young lad has vowed to help America
his new country, and her allies in every conceivable way to rid the world of the
Communist menace.
* * *
Visitors this week were Mr. J. Vern Jennings; Mrs. Hilda G. Smith, of
Grand Rapids, and her daughter Carolyn, of Muskegon.
FOR RELEASE AUGUST 13, 1953
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
BY GERALD R. FORD, JR.
By the time this column reaches your favorite newspaper I will be well
on my way to the Far East. My three-week inspection trip will take me to
Army installations in Japan, Korea, Formosa and elsewhere in the Far East. My
two companions will be Col. M. T. Tilghman and Gen. George Honnen, Army budget
officer. Part of the inspection trip will be in conjunction with an inspection
tour of the Secretary of the Army. In order to keep you up to date I will
report to you regularly by means of this column, of my impressions and experiences
throughout my trip half way round the world.
Recently, Secretary of Commerce Sinclair Weeks announced the sale of the
government-owned Inland Waterways Corporation to a private operator.
Since 1948, Secretary Weeks claimed, there had been five specific
attempts to purchase the corporation, These attempts had been completely ignored
prior to January 20, 1953 when the Eisenhower Administration took office. In
less than three weeks after the new Secretary of Commerce took over this white
elephant was up for sale. The record shows this government barge line was no
baby white elephant. Over the past fourteen years the Corporation netted a
loss of $9,749,000 having made a profit during the period for only two of the
fourteen years.
According to agreements made by the new owner, uninterrupted service is
guaranteed to shippers who use the facilities of Inland Waterway Corporation.
Specific terms of the contract include default provisions to insure proper
services to the Line's customers under the management of the new owner.
General feeling is that the government is well out of this business
for many good reasons. In the first place, it is not at all the proper function
of the government to engage in commercial activities which private enterprise
is better able to perform. Secondly, it is not the place of the government to
compete with private business unnecessarily. Thirdly and possibly the most
forceful argument prompting the decision to sell the corporation, the operation
GEORLD FORD LIBRAR
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
Page 2
of this business was proving excessively costly to the U. S. Treasury. Its
annual losses only added a greater burden to the Federal deficit. The sale of
Inland Waterways Corporation means another saving for all of us taxpayers and I,
for one, would call that good business!
In the orchids-for-the-ladies department
The Eisenhower Administration has 27 women filling top-ranking positions
in our government. They have been given jobs dealing with everything from
diplomatic relations to civil defense and parole problems. The women who have
held policy-making jobs since the inauguration of the new administration, have
had a great part in the achievements of the Eisenhower Administration up to
this time. We men are not going to be a bit backward about giving credit where
credit is due and certainly they deserve our heartiest congratulations for the
way they have accepted their responsibilities with enthusiasm and exhibited ini-
tiative and competence of which any man could be very proud.
Mrs. Oveta Culp Hobby, Secretary of the Department of Health, Education
and Welfare, for one, has gone at her job with an efficiency which has both
amazed and pleased everyone.
Clare Booth Luce has won the hearts of the Italian people as our Am-
bassador to Italy.
Mrs. Frances Willis, Ambassador to Switzerland, Mrs. Ivy Baker Priest,
U. S. Treasurer, Mrs. Frances Bolton, Congresswoman and delegate to the U. N. to
name only a few, have made it very clear that the ladies take no back seat when
it comes to handling the vital matters of government. President Eisenhower pro--
mised to give the ladies their opportunity to help and the records indicate the
"gals" are assuming their responsibilities.
VISITORS
Mr. J. Vern Jennings, Dr. G. H. Door, Mrs. G. H. Door and children,
Sandra, Linda and Terrence Door.
Ford
ORIGINAL
FOR RELEASE August 27, 1953
Editor - This Washington Review longer than usual.
GERALD
Deletions may be made if necessary.
FORD
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
LIBRARY
By Gerald R. Ford, Jr.
(As Jerry told you in last week's column, he is in the Far East on a
three weeks official inspection trip of military and foreign aid installations.
Jerry is writing a series of letters to his wife, Betty, and their children,
Mike and Jack. To keep you informed of his experiences, these letters are being
used to make up the column for the next two weeks.)
Monday, August 3rd.
12:30 PM Washington time.
Dearest Betty, Mike and Jack,
Right at the moment we are flying at 16,000 feet half way between McChord
Field (Seattle-Takoma) and Shemya Airfield in the Aleutians. A very smooth,
uneventful plane ride with nothing but clouds below. We have not seen land or
water since leaving the U.S.A. This is our second leg - about 2458 nautical
miles - and we expect to make it in approximately eleven hours. After a stopover
of 1 1/2 hours in Shemya, we will be on our way to Seoul, Korea, a hop of 2346
nautical miles.
The trip from Washington to McChord Field was comfortable and without
incident. As you know Secretary of State Dulles' plane took off about 15 minutes
ahead of ours, but we, with a lesser load (fewer "brass") overtook them and
landed 5 or 10 minutes prior to their arrival.
We were met at the field by General Bennet, of the Air Force, and he had
dinner arranged for the party while the planes were refueled. Our plane had
developed slight mechanical difficulties on the way west and this had to be fixed
up before departure on the second lap.
General Honnen, the Army Finance Officer, and I, instead of waiting
around at McChord Field, drove over to Fort Lewis, an Army installation, for a
quick look at this base.
Upon our return to the planes we found therw was some further delay so
joined Sec. Dulles and his group, including Mr. Walter Robertson who had recently
spent weeks in top level negotiations with President Syngman Rhee. It was most
interesting to spend this hour or so with these two gentlemen who are on one of
the most vital missions in the history of American diplomacy.
Page 2
Sec. Dulles' plane took off for Shemya Air Force base ahead of us because
some further mechanical difficulties developed on our Constellation. Finally we
shoved off and I was about to retire in one of the bunks when our pilot came back
from the cockpit to report 4. new mechanical difficulties - this time instrument
trouble - and he recommended immediate return to McChord Field. This made sense
for I was not anxious to fly approximately 2500 miles in the foul Alaskan weather
with some of our flight instruments on the blink.
The return trip to McChord Field was uneventful, but the repair work held
us up about 5 hours. Finally about 2 A.M. Monday morning, those in our plane
crawled in the ship's bunks. However, just before doing so we had word that
Sec. Dulles' plane had developed trouble in one engine, about three hours out on
the 11 hour hop to Shemya, and that they also were returning to McChord Field.
I don't know when they arrived back for I was sound asleep after a long day, but
apparently their plane was quickly repaired for the two planes took off again
around 7 A.M. Monday, Washington time.
The long hops have given me a wonderful opportunity to pour over the
detailed reports furnished me by the Army and the State Department on Korea,
Formosa, the Philippines and French Indo-China. This background material, on the
political, military and economic status of each area, will be most helpful when
the actual inspections are made by General Honnen and myself.
I will be writing again in a day or SO. Until then,
All my love,
GERALD
FORD
Jerry
**** ***
LIBRARY
Thursday, August 6th
ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION
Written in flight from
Seoul, Korea, to Saigon,
Indo-China.
Dearest Betty, Mike and Jack,
Operation Big Switch, the Prisoner of War exchange, will interest you most,
but my last letter left off at Shemya Airforce Base in the Aleutians, so first
some travel details before the story on the historic return of our American GIs
from the Communist prison camps.
The long flight to Korea from Alaska was without incident except for strong
headwinds that were part of a typhoon off the southern tip of the peninsula.
Sec. Dulles' plane arrived just ahead of ours at the Seoul airport, at about mid-
night, but despite the lateness of the hour, the South Koreans really put on a
show for the Secretary of State. The Korean Army, Navy, Marine and Airforce
GERALD
FORD
Page 3
LIBRARY
honor guards were lined up on the field in their finest splendor to pay welcome to
Sec. Dulles and party. After the ceremonies, General Max Taylor, head of the 8th
Army, whisked us off to our quarters in a typical Oriental residence, called the
Guest House. The accommodations were comfortable, but the building and facilities
were never built for six foot tall Americans. Until I learned the hard way, I
repeatedly bumped the top of my head moving from one room to another. Shaving in
a bowl built for shorter Koreans is a back cramping operation.
Everyone was up bright and early the next morning in order to attend the
regular 8th Army briefing before departure for Munsan where operation Big Switch
took place. General Taylor, Sec. of the Army Stevens and I flew from Seoul to
Munsan, a 20 minute hop, and arrived there in time to get a full briefing on just
how the United Nations prisoners of war would be processed at Freedom Village.
A huge building, about 100' X 200', had been built with additional auxil-
iary structures alongside. Big Switch was excellently organized with all the
emphasis on the care and treatment of our returning PCWs.
The POWs were actually turned over by the Communists to our forces at
Panmunjom, a road distance of 12 miles from Freedom Village at Munsan. The medical
cases were flown by helicopter and arrived 30 or 40 minutes ahead of the others
who came by field ambulances. The first were all stretcher cases, but despite
their disabilities you could see the joy in their hearts at being freed from the
Communist prison camps.
Each returnee received a quick medical check-up for any emergency, later
followed by a thorough examination. In the first group the doctors detected some
tuberculosis cases resulting from poor care and malnutrition. Each boy stopped
at the Chaplains area where Protestant, Catholic and Jewish chaplains were avail-
able, and out of the first three groups of Americans, every one sought religious
contact. One of the returned prisoners told me how they held their own church
services regularly during their imprisonment and how helpful this was while they
spent their weary days in North Korea. The Communists constantly disparaged the
church services held by our boys.
Each American POW could be interviewed by war correspondents at Freedom
Village without censorship if he desired the opportunity. The first interviewed
by the press, radio and TV was a young lad from Detroit, and he recounted vividly
his tragic experiences of the past 2 1/2 years.
The Red Cross had a mighty fine set-up at Freedom Village where the POWs
could relax after their medical exams, their chaplain contacts, their showers,
new GI clothing issue, and some good American chow. Red Cross workers, both men
GLARED
FORD
Page 4
LIBRARY
and women, were able to do this essential job because all of us have contributed
our dollars to our local chapters each year.
Later General Taylor took Sec. of the Army Stevens and me on a helicopter
tour of the surrounding area where we saw from the air Panmunjom in the distance,
a train load of Communist POWs, and the prisoner compound for those North Korean
and Chinese the United Nations were returning. By this time Sec. Dulles had com-
pleted his first vital conference with President Rhee. We joined him for lunch at
the UN negotiators' camp, and I had the opportunity to talk extensively with
Major General Bryant, the new top UN negotiator on problems involving the truce,
After lunch the 8th Army commander took the group on a helicopter tour
of a part of the battlefront to see what was going on during the first few days of
no hostilities. We stopped in for a briefing at a Marine division headquarters,
then over some mountainous Korean geography to a British, Canadian, Australian
division area. The next stop took us to a South Korea division headquarters, and
that was an inspiring sight. The ROKs had a small review with their band playing
the American and Korean national anthems. We met the young South Korean general,
under 35 years of age, who gave us a briefing on what his soldiers were doing, and
had done, in the fight against the Communists. An American officer told me this
South Korean division had fought the Reds to a standstill on every occasion. The
final stop was a call on the 7th American division, a top fighting outfit that had
attached to it battalions of Columbians and Ethiopians. At the review for Sec.
Dulles, the GI band played the national anthems of each country. Reports indicate
these smaller UN forces, despite their limited numbers, in comparison to our own
and the South Koreans, have helped in thwarting the Communist invasion from above
the 38th parallel. The American forces and the South Koreans have born the brunt
in this struggle against the Reds. The ROKs have been wonderful allies, and America
wants and needs that relationship to continue in the future, which is the reason for
Sec. of State Dulles' personal trip to Korea.
After a long day we had a quiet dinner in Seoul, followed by a two hour
Army budget session with the fiscal expert from General Mark Clark's staff in Tckyo.
The truce requires considerable replanning in the expenditure of Army funds in the
Pacific area, and the Congress, and particularly my committee, is interested in how
this will be accomplished with the maximum economy and efficiency.
Page 5
Thursday morning we shoved off for Saigon, Indo-China, in Secretary of
the Army Stevens' plane. Its a big hop, about 2540 miles. With the weather clear
and the plane at 16,000 feet, we could see parts of Okinawa, Formosa, and the
Luzon island of the Philippines. Arrival at Saigon in late afternoon was as
planned, with the heat and humidity reminding me of Washington, D.C., at its best
or worst.
Must sign off hurriedly if I'm to get this letter in the mail for delivery
to you half way around the world.
Love to you all,
Jerry.
GERALD
FORD
LIBRARY
FOR RELEASE September 3, 1953
ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
By Gerald R. Ford, Jr.
(As we told you in last week's columh, Congressman Ford is writing a series
of letters to his wife, Betty, and their children, Mike and Jack, on his trip to the
Far East. Here is another letter from Jerry.)
Written enroute to Taipei,
Formosa, August 9th.
Dearest Betty, Mike and Jack,
Our inspection group spent 2 1/2 days in Saigon, Indo-China, practically
half way around the world from Washington, D.C. Some statistician has figured out
the White House is 65 miles closer to Saigon if you travel via Europe rather than
over the Pacific. Its a gross understatement to say, either way its a long trek
homeward.
An old friend from Grand Rapids, Bud Vestal, works for Uncle Sam in
Saigon, in the U. S. Information Agency. Unfortunately I didn't have too much time
in the crowded schedule to see him and his family, but we did get together for a
short session where I brought him up-to-date on news from home, and he reciprocated
with his personal comments on the dangerous communist activities in Indo-China.
Saigon is a relatively modern city in appearance, certainly far different
from war torn Seoul in South Korea. Its a city built up by the French as part of
their colonial empire, and their civilian and military installations over the years
have cost them many millions of dollars. These investments, and the potential wealth
in natural resources, has probably caused their reluctance to pull out and let the
Vietnamese, the Cambodians, and the Laotions set up their own governments.
Since 1946 the Communists have had their eye on Indo-China, and have waged
vicious war on the French and local forces in an effort to capture this key area in
the very heart of the Far East. It has been a bloody and expensive struggle with
no decisive victory for either side. In the last several years the United States
has supplied the anti-communist forces with military equipment. More help of this
sort is contemplated in the months ahead so the communist threat can be turned back.
During our visit we had full and complete briefings on the military picture
and made careful checks on the past and planned "end-use" of the military supplies
being furnished by Uncle Sam. The American Ambassador filled us in on the political
picture which is complicated by the varied problems resulting from the desire of
the local people to achieve full independence from the French at the earliest possi-
ble date. Fortunately, and wisely, the French, on July 3rd, agreed to independence
for the three associated states forming Indo-China. The sooner this autonomy is
Page 2
achieved, bearing in mind the manifold administrative difficulties, the greater likli-
hood of victory for the anti-communist forces.
The Indo-China war has had a heavy toll on the civilian population as
evidenced by the thousands of rural families displaced from their ancestral homes
by the ruthless tactics of the communist soldiers. These refugees with no means of
livlihood, having fled from the communist held areas, have been helped by the
combined efforts of the local government and the American technical assistance experts.
Fifteen miles from Saigon I saw a newly built thatched-roof village, surrounded by
many acres of rice paddies, where approximately 600 native families (4000 persons)
were getting a new start in life. This rehabilitation program is bound to be ef-
fective. The communists in Indo-China have promised the natives land and "model vil-
lages". In reality the Reds have driven the families from their homes. The local
governments with our help have provided homes, a means of livlihood, medical care
and basic educational opportunities for these refugees. With only two classrooms
and two teachers, it is unfortunately impossible to teach all of the village's 1200
children, so one child is chosen from each family to be educated until more facili-
ties can be made available. Certainly in this situation the false promises of the
communists have been exposed to the fullest, while the anti-communists with 21 such
villages have lived up to the concept that the "free world" does help the needy.
The two and a half days passed quickly because of the heavy schedule.
Although local custom dictates a three hour lunch period (because of the noon-day
tropical heat), our inspection group worked right through the siesta period each day.
It was the only way to see and hear all of the facts. Some day a more leisurely trip
to this area and its fine people would be a wonderful and pleasant experience.
The trip homeward has started, although it will be a week or more before
we land at the Nation's Capital. The first leg from Saigon to Hong Kong was unevent-
ful, but certainly this vast and beautiful city off the south China coast is a sight
to behold. From Hong Kong to Taipei, in Formosa, was the second hop, and I will
write later of what we saw on this controversial island where Chaing Kai-Shek and
the Chinese Nationals await the day to return to the mainland.
Love to you all. It won't be too long before we'll be back.
Jerry
ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION
FOR RELEASE September 3, 1953
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
By Gerald R. Ford, Jr.
(As we told you in last week's columh, Congressman Ford is writing a series
of letters to his wife, Betty, and their children, Mike and Jack, on his trip to the
Far East. Here is another letter from Jerry.)
Written enroute to Taipei,
Formosa, August 9th.
Dearest Betty, Mike and Jack,
Our inspection group spent 2 1/2 days in Saigon, Indo-China, practically
half way around the world from Washington, D.C. Some statistician has figured out
the White House is 65 miles closer to Saigon if you travel via Europe rather than
over the Pacific. Its a gross understatement to say, either way its a long trek
homeward.
An old friend from Grand Rapids, Bud Vestal, works for Uncle Sam in
Saigon, in the U. S. Information Agency. Unfortunately I didn't have too much time
in the crowded schedule to see him and his family, but we did get together for a
short session where I brought him up-to-date on news from home, and he reciprocated
with his personal comments on the dangerous communist activities in Indo-China.
Saigon is a relatively modern city in appearance, certainly far different
from war torn Seoul in South Korea. Its a city built up by the French as part of
their colonial empire, and their civilian and military installations over the years
have cost them many millions of dollars. These investments, and the potential wealth
in natural resources, has probably caused their reluctance to pull out and let the
Vietnamese, the Cambodians, and the Lactions set up their own governments.
Since 1946 the Communists have had their eye on Indo-China, and have waged
vicious war on the French and local forces in an effort to capture this key area in
the very heart of the Far East. It has been a bloody and expensive struggle with
no decisive victory for either side. In the last several years the United States
has supplied the anti-communist forces with military equipment. More help of this
sort is contemplated in the months ahead so the communist threat can be turned back.
During our visit we had full and complete briefings on the military picture
and made careful checks on the past and planned "end-use" of the military supplies
being furnished by Uncle Sam. The American Ambassador filled us in on the political
picture which is complicated by the varied problems resulting from the desire of
the local people to achieve full independence from the French at the earliest possi-
ble date. Fortunately, and wisely, the French, on July 3rd, agreed to independence
for the three associated states forming Indo-China. The sconer this autonomy is
Page 2
achieved, bearing in mind the manifold administrative difficulties, the greater likli-
hood of victory for the anti-communist forces.
The Indo-China war has had a heavy toll on the civilian population as
evidenced by the thousands of rural families displaced from their ancestral homes
by the ruthless tactics of the communist soldiers. These refugees with no means of
livlihood, having fled from the communist held areas, have been helped by the
combined efforts of the local government and the American technical assistance experts.
Fifteen miles from Saigon I saw a newly built thatched-roof village, surrounded by
many acres of rice paddies, where approximately 600 native families (4000 persons)
were getting a new start in life. This rehabilitation program is bound to be ef-
fective. The communists in Indo-China have promised the natives land and "model vil-
lages". In reality the Reds have driven the families from their homes. The local
governments with our help have provided homes, a means of livlihood, medical care
and basic educational opportunities for these refugees. With only two classrooms
and two teachers, it is unfortunately impossible to teach all of the village's 1200
children, so one child is chosen from each family to be educated until more facili-
ties can be made available. Certainly in this situation the false promises of the
communists have been exposed to the fullest, while the anti-communists with 21 such
villages have lived up to the concept that the "free world" does help the needy.
The two and a half days passed quickly because of the heavy schedule.
Although local custom dictates a three hour lunch period (because of the noon-day
tropical heat), our inspection group worked right through the siesta period each day.
It was the only way to see and hear all of the facts. Some day a more leisurely trip
to this area and its fine people would be a wonderful and pleasant experience.
The trip homeward has started, although it will be a week or more before
we land at the Nation's Capital. The first leg from Saigon to Hong Kong was unevent-
ful, but certainly this vast and beautiful city off the south China coast is a sight
to behold. From Hong Kong to Taipei, in Formosa, was the second hop, and I will
write later of what we saw on this controversial island where Chaing Kai-Shek and
the Chinese Nationals await the day to return to the mainland.
Love to you all. It won't be too long before we'll be back.
Jerry
ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION
FOR RELEASE September 3, 1953
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
By Gerald R. Ford, Jr.
(Here's another in Congressman Ford's series written to his wife,
Betty, and sons, Mike and Jack.)
(Written Taigu, Korea after
dinner Wednesday, August 12th.)
Dearest Betty, Mike and Jack:
There has been several days' delay since the last missive but you will
understand I hope, when you see the schedule of the past 72 hours. The Army
officials have done a good job in compressing many points of interest into the
limited time available, although the net result is no time for correspondence
and on-the-spot correlation and evaluation of data collected.
The late afternoon arrival in Formosa found our party met at the Taipei
Airport by Ambassador Rankin, General Chase, American military advisor to the
Nationalist forces, and numerous other high-ranking U. S. and Chinese officials.
I was informed that Chang Kai Shek, President of Free China, and Madame Chang
were expecting us for tea. Their residence, 45 minutes up the mountainside
took us over a winding road which was in surprisingly good shape.
Our transportation pulled into the President's home where we were met
by one of his top aides who escorted us into the living room that was furnished
in most appropriate Chinese style. Chang Kai Shek sat in the far corner but
38 we entered he arose, shook hands and through an interpretor, expressed a
cordial welcome. We chatted for a few minutes, always by interpretor, and then
Madame Chang made her appearance. I ended up sitting between the President
and Madame Chang--she, by the way, speaks English fluently.
It was an exceedingly interesting hour with our hosts serving iced tea
with mint leaves, a Chinese food concoction, and a large dish of American ice
cream. As we left, one of President Chang's advisors presented me with two
boxes of his special brands of red and green tea plus the Ford seal in Chinese.
If my letters are signed in the future in Chinese, it will be through the
courtesy of the anti-communist leader of the Chinese people.
The American Ambassador lives next door and he had a dinner set up where
our inspecting group could get acquainted and discuss controversial problems
with the U. S. military and civilian officials who are working with the Chinese
FORD
in Formosa. It was a pleasant but productive end to a long day. From Saigon
to Hong Kong to Taipei in Formosa is a good many miles.
LIBRARY
ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION
PAGE 2
Our quarters for the night were in the Formosan palace, built for and
used by the Japanese Crown Prince when the island was controlled by his people.
It's a tremendously large place with beautiful Japanese gardens. My room for
the night plus all of the adjoining rooms and balconies, was the area in the
palace actually occupied by the Crown Prince.
The next morning a full briefing by the American Ambassador on the
political aspects of the complicated Chinese problem followed by further con-
ferences with our U. S. military mission. General Chase, who has been working
with the Chang Kai Shek forces, has been most helpful in aiding the rehabili-
tation of the Chinese Nationalist forces since they left the mainland of China
several years ago. Chang's army, navy and airforce are certainly a forte
to be reckoned with. Obviously they have as their prime motivation a strong
desire to return to the Chinese mainland.
The next leg of the trip from Formosa to Okinawa was just long enough
for us to have a Chinese-prepared box lunch on the plane. American G.I.s who
fought on Okinawa in 1945 would not recognize the place today. Eight years
ago after our Marines and Army forces wrested this tiny island from the Japanese
it was laid waste. Now it's a powerful military bastion and a vital outpost
in the American defense set-up. We spent a fruitful 6 hours in briefings and
inspections. I came away with the distinct feeling that the U. S. needs this
power-packed island and the surrounding territories for our own security.
We boarded our plane in time for a late evening meal enroute to Korea.
The trip from Ckinawa to Seoul, a distance of 900 miles, consumed only 3
hours and 45 minutes. It was midnight before we wearily crawled into bed.
Just before retiring I was handed the itinerary for the next day, which
included a full schedule of visits to numerous Army units from one end of
the Korean front line to the other. My next letter will give you the details
on this most interesting part of the trip.
The trip homeward will be somewhat slower for there are some problems
that must be carefully examined on the civilian relief and rehabilitation
program for South Korea. Nevertheless, I'll be in Washington as scheduled.
Love to you all,
Jerry
FORD
LIBRARY
FOR RELEASE September 10, 1953
ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
By Gerald R. Ford, Jr.
(This is the fourth in a series of letters Congressman Ford has written from
GERALD
the Far East to his wife, Betty, and their sons, Mike and Jack.)
FORD
(In flight Friday night, August 14th,
Pusan, Korea to Tokyo)
LIBRARY
Dearest Betty, Mike and Jack:
For almost two days I covered the Korean front by every conceivable means
of transportation including jeeps, trucks, helicopters, light planes and
"shanks-horses." The inspections covered the heart of the Army, the infantry,
the heavy and light artillery units, the power-packed armoured units, and the
vital supply and technical groups without which no Army could operate effectively,
We started our trip at the eastern shore of the Korean peninsula and
worked our way westward along the old 155-mile battle line. There were detailed
briefings at several corps headquarters to get the overall picture which usually
ended up with an on-the-spot visit to a platoon right at the edge of the new
demilitarized line. From the air in a helicopter we scanned the demilitarized
zone where one could see our troops recovering and retrieving battle-used
equipment. At the same time we could see our GIs building new fortifications
just south of the old battle line below the newly demilitarized area. an the
ground via jeep I viewed first hand the precautions our military officials are
taking to make certain that our troops abide 100 per cent by the truce terms.
The various U. S. Army Divisions, the Marines and other U. N. units
making up the 8th Army in Korea have an intense but healthy rivalry with one
another. All are rightfully proud of their past records and each seeks to
outdo the other in their future accomplishments. At every stop in our inspection
trip the individual unit would put forth its best effort. Frankly, our citizens
at home should be mighty proud of the American fighting forces. They have done
an excellent job in the past under terrific difficulties and have a deep appre-
ciation of their serious responsibilities in the future. From my personal con-
versations with a number of GIs who have been in Korea for some months, I
gather the impression they are mighty glad the shooting is over but likewise
they have no illusions about the need and necessity for full American military
preparedness in the global struggle against Communism. Their morale appears high
and in addition the Army officials are doing everything possible to retain this
essential spirit with stepped-up training programs, the maximum possible re-
creation and even better food and housing.
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW - Page 2
At several Army Division headquarters the program included an Honor Guard
and/Review. As an old Navy hand, at first I was more than a little clumsy
in understanding what one should do in receiving the honors and reviewing the
troops, but after the second experience I guess my performance was reasonably up
to Army standards.
Practically every unit was thoughtful enough to give me a momento of my
visit. Consequently, my luggage is filled with Division histories, honorary
unit membership cards and various gadgets, fashioned and presented by the men
themselves. Each presentation by one of these top-notch Army groups left an
indelible mark which will grow in significance as the years pass by.
Michigan has certainly supplied a full share of the boys in the Army in
Korea. Without fail at every stop the Commanding Officer would have the Michigan
GIs assembled so I could have an informal "bull session" with them. It was
heartwarming and enlightening for me to see these boys and talk with them. The
GIs from Kent and Ottawa counties had countless questions about the old home
town. I will try to call their parents and wives upon my return.
After two days in Seoul we flew to Taegu, part way down the Korean peninsula,
for a briefing on what the numerous Army outfits are doing to back up the
front line forces. Without proper supporting units battles can't be won.
Following 17 hours at Taegu the inspection group hopped via plane to
Kwangu, in the southwest corner of Korea, for a good look at the training schools
for the Republic of Korea Army. The Chief of Staff of the Korean Army was my
host at a military review that rivaled any I have ever seen. One must see to
appreciate this superb training program sponsored and guided by our Army officials.
However, without the full cooperation of the South Koreans such a program could
not be successful for it is no easy task to take a man from a rice paddy and
make him an efficient soldier in a relatively short period of time. General
Paik, his staff and the Korean trainees have my highest respect and admiration.
They are not only top-notch soldiers, they are solidly anti-communist.
The last leg of the South Korean trip involved briefings and inspections
in the Pusan area where thousands of tons of our supplies entered the war
theatre. The port of Pusan despite the fabulously heavy burden of troop and
equipment shipments somehow kept everything moving to the GIs to the north.
GERALD
R.FORD
LIBRARY
m
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW - Page 3
re departing for Tokyo we inspected one of the prisoner-of-war camps
where some of the anti-communist North Koreans and Chinese are being temporarily
held prior to being turned over to the Indians under the truce agreement. A
small number of "dyed-in-the-wool" red prisoners were still in the camp and
although at the time they appeared very docile behind the heavy wire their past
records indicated them to beamong the most vicious and ardent Communists.
We were escorted all about the P. W. compound including a visit through
the hospital which has been provided for those needing medical and surgical care.
I talked with the American doctors who have cared for the prisoners day after day.
Regardless of what the Communists may contend, the U. S. has definitely lived up
to and undoubtedly exceeded the standards set by the Geneva agreement on the
care and treatment of PWs. The Communists may eventually howl and scream about
inadequate conditions in our P. W. camps, but from my observations any such
claims would be entirely false.
The trip throughout Korea has been a highlight of the inspection tour.
Cne should stay even longer but time will not permit.
Love to you all,
Jerry
FOR RELEASE September 17, 1953
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
By Gerald R. Ford, Jr.
(This is the fifth letter in a series written by Congresaman Ford
from the Far East to his wife, Betty, and sons, Mike and Jack.)
(Written Tuesday, August 18th
enroute Tokyo to Wake Island)
Dearest Betty, Mike and Jack:
The four days in Japan were as filled with activity as all the others
on the trip. This was my initial landing in Japan, although during World War II
the aircraft carrier on which I served in the Pacific came relatively clese to
the shore on several occasions. It is interesting to compare the impressions one
held in the period 1941 through 1945 with those of 1953.
The first morning in Tokyo included a full briefing by the top man in
the Air Force, General Weyland, who during General Mark Clark's absence has been
acting boss of all Army, Navy and Air Force operations in the Far East. Although
the ground forces have borne the brunt of the fighting in Korea, both in men and
equipment, the Air Force has done a most essential job and done it well. Without
control of the air the GIs on the ground would have found their chores much more
difficult. It was reassuring to find that our Air Force could and did work se
effectively with the ground forces and also to learn that U. S. Marine are wings
and other U. N. air units could operate under the overall command of our Air Foree.
This record is evidence of what can be done under wartime operational conditions.
From this initial briefing our group was subjected to another but this
time from the various officials in the Far East Command which includes Japan,
Korea, and other areas in the vicinity. Subsequently General Harrisen, who did
most of the negotiating with the Chinese Communists on the Korean truce, was our
host at lunch and then for an hour or more afterwards expressed his private ob-
servations and views on problems of the Far East. General Harrison, a West Point
schoolmate of President Eisenhower, is one of the Army's foremost authorities
on the Bible and an ordained minister. It was a rare opportunity to talk with
this fine man who has so recently been locked in almost daily controversy with
the Communist representatives at Panmunjon.
Today when one visits Tokyo or other parts of Japan it is negural to
look for evidence of our U. S. bembings in World War II. Those Americans who were
in Japan right after the war apparently saw ample evidence of the distruction
wrought by our B-29s but today one must actually search to find the remaining
FORD
LIBRARY
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scars. The Japanese apparently accepted the vast damage to their homeland as one
of the inevitable consequences of their military defeat and then plunged into a
rebuilding program with vigor and intelligence. Although there is some limited
evidence of Communist infiltration in Japan the people generally are conservative
and definitely oppose Russian domination of Asia and the Pacific ocean. This
viewpoint coincides with U. S. foreign policy. Isn't it somewhat paradoxical that
8 years after the end of World War II, the victor and vanquished in that mortal
struggle in the Pacific should now see "eye-to-eye" on many basic international
questions.
The four days in Japan included inspection trips to U. S. Army bases
in Yokahama and the surrounding area. One of the most interesting installations is
the highly coordinated automotive rebuild shops where the Army takes the badly
damaged jeeps, the trucks, and all other motor vehicles from Korea and rebuilds
them into practically new equipment. It is amazing to see a really ruined jeep
or 2 1/2-ton truck transformed into a highly serviceable vehicle by the use of
Japanese plants and workers plus the supervision and "know-how" of American
military and civilian personnel. I had frequently heard of this U. S. Vehicle
Rebuild Program in Japan, which everyone said saved millions of dollars, but had
no idea of its magnitude. Until I saw the production schedules and the actual
dollar savings I was more than a little dubious.
One of the final inspections was a "quick-look-see" at the U. S. Naval
Base south of Tokyo. At the termination of World War II when Japan's fleet was
no longer in being our Navy took over this excellent spot for our ships and sailors.
It has been most useful during the Korean War. The U. S. Commanding Officer told
us he has among the Japanese civilian laborers working on the base for Uncle Sam
a number of former admirals in the Japanese Navy. The fortunes of war in this
instance had strange results.
Another highlight of the Tokyo stopover was a conference and luncheon
with the American Ambassador. Our Ambassador to Japan, Mr. John Allison, has had
wide experience in the Far East for many years and consequently was most helpful
in filling in all political and diplomatic details on oriental matters. I should
add that Mrs. Allison, the Ambassador's wife, kindly devoted some time to our
joint shopping tour. Without such aid I'm certain my shopping efforts would have
been most unsuccessful.
We're on our way back. In fact this might arrive after we land in
Washington.
Love to you all,
Jerry
FOR RELEASE September 24, 1953
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW
By Gerald R. Ford, Jr.
The final lap of the 25,000-mile Far East trip, covering a good share of the
Pacific Ocean, included a 24-hour stopover at Hawaii where previously I had spent
some time during World War II with the U. S. Navy. Pearl Harbor, Honolulu and the
surrounding area has changed considerably in the 8-year intervel. Some of the
battle scars of December 7, 1941 still exist as a vivid reminder that our nation
must never again lower its guard as an open invitation for a military attack by
a vicious aggressor, whether it be the Japanese or the Communists. If the Japanese
had known America would recover and fight with all its resources, the attack at
Pearl Harbor undoubtedly would not have been launched. Somewhat similar conditions
prevail today in that if the "Red Bosses" in the Kremlin know that the United States
is strong militarily and will resist expansion and aggression, the Communists will
probably hold their fire.
Incidentally the recent trip to Hawaii has further convinced me that the Con-
gress should approve statehood for the Territory of Hawaii. On the basis of the
sound arguments presented I have voted for such legislation on two occasions in
the past. If the Senate takes favorable action in 1954, shortly thereafter we will
have 49 rather than 48 states in the Union.
The overnight plane trip from Honolulu to San Francisco brought the in-
spection party to Sixth Army Headquarters at the Praesidio for a look at the Army's
defense plans for the west coast. Our western states are perhaps more vulnerable
to attack because of their geographical location, and as a result special planning
is essential in those vital and exposed areas. Our survey indicated that the Army,
Navy and Air Force defense plans, including those against air attack, are proceeding
satisfactorily although there is probably no complete security in this mechanical age.
One of the most serious problems in the Sixth Army area and all other Army
commands is the Reserve Training Program. Frankly, the United States cannot main-
tain a large standing Army comparable to what we had in World War II without the
federal treasury going "broke." The alternative is an Army of reasonable size
bolstered and supported by civilian reservists who can be called to active duty in
any emergency. For some time the Army reserve training program has not been up to
strength. Why? At the moment no one seems to have the answer. Army officals
have tried several plans without success. Congress has enacted various laws to
encourage reservists to participate in weekly drills and summer camp training, but
apparently this legislation is not the answer.
YOUR WASHINGTON REVIEW - Page 2
My briefing on the reserve program on the west coast has convinced me of
this one fact: The Army must put its best minds to work on finding a solution to
this important and perplexing problem, and the Congress in turn must cooperate to
the maximum in implementing any and all sound recommendations. Failure to find
a solution means a standing Army too expensive to support, or an Army inadequate
in size to protect America from Communist aggression.
Since my return to the United States I've had time to reflect a bit on a few
of the broad questions in which all of us are interested. In the past few years
there has been an inordinate emphasis by our government on European problems, both
military and economic. The Pacific area with its vast manpower and natural resource
potential has been comparatively neglected. From my recent experiences it is en-
couraging to see that Secretary of State Dulles is concentrating more on the Far
East, and not treating this vast, underdeveloped area as a "second cousin."
Another point which vividly impressed me was the long range capabilities
of airpower. When you can fly approximately 6600 miles in three rapid hops, the
distance from behind the Iron Curtain to our own shores seems mighty short. No
longer can America consider itself isolated and immune from enemy attack just
because we live a few thousand miles from Europe or Asia. Soviet Russia does have
aircraft capabilities with which to launch an attack on parts of the United States.
As long as this danger is understood, appreciated, and action taken to mairtain
and build our military defense, we have no reason to become hysterical.
Two other general comments before writing "finis" to the story of the trip.
First, our foreign aid programs in the economic sphere in some of the Far Eastern
countries have been badly mismanaged, probably because those in charge were visio-
naries rather than administrators. This situation is being corrected under Mr.
Harold Stassen, the new boss of the Mutual Security, or Foreign Operations Admini-
stration. By better management the same results can be achieved at less cost.
Second, I am convinced the U. S. Army is now doing a good job in emphasizing the
need and necessity for the most economical use of equipment and supplies. Millions
of dollars can be honestly sav ed by such a program, and at the same time strengthen
rather than weaken our military potential.
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