Press Release, Correspondence Between President Harry S. Truman and J. A. Krug

IMMEDIATE RELEASE OCTOBER 5, 1945 The President has sent the following letter to Honorable J. A. Krug, accepting his resignation as Chairman of the War Production Board: October 4, 1945 My dear Cap: I have your letter in which you request to be relieved of your responsibilities as Chairman of the War Production Board. It is with regret that I accede to your wishes and accept your resignation as Chairman, effective at the close of business on November 3, 1945. You have earned the thanks of the Nation -- indeed of the United Nations -- for an epic achievement in industrial production. During the critical months which have ensued since you assumed duties, first as Acting Chairman, and now for more than a year as Chairman, the results have been little short of miraculous. The prodigious tasks which have been performed by American industry under your leadership are reflected in the capitulation of our enemios in unconditional surrender. For the magnificent work that you have done I desire to express the Nation's gratitude. As we go into the reconversion period, we shall like to think that we can call upon you from time to time for the counsel which you can give us out of your great experience. Very sincerely yours, TRUMAD NARA May HARRY S. TRUMAN Following is the text of Mr. Krug's letter of resigna- tion: September 25, 1945 My doar Mr. President: The War Production Board has taken action to carry out the program outlined in your letter of August 9 and in Executive Order No. 9599 of August 18, 1945. By September 30 most of the restrictions will be removed that affect the flow of materials and utilization of facilities required for orderly reconversion. There will remain a few controls essential to a sound distribution of materials which remain in short supply or necessary to expanding the production of such materials or their pro- curement through imports. To continue this program we now have a Bureau of Reconversion within the War Production Board. A Bureau of Demobilization has also been established with responsibility for winding up the functions of the War Production Board which are no longer necessary. The job for which the War Production Board was created is about completed. By November 1, 1945 the transitional responsibilities will be woll in hand and operated by a small nucleus organization under the direc- tion of competent personnel prepared to serve as long as shall be necessary. (OVER)