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Gin" EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT BUREAU OF THE BUDGET WASHINGTON, 25, D.C. MAY 3 1945 My dear Mr. Latta: The Congress has enacted H. R. 1701, "To amend section 2, Public Law 140, Seventy-seventh Congress." Public Law 140 of the Seventy-seventh Congress, which was approved June 30, 1941, had for its purpose the giving of certain retirement benefits to enlisted men of the Regular Army and of the Philippine Scouts who, having had at least twenty years' service in the military forces of the United States, had been placed on the retired list by reason of permanent disability received in line of duty. It is the purpose of the bill under consideration to extend the same benefits to persons having the same service and similarly dis- abled, who were retired prior to June 30, 1941, with the provision, however, that no benefits shall have accrued prior to the approval of this measure. A facsimile of the enrolled enactment has been referred to the War Department and the Veterans' dministration, and their replies, interposing no ob ojection to the approval of the bill, are attached. Under ordinary circumstances I would not be inclined to recom- mend approval of retroactive legislation of this character, but since it will apparently affect only a relatively small number of enlisted men, and since the benefit payments are not to be retroactive, I recom- mend that the bill be approved. Very truly yours, characterish Director. Mr. M. C. Latta, The White House. Enclosures: Letters from War Dept. and Veterans' Adm. TRUMAN