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NATIONAL CABINET MEETING, NOVEMBER 14, 1947 ARCHIVES AND RECORDS SERVICE" THE PRESIDENT Asked Gen Marshall to give report on the foreign aid hearings in Congress. STATE Senate was very friendly but House Committee took him down a lot of side streets with reference to China, Communism, etc. Opposition does not take stand on what we are trying to do but how we are going to do it. Thinks Taft's fumbling is working out to our advantage. HARRIMAN Did not have much trouble with the Committees. Senate was not as intelligent in its questions as the House due to fact SO many House mem- bers have been overseas. Had similar reaction as Gen Marshall. House was strong for buying out side of U. S. which should prove helpful. Cong. Herter has raised question as to amount of grain which can be made avail- able. Anderson will have to answer. ANDERSON Can take care of that situation OK. Has called all groups inter- locked with farm economy together to get behind the drive to conserve grain - control rats, etc. - It was most promising and thinks conference will produce results. THE PRESIDENT Has decided to ask for price controls on fuel - food - clothing - rent - in Message to Congress. Can't go down with a half-baked program. MARSHALL Brought up difficulty in maintaining staff and facilities in Mos- COW Embassy due to restriction on imports of supplies and exorbitant cost of food & other commodities in Moscow. Cost is 10 times that in U. S. It has been recommended that Soviet representation in U. S. be reduced to same number as we have in Russia (They have 850 in U. S. We have 150 in Moscow) if Russia does not make satisfactory adjustments. Up to now our Ambassador has been able to get no relief. Question is raised as to whether Smith should do it with Molotov or whether Marshall should do it at London meeting.