Letter from John R. Steelman to Representative Lindley Beckworth with Related Note

steel FILED BY DR. STEELMAN JUL 29 1952 stul May 26, 1952 Dear Congressman: x I am returning the letter from Mr. Hart which you forwarded to me. # The President's action in seizing the steel mills was for one purpose, and one purpose only, the maintenance of uninterrupted production of steel necessary for Korea and the defense build-up. Seizure is admittedly a drastic measure and as the President has said repeatedly, operation of the steel mills by the Government is thoroughly distasteful to him. The seizure action was taken only because the other alternatives were even less desirable. X101-B The President believed that be was acting within the powers of the President under the Constitution to act to preserve the safety of the nation. The constitutional issue is now before the Supreme Court, I am sure that Mr. Hart wants the facts on the steel controversy se for that reason I am attaching copies of two documents dealing with the President's action. You may want to send these documents to Mr. Hart when you reply to his letter. Sincerely, Attachments - Mr. Har t's letter to the Congressman, copy of President's message to Congress 4/9/52 re steel, copy President's letter to Mr. Casey Honorable Lindley Beckworth Jones dated 4/27/52 U. 8. House of Hep esentatives Washington 25, D. C. HLEnarson/ekm HE