Press Release, Correspondence Between President Harry S. Truman and General Robert M. Littlejohn

436 #1393 IMMEDIATE RELEASE S NOVEMBER 21, 1947 The President has sent the following letter to General Robert M. Littlejohn, accepting his resignation as Administrator of the War Assets Administrations "Dear General Littlejohn: I have your recent letter requesting that you be allowed to resign as Administrator of the War Assets Administration. In view of the splendid record that you have made in the dis- posal of surplus property, and the fact that you have brought your organization to a point where the prompt and efficient disposal of remaining surplus is assured in the future, I feel that it is now possible for me to accede to your request. I therefore reluctantly relievo you of your present responsibili ties, as of the close of business on November 28, 1947. As Administrator of the War Assets Administration, you have carried out your difficult task not only with ability, but with tact and discretion, It is greatly to your credit that during the last difficult months of reconversion, war surpluses were disposed of in such a manner as to avoid undue strains upon the domestic economy. At the same time, the process was speeded whereby businessmen, farmers, workers, students and veterans were enabled to make rapid adjustments to the requirements of TRUMAIN peace. NARA I know that at times there arose, in connection with the administration of the law, complex problems that affected vital segments of our economy. Your solutions were invariably guided by the principle that the wisest course to follow is the one that benefits the American people as a whole. I aufonte Please accept my warm personal thanks, and the thanks of the country which you have served so we. over so long a period, for a good job woll done, of Very sincerely yours, as HARRY S. TRUMAN" Following is the text of General Littlejohn's letter to the President: rotrM "Doar Mr. President: Pursuant to our convorsation of some weeks ago, I request that my resignation as Administrator of War Assets Administra- tion becomo effective November 28, 1947. When I accepted the appointment as Administrator, War Assets Administration, you directed that surplus property be disposed of 'honestly and expeditiously¹. The record shows that this has been done. The credit for this accomplishment is due to the good people who make up the War Assets Administration, A few Army and Navy officers have worked with me in the War Assets Administration since July 1946. They have rendered exceptional service in the disposal of surplus property because of their knowledge of Governmental organization and procedures, as woll as technical knowledge of the supplies handled. To them, I am most grateful. (OVER)