White House Press Release, Message of President Harry S. Truman to the United States House of Representatives

IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 1, 1948 The President today sent the following letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives: The Speaker of the House of Representatives Sir: In my address to the Congress on March 17, 1948, I stated that we need an adequate and balanced military strength to carry out our purpose of achieving peace in the world. To accomplish this objective, a limited increase in our national security program is required. As one element in building up our strength to the necessary level, I am transmitting herewith for the considera- tion of the Congress a draft of a proposed provision for a contract authorization of $375,000,000 for the Treasury Depart- ment, in the form of an amendment to the Budget for the fiscal year 1949. This contract authorization is required to permit the Bureau of Federal Supply to enter into long-term contracts3 for strategic and critical materials SO as to increase the supply available for stoc piling and other essential needs. The details of this proposed provision, the necessity therefor, and the reason for its submission at this time are set forth in the letter of the Director of the Bureau of the Budget, transmitted herewith, in whose comments and observa- tions thereon I concur. In addition, I have authorized the Secretary of Defense to prepare detailed estimates for additional appropriations totaling $3,000,000,000 for the Military Establishment for the fiscal year 1949. While almost every part of our military program will be affected by the proposed increase, the additions may be grouped in five categories: NARA First, $775,000,000 for the requirements for added military personnel, such as pay and allowances, subsistence, clothing, and medical care. Second, $775,000,000 for the rocurement of aircraft, aircraft components and aviation research and development. This amount includes $465,000,000 for the Air Force and $310,000,000 for naval aviation. Third, $860,000,000 for maintenance and operation of facilities and equipment, including their rehabilitation and reactivation where necessary. Fourth, $500,000,000 for procurement and production programs, including procurement planning, prototype and pilot orders, equipment modernization and materiel improvement. Fifth, $90,000,000 for other requirements, such as research and development ( other than air), civilian components, administrative and contingent expenses. Expenditures under these appropriations in the fiscal year 1949 are estimated at $1,700,000,000. (OVER)