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OCR Page 1 of 2DIARY
Book 345
January 4 - 7, 1941
- & -
Book Page
Allison Engineering Company
See Var Conditions: Airplanes (Engines)
"America First"
See Federal Bureau of Investigation
Appointments and Resignations
Gulick, Luther:
Salary supplementation by foundations frowned
upon: Sullivan memorandum - 1/7/41
345
306
McGrath, Joseph (Collector of Customs, Boston):
McCormack (Congressman) told there is no
thought of dismissal - 1/6/41
94,138
Odegard, Peter (Professor, Amherst): Reporting
to Treasury January 8, 1941
48
- B -
Banking
Transferring Checking Accounts of Banks to Post
Office (100% Reserve Plan): Haas memorandum -
1/6/41
194
Bullitt, William C.
Address before International Relations Club,
University of North Carolina - 1/7/41
252
Business Conditions
Hass memorandum on situation for week ending
January 4, 1941
102
- C -
Canada
See War Conditions: Export Control
China
See War Conditions
Cooper, Jere (Congressman)
See Ingram, Rice A.
- D -
Duffield, Bugene 8. (Wall Street Journal)
Early asks Secret Service to investigate source
of Duffield story that Hillman vas to be given
no authority; HMJr thoroughly opposed - 1/6/41.
57
a) HMJr apologizes - - 1/7/41
301
- È -
Emergency Relief
Consolidation of Treasury accounting and disbursing
offices in Albany, New York, to be explained
to Farley, Wagner, and Mead - 1/6/41
65
Export Control
See War Conditions
- 1 -
Book Page
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Ileas memoranda - 1/6-7/41
345 133,273
m) "America First" connection with German
and Senator Wheeler's wife reported
Foundations
Supplements to Treasury salaries frowned upon:
Sullivan memorandum - 1/7/41
306
- G -
Greece
See Var Conditions
Gulick, Luther
See Appointments and Resignations
- I - -
Hungary
See War Conditions: Foreign Funds Control
- I -
Ingram, Rice A. (Secret Service)
Congressman Jere Cooper discusses with HMJr - 1/7/41
284
a) Gaston asked to look into
283
International Telephone and Telegraph Company
See War Conditions: Foreign Funds Control (Roumania)
- L -
Latin America
South American Orders: FDR recommends committee for
pre-clearance action - 1/4/41
1
Rockefeller report. - 1/6/41
126
Lend-Lease Legislation
See War Conditions
- X -
McGrath, Joseph (Collector of Customs, Boston)
See Appointments and Resignations
Mowrer, Edgar Ansel (Chicago Daily News)
See War Conditions: Foreign Funds Control
- 0 -
Odegard, Peter (Professor, Amherst)
See Appointments and Resignations
Office of Production Management
Order establishing - 1/6/41
295
a) Statement by members
205
b) Duffield story - 1/6/41
67,301
- ? -
Book Page
Post Office
Transferring Checking Accounts of Banks to Post
Office (100% Reserve Plan): Heas memorandum -
1/6/41
345
194
- R -
Roosevelt, Franklin D.
Message to Congress - 1/6/41
IS
Roumania
See War Conditions: Foreign Funds Control
- S -
Secret Service
See also Duffield, Eugene S.
Ingram, Rice A: Congressman Jere Cooper discusses
with HMJr - 1/7/41
284
a) Gaston asked to look into
283
Smith, Tom I.
Son's draft status discussed with HMJr - 1/7/41
274
Spain
See War Conditions
- T -
Treasury (Albany, New York)
Consolidation of emergency relief accounting and
disbursing offices to be explained to Farley,
Wagner, and Mead - 1/6/41
65
- U -
Unemployment Relief
Work Projects Administration report for week ending
December 25, 1940
118
U.S.S.R.
See War Conditions: Foreign Funds Control
United Kingdom
See War Conditions: Military Planning
War Conditions
Airplanes:
Engines:
Allison Engineering Company: Deliveries - 1/6/41
165
P-40 Pursuit Planes: British negotiations discussed
by Young, Wright, and Vaughan - 1/7/41
263
China:
"Scuttling Shanghai" (withdrawing support from
national yuan) decried in American Consul General
report - 1/6/41
115
Central Reserve Bank opens - 1/6/41
137,281
a) Japanese consular officer disclaims official
knowledge of regulations - - 1/7/41
282
- w - (Continued)
Book
Page
War Conditions (Continued)
Exchange market resume - 1/4/41, etc.
348
6,122,270
Export Control:
Meeting of Mazwell's Advisory Committee: Young
memorandum - 1/6/41
92-A
a) Proposed proclamations presented: export
licenses on all exports to Canada (with
exception of aras, ammunition, and var
materiel) to be eliminated; copper, brass,
etc., to be brought under export control
0) Miles discusses var situation: economic
warfare "met run parallel with military
warfare"
c) Maxwell refers to meeting as first one
of "policy" committee
Export of petroleum products, scrap iron and scrap
steel from United States to Japan, Imasia,
Spain, and Great Britain, as shown by departure
permite granted for week ending January 4, 1941
166
Foreign Funds Control:
General over-all control: "National" defined by
Foley and Wiley in connection with proposed
Executive Order - 1/6/41
23,24
Hungary:
Transactions with National City Bank and Guaranty
Trust Company - 1/6/41
124
Mowrer, Edgar Ansel (Chicago Daily News): To be
asked by Kuhn not to write, story stating that
Treasury 1s considering freezing all foreign
funds - 1/7/41
304
a) HWr releases Mowrer - 1/10/41:
See Book 346, page 440
Roumania:
IT&T (International Telephone and Telegraph
Company): FDR "has approved in principle
proposed release of funde"; Hull, therefore,
sees no reason why license should not be
granted
a) Discussion at 9:30 zeeting - 1/6/41
44
b) American Legation, Bucharest, reports
final signing of contracts - 1/6/41
133
U.S.S.R.:
Reported transfer of $15 million by U.S.S.R. to
Reichsbank not supported by Treasury records -
1/6/41
139
a) SMJr discusses with Smith (Budget Bureau).
97
b) Federal Reserve Bank of New York
memorandum - 1/7/41
275
Greece:
Resume of military supplies situation - 1/6/41
167
a) FDR sees Greek Minister: promises his 60
fighting planes; HKJr asks Stimson and Knox
for assistance in fulfilling promise: Hull
informed - 1/7/41
290
- V - (Continued)
Book Page
War Conditions (Continued)
Lend-Lease Legislation:
Copy of memorandum and statute taken to White
Rouse for discussion with FDR - 1/6/41
345
171
Order establishing Office of Production
Management - 1/6/41
206
a) Statement by members
205
b) Duffield story - 1/6/41
67,301
Interim program pending passage of legislation
by Congress to be studied by HMJr, Stimson,
Knox, Jones, Knudsen, and Hillman - 1/7/41
263
a) Statement of British requirements as
given to HMJr by Purvis
268
Military Planning:
Reports from London transmitted by Butler -
1/4/41, etc
14,310,313
Var Department bulletin: German and Italian
bombs - notes on - 1/6/41
197
Purchasing Mission:
See also Var Conditions: Lend-Lease Legislation
Assets:
Amounts to be studied by Walter Stewart 80
that he can answer Congressional questions
as to why they are not larger - 1/6/41
62
Enforced sale protested by Lehman Brothers,
Dillon Read Investment Trust, and Lazard
Freres Investment Trust
a) Frank and HMJr discuss - 1/7/41
212
Interim program, pending passage of legislation
by Congress, to be studied by HMJr, Stimson,
Knox, Jones, Knudsen, and Hillman - 1/7/41
265
a) Statement of British requirements as given
to HMJr by Purvis
268
Shipping:
Immobilized Shipping: FDR telle Cabinet HMJr
will handle situation" when Knox offers to man
ships with United States crews; Cabinet decides
"to let entire situation die down" - 1/6/41
40
Spain:
Loan to Spain for food supplies opposed by
Tahuda (Professor) - 1/4/41
2
Work Projects Administration
See Unemployment Relief
- Y -
Tahuda, 1. S. (Professor)
See War Conditions: Spain
TO:
Photostatic copies
ofthis went to
D. Bell
Foley
Thompson
Graves
young
From: LT. COMDR. McKAY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 4, 1941
The Honorable
The Secretary of the Treasury
Dear Mr. Secretary:
I wish to acknowledge receipt of your
letter of December 19 outlining the work of your informal
committee. I think that your report is quite complete and
thank you for it.
Mr. Knudsen informs no that your clearance
procedure for foreign orders will in the future be amended
to provide for priority rating on the item in question. As
to orders for South America, arrangements are being nade to
provide necessary spare parts for aircraft without delay;
and in conference with Mr. Nelson Rockefeller, it was decided
to clear promptly all items not on the emergency list and
apply priority ratings only to aircraft and motors, industrial
and electrical machinery, chemical end petroleum products,
textiles, and arms and ramitions of all kinds. This leaves
then for South American orders only the cuestion of policy to
be handled in advance of clearances, and it is my suggestion
that this be done through a committee consisting of one reure-
sentative each from the State Department South Anerican Liairon
Body, Export License Control, and the Treasury.
Cordially yours,
Kimble Musevel
Thank him fer letter say always
From Professor A.S.Yahuda.
glad to Aan forms flims
12, Stockton Street,
Princeton,
2
how this Swilus (Kulur Kuhu
New Jersey.
January 4th.1941.
Dear Mr Morgenthau,
When I was in Tashington some weeks ago, I
regretted that owing to your absence, I was deprived of the oppor-
tunity of seeing you. Whilst there I had talks with various per-
sonalities, among them Mr Ickes and Mr Berle, about the proposed
loan to Spain for food supplies.
I was very glad to observe that some of the
people I spoke to were in accord with me in opposing a policy of
appeasement, and that even those who were inclined towards such a
policy, admitted that the arguments advanced by me, deserved some
consideration.
I see that that schome is still being debated and
I should like to observe that both sides: Suñer, the accomplice and
tool of the Nazis, and the bulk of the army, who is opposed to any
Nazi penetration of Spain, expect their salvation from the food
supplies. Suner and the Falangists who were afraid to encourage
Hitler to let his army go through a hungry Spain and an army living
in the most precarious conditions, hope that by feeding the hungry,
Hitler will be at ease to risk the passage of his army through Spain
to Gibraltar and thence further to North Africa. On the other hand
the army hopes that by pledging Franco not to go with the Naziz as
Regraded Unclassified
Mr Vergenthau
2.
3
88 & condition for American help, the army will be able to keep
Hitler's hordes outside the borders of Spain.
I am still apposed to this policy particularly 1) because
& hungry population and 8. badly fed army are a deterrent to to the
Ritler-Suner invasion plan; and the best nursery for the revolution-
ary germs against the dictatorship; and 2f because any concession to
Spain will encourage the appeasers in America and the Hoover-Humani-
tarianists to divide public opinion on defense measures. But it seems
smin
that the sympathizers of feeding, are in a stronger position. im/Epañ.
Now if America is determined to adopt their viewpoint in-
spite of the failure of all appeasement attempts, it should at least
be utilised to strengthen the position of those circles of the Span-
ish army who are against Suner and, and to some extent, also against France
It is known in Spanish quarters that the Minister of War Varela and
the generals Yague and Arranda have intimated to Franco their reso-
TO RESIST
lute decision, any attempt of German invasion. It is also known that
the Commander of Algeciras is not at all in favour of a German march
against Gibraltar as he, like many other Spaniards, realises that a
German occupation of the British Rock would be more dangerous to
Spain than the British as neighbours.
It is possible that 8. discreet and cautious approach to
such men would provide some guarantee for frustrating the Suner and
Hitler plans. But I must repeat again that at the same time the
Spanish Governement must be asked to give America all the available
coal and minerals (copper, mercury etc) as part payment for the food,
not so much because America is in need of them, but to prevent their
Regraded Unclassified
Mr Morgenthau
3.
4
being sent to Germany and to secure in some way a part payment which
otherwise could never be expected from a bankrupt Spain.
AS to Suner's position in Franco's Cabinet: I may add to my
previous information that his main object in taking in his hands the
Office of Foreign Affairs, was not only to oust his predecessor, be-
cause he turned anti-Nazi after he realised the true sims of Hitler,
the efforts of
but more probably to hamper/the Spanish Ambassador in London, the
Duque de Alba, to keep Spain out of war. The Duque, who has Scottish
royal blood in his veins, was always pro-British and not a great lover
of the Nazis, especially since German bombers destroyed his beautiful
Liria palace in Madrid with Its worid-renowned paintings and Manue-
scipts, among which there was a most precious illuminated Bible, val-
ued at a million dollars. of course, the Nazis charged the communists
with having committed that vandalism; but the Duque knew better to
whom it was due.
It may be that these facts and many others are known to you;
and as a matter of fact I was hesitating whether I should write to
you; but your kind appreciation of my previous information encouraged
me to bring some of the facts known to me to your notice.
In conclusion I should like to inform you that I was all the
time in close contact with my Spanish and other friends, and hope that
something concrete may be achieved in connection with the formation of
8. united front of eminent Emigres against Fascien and Bacion, especials
in Latin America, which I was advocating since I arrived in this countr
Very sincerely your
A.L.Yahura
Regraded Unclassified
more
5
P.S.
Under separate cover I as sending you a copy of my bast
book The Accuracy of the Bible as a token of my admira-
tion of the great work you are accomplishing in helping
your great President to check the oppressor nations and
to bring back to a harassed world liberty and human rights.
May the New year bring you happiness and good health to
continue your work.
to
A.S.Y.
of was
ASTUE 1829 Be Leise
Date The food
2 YES may came 90 observe But LVDE we the
events - spoke LO CODE in gooding ⑉156 26 in spotting policy 11
will 80% SINCE Director York Instinal terms with &
advitied HAS the General les may security WHAT
coosideration.
1 IN SINKA list uses Le mills below e-Wated see
X should like Co signature these with (be - not
cash of the Mabia, and Ost Bulk at the 1007,200 Lg - $ son
permissive w Spain, there nine Ima Live foot
main Sext bill the and no affile La encount
JINES X KV90 a hungry Spash and ME (city drive
in We Dugs das 2. We holders,
no too provide theough System
10 9a - OF the which new
the MM as
FOR Mise Chausesy
6
TREASURY DEPARTMENT
INTER OFFICE COMMUNICATION
DATE January 4. 1941
TO
Secretary Morgenthau
CONFIDENTIAL
FROM Mr. Cochran
Registered sterling transactions of the reporting banks were as follows:
Sold to commercial concerns
127,000
Purchased from commercial concerns 129,000
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York sold £15,000 in registered sterling to
R: non-reporting bank.
Open market sterling VAB steady at 4.03-3/4. There were no reported trans-
actions.
Except for an improvement in the Cuban peso, the other currencies experienced
little change. Closing quotations were:
Canadian dollar
14% discount
Swies franc
.2321
Swedish krons
.2385
Reichemark
.4005
Lira
.0505
Argentine peso (free)
.2360
Brazilian milreis (free)
.0505
Mexican peso
.2066
Cuban peso
8-1/4% discount
Chinese yuan
.05-9/16
We sold $1,000,000 in gold to the Bank of Portugal, to be added to ite eermarked
account.
The Federal Reserve Bank reported that the Central Bank of El Salvador repaid
$70,000 of the three-month loans previously made to it by the Federal. Upon repayment,
the Federal transferred $71,061.42 worth of gold from the collateral account to the
Salvadorean bank's own earmarked account. The amount of loans outstanding is now
$577,000, secured by $989,579.61 in gold.
The State Department forwerded to us a cable stating that the Commonwealth
Bank of Australia in Sydney shipped $10,470,000 in gold from Australia to the Federal
Reserve Bank of San Francisco. The disposition of this shipment is unknown at the
present time. In the nast such gold has been sold to the San Francisco Mint upon
arrival, with part of the proceeds of the sale being credited to the British account,
and part to the Australian account.
No gold or silver prices were received from Bombay today.
NMP
7
(Copied from a strictly confidential message showed by Mr.
Pinsent of the British Embassy to Mr. Cochran in the Treasury
at 11:45 a.m., January 4, 1941.)
Telegram from London dated December 30, 1940.
Confidential information from F informant]
suggests that the New Wang Ching Wei Central Bank hopes
to obtain backing of its propose II "ed" omitted note
issue by tapping exchange resources of the Chinese Stabili-
sation Fund with the Chinese National currency F collected]
in the puppet area and sent to Shanghai. They claim that
50,000,000 dollars Chinese, initially at disposal of this
Bank, have already been exchanged into American dollars.
This information (for what it is worth) my be
of interest to Mr. Morgenthau.
da
B - Jenuary 4, 1341.
8
War Plant Amortization
Looms as 'Hill' Issue
By CHARLES 1 LICET
Congress may be asked soon to amend that part of the Excess Profits Tax Act
of 1940 which permits short-term amortization, for tax purposes, of the cost of
new plants built for national defense duction.
The tips over amortimion VM one
DUES APPROVED PLAS
of the that of the last 1
Organ, with the Treasury and the
22 et A I X # If
required mal unler of for
National Delete Advisory Commission
S. Emailer, of the Deleme Consis-
tenking the Die-par anthin
disapreting - reveral polots.
- may a - of felense
provides to cases where they found
Anotiation is the device by which
officials the - that the knothe-
their DES plants, belave the my be
represtion, in computing taxes, take
tion and - pub tax chould be
to to E of this loss
an sond credit for the depreciation
handled tapther
Zip If 1
of their plants Ordinarily this credit
Treasury officials is buse clarified
Syme andern a believe to
apint tatable Income - be good
their partian B the guestion of Gon-
be reasoning that tax rates be
over many your Be many var
unted, the the energency,
hiper In a few years, and that and-
materials plants will be unders, or
of plants bult especially for delense
ing the smortintion our a know
relatively so, when the present ear-
They at to beter sught Govern-
period might be besae
met enstrol - plants finance en-
of this,
pricy passes.
tirely to printe cigital-s position
CAN It ACCULERATED
which, - the minunderstand-
the act of 1940 provides that
If I If I 3 x M.
emperations building Drw plants becau-
Only where the Government rém-
sity for defense may amortive the and
& I 1 # Tax
= the years, that is, they may sib-
bis instruct In a delense plant.
Ind spe-fifth of the cod. from their
Transy afficials as, du they but
taxable income to each of those years.
that provision be made by statute for
The corporation - choose, after
Government entral of the plant after
bilding arb a plant, whether to
the The Deleme Commis-
over the short route or the
size styled that disposition of the
normal, longer period. If # wishes to
plant should be hundled not by statute
morth quickly, # must obtain a
but in each Informational emiract This
"certificate of prossity" from the
was the method intually simpted
Government.
Treasury the also derry ever
However, = is provided that after
blocking $ extal plan
Per of If the corporation wishes
to ought by the Day Department -
take advantage of five-year amortian-
1331 as a - priminary to ar-
tim = must get this certificate before
beleration of the 1 top building
rather than after, building the plant,
propram, Is striste for tax
Drime officials, = is learned, may
I E I In If the
propose to Ompress that this provision
computer of - under the law
be replaced by are allowing 16. certain
limiting shipibulding This -
time Init, perhaps 90 days in which
let, = in entired 925 disposed of
to such such = certificate after & plant
I 4d 1 # - Eng 30
11 Я I
systemached be Trustry, and bining
As - matter of fact, only a fraction)
delays vialere.
of the expected number of manufac-
The Treatry's to -
tom are taking advantage of theme
in slowing geld Ber
short tem amortization.
transacy immived de-
n VM charged last year that delay
printe is sin shown, officials
in passing & short term amortination
- by "tising" agreemia
last, this certain assurances to -
I 1 I #
terts in arros plants that
The OR has Par Arms Mandae-
= - be be, had held back
de-
baring Co. for instance, has term il-
- The Treasury VIS criticine
for
I 9 I per 5 a #
I 20 2 THE
the
y 1 paid 18 1 N a
exts profiles tax, Instead of favoring
dies until my for defere wet This
specify exclust of a special amerti-
done In compution perio-
law.
able = cirtain Greennt others
Government dering the
NEW YORK WORLD-TEL.BIRAM - December 30, 1040.
9
U.S. Plants Still Work
On Outmoded Planes
Latest Type Craft Only Now
Beginning to Come Off Lines
By CHARLES T. LUCEY,
World-Telsgram Stall Writer.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 30.-It is becoming plain that
William S. Knudsen's jarring admission of B. 30 per cent
lag in plane production, and his "terrible urgency" warn-
inf. did not come too soon or go too far.
Be did not tell the complete Where could France get these
story. He did bot say, for exam-planes He feared that Freich
pil. that today. 16 months after industry was not geared to Do-
Warsaw was bombed almost off duce planes, especially engines, in
the map. and six months after the numbers needed to match
the break-through at Sedan. that Germany. England had its own
Arberican aircraft industry is still
hands full. So, the planes would
préducing outmoded planes.
have to come from the United
Planes are still coming off the
States.
prot action lines without self-seal-
It was only a short time until
= gasoline tanks, revolving tur-
Mr. Bullict and M. Monnet were
retal tall guns, pilot armor, and
laying the case before President
with armainent short of European
Roosevelt.
standards.
They found the President com-
Yesterday's Planes.
pletely sympathetic, He believed
These, say government officials
that expansion of U. 8. plane
321 yesterday's planes. Today's
production capacity, growing out
clanes are Just beginning to come
of French orders, would be of
from the factories.
military benefit to this country.
Bewever, serious as the 30 per
Takes Up the Fight.
xmi The is. Washington is coming
The President directed M. Mon-
la addit that if the Bitish and
net. to Secretary of the Treasury
had not come, into
the
Morgenthau, and the next night,
D. 5. Dane market two years ago.
AC n dinner in the Morgenthau
arts but millions to expand pro-
home in Washington, M. Monnet
duction facilities, the situation
again described the problem.
would be even more acute.
In Secretary Morgenthau the
The matter of warplanes for ex-
French, and later the British
port has been a. subject of con-
found a man who took up their
treversy ever since the day in
fight.
January. 1929. when a two-engine
The plane procurement job
bomber crashed 5 California,
might have been handled as rou-
killing its American pilot and in-
tine-a few minutes from Mr.
juring A French military observer.
Morgenthau's time when he could
A knowledge of the story of
spare it from Treasury duties: $
French and British plane buying
conference squeezed in here and
in this country. never fully told,
there. The President didn't want
15 becessary to an understanding
that kind of job. and Mr. Morgen-
of the defense problems the
that made the cause his own.
United States faces.
Today Mr. Morgenthau and
That story began Oct. 1. 1938.
those around him say events have
after Premier Daladier returned
shown how right he was-that
to Paris from the signing of the
two-thirds of present American
Manich Pact. He lunched with
airplane-factory capacity was
Jean Monnet, banker, and Wil-
built because of French and Brit-
tax C. Bullitt, United States Am-
ish orders.
besador to France
Mr. Morgenthau did everything
Expected War.
possible to enable M. Monne to
Daladier knew Hitler meant
make a survey of what the Fresch
#12. Prance must get ready at
could expect. The study cign-
once. Daladier was thinking in
pleted, M. Monnet returned to
terms
of
air
power,
and
he
said
France. But there he found that
across the table:
opposition to plane purchases in
had had 3000 or acceptive country was already being
planes there would have been DO heard.
Memich
Regraded Unclassified
WASHINGTON DAILY NEWS - December 31, 1940.
10
Estimate'4) Plane Production at 17,000
Foreign Orders Tripled
U.S. Plane Production
By CHARLES T. LOCEY
American industry in the last two years has turned out 2500 military airplanes for
the British and French. France alone, before its collapse, laid $95,000,000 on the
line for planes and for factories to build planes. Britain, after learning it could
not fight a cheap war, poured tena of millions into
United States aircraft plants
These foreign orders have been the The United States built 1020
III-
represented his atticude and the of
chief factor in tripling American tary planes in the first half of
300
Secietary Morgenthsu: The French
duction of military aircraft in two when France was beginning to ame
wished to buy airplanes here: mole of
years. This increased factory capacity into the market. Production was up
the aircraft plants were virtually clound
has been eited repeatedly by President only to 1112 in the last half. But and
for lack of orders; here was en oppor-
Roosevelt as being of immense impor-
the first half of 1940, with France cry-
tunity to get them going and expand
Lance to this country's DWD defense.
Ing for help, cutput went to 2273. In
production capacity.
According to the United Press, avia-
the last six months production valid
The uproar subsided, for the most
tion experts estimated today that be-
about 3600.
part, and negotiations went on.
twoen 16,000 and 17,000 military alt-
Jean Monnet, Premier Daladier's
ENGINE-MAKING JUMPS
craft-more than double the output of
representative, had come to this eoun-
1940-will be built in the United Stales
In the spring of 1939, American tn-
try first in October, 1938, 3 month after
in 1041.
dustry could build 400 engines a month
Munich. After learning what the
They also estimated that between
or the 1200-borsepower type used in
United States plane Industry might be
35,000 and 20,000 plane engines will
fast fighter planes. In the spring of
able to do, be returned to Paris. He
come off assembly lines in the next 12
1040, before this country's own defense
was back with 5 mission in December.
months
program YM really roiling, it could
and in the next three morlths 800 to
That la the bist that can be-done in
build 2000 such engines a month.
900 planes INVEICE ordered from Curtuse
1941, the experts say, unless some short-
Officials of the Treasury. where Sec-
Wright, North American, Douglas and
cut plan is found feasible to bring other
relary Morgetithau directed the job of
Martin That completed the first
industrial facilities, such as auto plants,
British-French
Jane procurement
phase of French buying
into quick production.
handed him by the President, eite this
SECOND PHASE
The plane estimate exclude figures
quickening of pace
as
evidence
of
the
for adveral thousand other planes that
soundness
of
Mr.
Morgenthay's
fight
The second phase began will) the 10-
will a built next year and which could
for this program.
varion of Poland. Boon the United
be quickly converted for Haison and
When the French tried to buy planes
States Neutrality Act had boen
photographic work. The engine esti-
here they found that the best had not
amended in a special session of Con-
mate is for motors of 1000 borsepower
been produced in substantial numbers
gress, and that opened the way to
or more.
Secretary Morgenthau's task was to
buge French orders, particularly for
According to the Aeronautical Cham-
bring the French mission and the plane
plane engines. Deliveries of the ELENT
ber of Commerce, there is now 22.500,-
manufacturers together, and he was
planes ordered began to come along
000 square feet of productive floor space
determined from the first that there
very slowly. late in 1939.
in plane Inctories. There are under
were to be no sky-high profits at
The British and French pooled their
construction new plants with 22,600,000
Prench expense.
purchasing efforts early in 1040, and
square feet,
Those were heclic days for the
appealed to the United States to do
French and the manufacturers, and
everything possible quickly.
PEAK IN AUGUST
for the Government officials who at
Secretary Morgenthau surned his
The experts say at is their conserva-
Mr. Roosevelt's instance were trying to
fullest energy to the job. He went to
Live conclusion that the peak of pro-
bring them together. Meetings would
the Allison engine plant at Indianape-
duction would be resched by August,
last all day at the Treasury, then ad-
11s, was shown but 5. single completeo
1941. Then aircraft factories should be
journ to & hotel and go on far into
engine in the whole plant. and ne-
turning out planes at the rate of 1750
the night Time and again Treasury
tugried to impress on Alfred Sloarf of
1 month, they may. Defense Production
officials were called from their homes
o Ineral Motors the need for (i)
Chief William 8. Koudsen calimates
at night toto 5 roomful of tense, weary
eritine output General Motors 992
present production at about 700 plunes
men who had bugged down in their
m into the plant.
a month
negotiations
From this time on the accent waston
The experts say #750 planes should
be buill in the last five months of
There was no publicity, Not until a
speed.
1941,
bomber ertahed in California with a
Engine production, according to the
French military observer aboard was
best private estimates available, la now
the gist of the story known generally
1950 a month. All, however, cannot be
The resultant Uproar on Capitol HILL
lind) immediately nince to the case of
was terrifie.
one
particular type of engine the re-
Congressmen demanded to know
Rects in role is high Experts expect
whether this country's most valliable
the butput to be doubled when facill-
military secreta were being divulged 3
Lies DOW under construction are ready,
Primot Why FM the Treasury carry-
stan probably in August.
ing the ball, and why did the War De-
In the last Five months of 1941. en-
partment know an little about TLF
strie production La expected to be 19.500.
President Roomvett provided what
Regraded Unclassified
NEW YORK WORLD-TELEGRAM - Jamary 2, 1941.
11
U.S. and Britain Speed
American Output Through
Agreeing on Stabilization
By CHARLES T. LUCEY.
World-Telegram Staff Correspondent.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 2-An agreement on standard-
ization of the Curtis P-40, one of America's fastest fight-
ing planes, is making possible the delivery of about 200
more of these ships to Great Britain this winter than had
been anticipated, defense officials revealed today.
Curtles has produced the P-40'
with the Allison "C" Hquid-cooled
Both Mr. Koudsen and Secre-
engine, but recently has been pre-
tary of the Treasury Morgenthau
paring to produce the P-40D.
have contended that too many
which takes the faster Allson "P"
different types of planes are be-
engine.
ing made. Both have devoted
Britain has been trying to get
much time to standardiration.
all the svailable at DDCC.
One recent study showed that
The Army has been trying to get
the 1200-borsepower Model 1830
production 8 the P-4AD.
engine, made by Pratt & Whitney.
Mearth 10 Planes a Day.
has been produced in SETTO types
Some time ago William 8. Knud-
-three for the Army, two for the
sen. defense production director:
Navy and two for Britain.
Brig. Gen. Arnold, army air corps
Differences Missr.
chief: Philip Young. of the Treas-
Offictals say many of the dif-
try Department's Baison com-
derences in plane equipment are
mittee directing British purchases,
minor, such as types of glass for
and officials of the British Pur-
windshields. altimeters, engine
chasing Commission went to the
starters, safety belts, gun signts,
Curtiss plant at Buffalo to study
propeller shafts, ignition shielding.
this problem.
carburetors and carburetor adjust-
It was agreed that all produc-
ments, parachate flares, foel-tank
tion would be on the P-40 until
protection. gun cameras, fire es-
Allison "F" engines were produced
tinguishers and radios.
in quantity. The swing to the
Some defense experts say the
P-40D will be made to the spring.
really substantial production will
and hereafter both Britain and
come only when the United States
the Army will get the faster plane.
and Great Britain develop alship
The greement means 10 planes a
which will be identical in very
day tristend of stx. it was said.
respect for each service.
EX YORK WORLD-TELEGRAM - January 3, 1941.
12
U.S. Acts to Speed
Aluminum for Planes
Stettinius Calls Delays Temporary-
New Plants Are Being Rushed
IMI
by CHARLES 2. LOCKY,
World-Telepruss Staff Writer.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 3.-A recent survey of aircraft
factories has shed light on the delays forecast by Edward
R. Stettinius, Jr, of the National Defense Advisory Com-
mission, it was learned today. Mr. Stettinius called the
delays temporary and said they would be offset by new
aluminum fabricating facilif es not being built.
The survey was made by agents delivery schedules 8 a the of
of Secretary of the Treasury Mer-
bomber
préered in large numbers
prother and of the War and Sary
by in progrement of materials,
departments.
particularly aluminme,
Suppertions for expediting pro-
Reparts -
daction until the DEV factories -
into production include:
Another aircraft concern No
parted that = had been several
Reduce production of -
thousand pounds behind on fab-
- for non-defense purposes.
ricated chiefly sheets,
Obtato from each plane builder
needed for production.
an itemized list of
sus unother West Coast manu-
deliveries required monthly for
facture reported that although
the next year and then ATTRISE
delivery promises - aluminum
for priorities to assure deliveries.
parts were not ratisfactory, a re-
If DECEMBERY, place all alond-
serve OR hand would permit - siz-
- production 00 a 24-hour,
able bomber program to proceed.
seven-day basis.
Other firms said they were able
New fabricating facilities now to avers production difficulties
building. according to Mr. Stat- through havy aleminum orders
this will increase capacity trom placed months am.
two to five times that of last
Received Supments.
September.
Mr. Settinios has and that RV-
One atteraft plant reporting the
eral reports of shortages apparent-
following delivery periods - DE-
by arose from fear about future
tain fabricated Items:
deliveries. But since September,
Almohann castings, 10 to 30
be said, total shipments of alumi-
weeks: wires and baz. 18 weeks:
num materials to aircraft plants
forgings, 20 weeks; sheet ahmi-
have excerded the amount mos-
DEL 20 to 28 weeks, and tubling.
sary for current military plane &
28 weeks. There has been to real
livery achedules,
shortage of Mr. State
alway sheet mill ca-
times has contraded. bet and
pacity, DOV about 8,009,500 pounds
aircraft manufactures have com-
a moth, is scheduled to increase
plained of difficulty in getting
to 12.500.000 pounds a month by
aleminum,
Marth, 15,000,000 pounds a month
West coast plane manufactur-
= August and 22,500,000 pounds
- have urged the government to
by June, 1942
do everything possible to RITERGE
These Increases are expected
to
200 alumbum production facil- progre $ monthly capacity to -
the in that region.
AND of requirements, including
Cthe manufacturer told goveral-
drillaz requirements at 100
- representatives that the
levels, Mr. all
not serious problem in meeting
13
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
4th January, 1941.
Personal and Secret.
Dear Mr. Secretary,
I enclose herein for your
personal and secret information a copy
of the latest report received from London
on the military situation.
Believe me,
Dear Mr. Secretary,
Very sincerely yours,
harile Buth
The Honourable
Henry Morgenthau, Jr.,
United States Treasury,
Washington, D. C.
14
Telegram received from London
dated JANUARY 1941
Maval.
On January lat at Tripoli were $ craisers,
4 destroyers, 90 large merchant vessels. Tanker
"British Zeal" reported torpedoed 180 miles west of
Dakar on December Slat vas still afloat p.m. January
let and has been boarded again.
8.
Royal Fleet suxiliary "Attendant" mined and
sunk in Thames Estuary a.m. January let and anti-
submarine trawler "Bandolero" sunk in collision p.m.
December 30th in Gulf of Sollum.
3.
Since the beginning of the for 48,610 ships
British Allied and neutral have been convoyed) represent-
ing shipping of 165 million gross tons with a cargo
carrying capacity of 850 million tons. Total losses of
ships in convoy amounted to 987,000 gross tons.
4.
Mediterraneen. An East-bound convoy of 4 French
merchant ships escorted by an armed trawler was inter-
cepted off the Spanish Moroccan coast outside territorial
waters by 8 of our destroyers and is being escorted back
to Gibralter.
5.
On December 30th a Naval trawler was in
collision with a British destroyer in the Oulf of sollum
and sank.
6.
Military. Libya. Check of Italian captured
war material to January amounts to: field and redium game
261, enti-tank gune 48, heavy anti-airereft guns 20.
Many pieces are unserviceable.
7.
Albania. Central cestor. During the mopping-
up operations Greeks have occupied some heights and several
Regraded Unclassified
15
small villages North test of Keleyre.
8.
Epirus sector. Italians leunshed an -
successful attack with armoured fighting vehicles.
Greeks captured one armoured fighting vehicle and
eight guns.
9.
Royal Air Porce. Night of January let/2nd.
A total of 161 aircreft were despatched as follows:
Locality
Target Raided
No. of Aircraft
Bremen
Industrial, shipping
113 heavy and
and transport.
18 medium
Flushing
Train ferrys
14 Coastal
"Invasion
Docks and shipping
4 heavy
Porte"
4 medium and
1 coastal.
10.
All aircraft returned safely except 8 heavy
bombers which crashed on landing. The crew of one air-
craft is safe but crews of other two were all killed
except for one person.
11.
Italy. It is becoming increasingly evident
that Italian air resources are being severely taxed.
Our bombing of Adriatic ports has forced Italians to rely
more and more on air transport and the presence of several
German troop carriers indicates - serious effort by the
Itelians to develop air commmnications and (some words
undecypherable) mean to do 80 by themselves. It is
reliably reported that the aircraft supply situation for
Albanian campaign is causing anxiety, especially as
regards fighters owing to the requirements of the Libyan
front.
18.
Germany. Berious railway dislocation resulted
from recent Royal Air Force raids on Mannhein owing to
the cutting of the lines between Mannheim and Ladwigshaven;
this/
Regraded Unclassified
16
this cester is specially important since it carries
military traffic between Germany and compled France
and also North-South traffic including coal supplies
for Italy.
13.
German Air Force. Night of January lat/2nd.
About 80 enemy aircraft were operating over the country.
The attack was scattered and vas not heavy. Reported
one aircraft flew as far as Dublin.
14.
Home Front. London. Night of January let/
January 2nd. Two parachute mines were dropped in the
London area; elsewhere only a few bombe are reported
causing alight damage and few casualties.
15.
France. It has recently been reported from
Brittany that fishing activities which had been
severely curtailed by lack of fuel are now in full swing
and that fishermen have no difficulty in obtaining
diesel oil. One French boat has even fished off the
Irish coast.
17
0-2/2657-220
RESTRICTED
M.I.D., W.D.
January 4, 1940.
No. 284
SITUATION REPORT
12:00 M.
This military situation report is issued by the Military
Intelligence Division, General Staff. In view of the occasional
inclusion of political information and of opinion it is classified
as Restricted.
I. Western Theater of War.
1. Air Force Operations.
Last night the German Air Force made an exceedingly
heavy attack on Bristol and also bombed a number of other British
towns.
The R.A.F. last night raided Bremen for the third
successive time, apparently on about the same scale as the night
before.
II. Greek Theater of Mar.
Local ground attacks by both sides. Aerial activity
was hampered by bad weather.
III. Mediterranean and African Theaters of War.
Preceded by a heavy aerial bombardment lasting most of
the night, Australian units of the British North African forces,
supported by tanks, attacked Bardia from the southwest at dawn,
January 3. The attack broke through the outer defenses and is re-
ported to have resulted in the capture of several thousand Italian
prisoners.
RESTRICTED
18
CONFIDENTIAL
Persphrace of Code Indiagram
Received at the We Department
at 3:89 yes. Junuary 4, 1941,
London, filed 14:57. Junuary 4, 1941.
1. Buring daylight hours of Friday, Jenuary 5, 67
planes of the Coastal Commend were astive. The night before 47
havey banking planes vere used in attacks against Irons. One
bender attacked an oil refinery in Austerian and the skippard at
Inion was the target of seven other British hembers, The recults
of flights of Coastal Commi planse on that night were of M
particular significance.
2. On January 3, 77 German planse were plotted over
Britain. During the preceding night 160 Gerusa planes were will.
Commercial and private proparties in Cardiff and the central area
of this city suffered considerable damage as a result of the our
- raid on that night, The - distributing system - damaged
and - skip in deek was hit. Buring the night of Junuary H Bristel
- attacked by Gernan benbers,
3. Thirty-five chips in convey surived from Canada, bet
10 is believed that a 6,400-tem vessel of this cervey was lest. A
6,800-tea British reasel me such about 500 siles northeast of the
Gape Verdo Islands.
4. On January 5, at down, Austrolisa treepe in the Iybian
theater broke through the other defenses of Bardia. This cussonaful
CONFIDENTIAL
Dearaded
19
CONFIDENTIAL
I I I I I I 1 and
of - 14.
6. Signature taxe of books ware droped a Tripoli
w tea Wallington havy benders - the sight of Junuary 1-8.
Matribution:
Secretary of Ver
State Department
Secretary of Treasury
Act. Secretary of the
Chief of Staff
Ver Plane Division
Office of Nevel Intelligence
A.C.
H
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
Puraphrose of Sale Indiagree
20
Reserved a the w hyrist
$ 1 1 I THE -
1 " Mild I N -
1. a Saturday, Junuary a unformable wather provented
the - of niner benking attempts of the British. Elasty-sas
I required - 18 # 1 Include a I Proposed
night a completely montal situat - curried at against from
for the third straight night. emities ware very faverable.
During the nights of Junuary H and 46, and during daylight hours
of January 4, planes of the Coastal - - reutine flights laid
nines in Germa ports and attacked has orders and teakers.
1. two of the w planes that flew over Regland a
recommaissance missions - humany 4 were destroyed. During the pro-
esding night 200 German planse ware plotted over Britain. During the
sight of January 4-6 the German attack me directed at the Avenouth-
Bristel area and - German planes ware over Lender
5. Unfeverable weather has slowed ém the Creek forees in
Albania but a steady advance is being más. Italian divisions in
Albenia now total 19 including the three - - that have recently
been identified there. These relaforements have apparently had little
effect en the empaign.
4. a Junuary 4 word - received from General Sir Archibald
Wavell, commanding the British Any in the Middle East that over 8,000
Italian priseners had boss tains. the Air Perce, which is very active
in this theater, is cooporating with the Any in the attack - Bardia.
The Royal Air Force engaged five Italian fighters in this area and -
streyed three of then. In eddition, them Italian planes wire destroyed
CONFIDENTIAL
Regraded Unclassified
CONFIDENTIAL
21
with I , 1 a s
LES
Motribution:
a %
State Department
1 r
Asst. Secretary of War
Chief of Staff
Mar Plans Division
Office of Neval Intelligence
M - 2
6-5, 1
+
CONFIDENTIAL
TREASURY DEPARTMENT
INTER OFFICE COMMUNICATION
STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL
DATE January 6, 1941.
TO
Secretary Morgenthau
FROM
Mr. Foley
Re: Definition of "national" in proposed
Executive Order on extension of "freezing"
control.
Mr. Wiley's coments on the above subject reflect E. view which this
office considered at length in drafting the definition of "national" finally
edopted.
The problem raised is the extent to which we are prepared to go.
Obviously, if we were to freeze the accounts of the approximately 5,000,000
resident aliens in the United States we would, in the process, presumably
freeze certain Axis agent accounts, although clearly a large number of such
agents are in fact naturalized citizens who would escape even that control.
As Mr. Wiley indicates, we would be compelled to issue a general license of
such broad proportions as to nullify the effect of the extended definition
except in those specific instances where we had information connecting such
persons with Axis operations.
The problem, therefore, resolves itself into whether it is preferable
to include all of the group within the Order and thenexclude all but a few
by general license, or whether we should exclude the group in the first in-
stance and thereafter apply the freezing control to those persons, be they
resident aliens or American citizens, whom we definitely suspect of subversive
activities. Some of the factors to be weighed will be the public reaction to
any neasure covering millions of resident aliens into our control in order to
snare a few undesirables and also the tremendous administrative problems
which may ensue. In weighing the two alternatives we felt constrained to
suggest the less offensive course.
It should be noted that in the definition of "national" adopted, you
are vested with the power of determining whether "any person * * * is, or
has been, acting or purporting to act directly or indirectly for the benefit
or on behalf of *** [any] foreign country or national thereof" as well as
"any other person who there is reasonable cause to believe" has been so act-
ing. If you so decide, the accounts of such person are blocked. It is believed
that any person who there was sufficient reuson to suspect was an Axis agent
es to cause his exclusion from B general license could, in view of the fore-
going, be regarded as a "national" as the term is presently defined.
E.N.H.
24
TREASURY DEPARTMENT
INTER OFFICE COMMUNICATION
STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL
DATE January 6, 1941
TO
Secretary Morgenthen
FROM Mr. Wiley
I have been informed that in the proposed Executive Order prepared
in the Treasury for general freezing the definition of "national" has
been so written as to exclude resident aliens from the scope of the Order.
I wish to suggest, if there is time or opportunity for reconsideration,
that that limitation be taken out of the Order and the problem of resi-
dent aliens be handled entirely by license.
In the work of this office we have come across a number of highly
suspicious resident aliens who are Aris citizens and are apparently en-
gaged in Axis work. This number might be increased if Justice should
succeed in revoking the naturalization of former Aris citizens. It is
highly desirable that the funds of these persons be controlled so far
as possible. While in the case of the invaded countries persons resi-
dent in the United States were properly excluded from the scope of the
respective Orders, the situation would appear to be entirely different
in the case of Axis citizens claiming residence or domicile in the United
States. The concept of "residence" would appear to be such as to permit,
indeed, a considerable amount of evasions, since residence can be easily
claimed if that is to be the test. While it is true that it may be pos-
sible to cover Axis agents in this country under the provision concern-
ing agents of governments and nationals of the frosen countries, we
would be assuming a very difficult-and unnecessary-burden of proof,
since a main purpose of our desire to control these accounts is to get
evidence concerning the agency of these people. A general license to
resident aliens with 8 provision for revocation in particular instances
of suspicious persons or suspicious transactions would be most helpful
in the work of this office in following the use of funds for subversive
activity.
New
25
NOLD FOR RELEASE
HOLD FOR RELEASE
HOLD FOR RELEASE
January 6, 1941
CONFIDENTIAL: To ba held in STRICT CONFIDENCE
and no portion, synopsis or intimation to be
published or given out until delivery of the
President's message to the Congress HAS BEGUN.
1710
Release expected about 2:00 P. 11., E. S. T.,
January 6, 1941,
CAUTION: Extreme care must be exercised to
avoid premature publication.
STEPHEN EARLY
Secretary to the President
TO THE CONGRISS OF THE UNITED STATES:
I address you, the Members of the Seventy-Seventh
Congress, at a moment unprecedented in the history of
the Union. I use the word "unprecedented", because at
no previous time has American security been as seriously
threatened from without as it is today.
Since the permanent formation of our government
under the Constitution, in 1789, most of the periods of
crisis in our history have related to our domestic af-
fairs. Fortunately, only one of these -- the four year
Mar between the States - ever threatened our national
unity. Today, thank Ood, one hundred and thirty million
Americans, in forty-eight States, have forgotten points
of the compass in our national unity.
It la true that orior to 1914 the United States
of
often had been disturbed by events in other Continents.
Te had even engaged in two wars with European nations and
in a number of undeclared wars in the West Indies, in the
Mediterranean and in the Pacific for the maintenance of
American rights and for the principles of peaceful com-
merce. In no case, however, had a serious threat been
raised against our national safety or our independence,
That I seek to convey is the historic truth that
the United States as a nation has at all times maintained
opposition to any attempt to lock us in behind an ancient
Chinese wall while the procession of civilization went
past. Today, thinking of our children and their children,
we oppose enforced isolation for ourselves or for any part
of the Americas.
That determination of ours was proved, for example,
during the quarter century of wars following the French
Revolution.
While the Napoleonic strug¿les did threaten inter-
ests of the United States because of the French foothold in
the Test Indies and in Louisiana, and while we engaged in
the Tar of 1212 to vindicate our right to peaceful trade,
it is, nevertheless, clear that neither France nor Great
Britain nor any other nation W&O aiming at domination of the
wholeworld.
Regraded Unclassified
- 2 -
no single war in Europe or in Aola constituted a real
In like fashion from 1815 to 1914 - 99 years -
other American nation,
threat against our future or against the future of any
and the strength of the British fleet in the Atlantic has
foreign power sought to establish itself Ln this Hemisphere;
Except in the Daximilian interlude in Mexico, no
been a friendly strength. It is still a friendly strength.
Even when the World Tar broke out in 1914, it
seemed to contain only small threat of danger to our own
began to visualize what the downfull of democratic nations
American future. But, as time went on, the American people
night mean to our own democracy.
We need not over-cmphasize imperfections in the
Poace of Versailles. 7e need not harp on failure of the
democracies to denl with problems of world reconstruction.
We should remember that the Peace of 1919 was far less
unjust than the kind of "bacification" which began even
before Munich, and which is being carried on under the
new order of tyranny that seeks to spread over every con-
tinent today. The American people have unalterably set
their faces against that tyranny.
Every realist knows that the democratic way of
life is at this moment being directly assailed in every part
of the world - assailed either by arms, or by secret spread-
ing of poisonous propaganda by those who seek to destroy
unity and promote discord in nations still at peace.
During sixteen months this assault has blotted
out the whole pattern of denocratic life in an appalling
number of independent nations, great and small. The as-
great and small.
sailants are still on the march, threatening other nations,
Therefore, as your President, performing my consti-
tutional duty to "give to the Congress information of the
state of the Union", I find it necessary to report that the
future and the safety of our country and of our democracy
are overwhelmin ly involved in events far Seyond our borders.
Armed defense of democratic existence is now being
gallantly traged in four continents. If that defense fails,
all the population and all the resources of Burove, Asia,
Africa and Australasia will be dominated by the conquerors.
The total of those populations and their resources greatly
exceeds the sun total of the population and resources of
the whole of the Testern Memisphere - many times over.
In times like these it is imature - and incident-
ally untrue - for anybody to brag that an unprepared America,
hold off the whole world.
single-handed, end with one hand tied behind its back, can
No realistic American can expect from a dictator's
peace international generosity, or return of true independence,
or world disarmanent, or freedom of expression, or freedom of
religion - or even good business.
Such a peace would bring no security for us or for
our neighbors. "Those, who would give up essential liberty to
nor safety".
purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty
As a nation "E may take oride in the fact that we
are soft-hearted; but the cannot afford to be soft-headed
Regraded Unclassified
3
We must always be vary af* those VSA With sounding
trass and a tinkling cymbal preach the "isn" of hynomet.
27
Te must emecially becare of tant small group of
selfish nen who would clip the wings of I be American eagle
in order to feather their own netts.
I have recently pointed out how quickly the tempo
of modern warfare colds bring into our very midst the
physical attack which we must expect if the dictator M-
tions Tin this var.
There is meh loose taix of our injunity from is-
mediate and direct Invesion from across the sens. Obvirusly,
as long as the British Davy retains its power, be such danger
exists. Even if there wore no 3ritfsh Savy, it is not
probable that any onery sorli be studid enough to tttack us
by landing troops in the United States from across thousands
of miles of beean, until it had acquired strategic bases from
which to operate.
But we learn much from the lessons of the past
"ears in Surope - porticularly the lesson of Horway, whose
essential sesports were esptured by treatdery and surprise
Juilt up over B. Series of years.
The first oncse of the invasion of this
would net be the landing of regular troops. The necessary
surstegic points would be occupied by secret agents ane their
duries - and groat numbers of then are already here, and in
Latin America.
AS los as the ajaressor nations haintain the of-
fensive, they - not -- will chocol the time abd the place
and the mathod of terir outack.
That Le why the [u'tire of all American Regablics
= today in serious danger,
that is Ky this Annual Massage to the Congress is
unique in our history.
That is shy every nerber if the Executive branch
of the and every nember of to Congress face great
responsibility - and great accounta38lity.
The need of the nament is that our actions ed our
policy should be dévoted primarily -- almost exclusivaly - to
meting this formign pril. For all our conestic problems
are now a part of the great energency.
Just as our ustional policy in internal affairs has
been based upon a decent respect for the rights and dignity
of all our fellow-mer within our gates, so our national
policy in foreign affairs has been based on a decent respect
for the rights ano dignity of all nations, large and stall,
and the justice of morality must and will win in the end.
Our national policy is this:
First, by an Lapressive expression of the pulic
will and without regard to partisanship, == are conditted to
all-inclusive national defense.
Second, 5) an impressive expression of the public
till and without regard to partisanthip, 12 are comitted to
full support of all those resolute peoples, overywhere, to
are resisting agrossion me are thereby keeping var any
from our Homisphere. Dy Lada support, we express our der
termination that the democratic CRUSO shall prevail; and we
strengthen the defense an. security of our OWEL nation.
Regraded Unclassified
28
- 4
Third, by an impressive expression of the public
will and without regard to partisanship, WE are committed
to the proposition that principles of corality and consid-
erations for our own security will never permit us to ac-
quieace in a peace dictated by expressors and sponsored by
appeasers. To las that enduring peace cannot be bought at
the cost of other people's freedon.
Im the recent national election there was no sub-
stantial difference between the two great parties in respect
to that national policy. No issue was fought out on this
line before the American electorato. Today, it is abundantly
evident that citizens sverwhere are demanding and
supporting speedy and complete action in recognition of
obvious danger.
Charefore, the intediate need is a swift and driv-
Ing increase in yes production.
Leaders of industry and labor have responded to
sur sumpris. Dals of speed have besh set. In eome cases
thes, 2615 are being reached anead of time; in some cases
de are or En other cases there are slight but not
serious delars; tré in sone DESTO - and I en sorry to say
very important CASES - wa are all = oncerned by the slowness
of the accorplishment of our -lans.
The Amy and towever, have pade substantial
progress durin, the as Actual experience is in-
proving and máil, - as rethods of production vità every
passing day. of best is not good enrugh for tororrow.
I % % satisfied with * thas far nade.
The nen in tary: 1€ to program ripresent the best in train-
inj, shility is 2 are not satisfice with the
progress this for c. of 12 will be satisfied until
the job is in
[02] as set too
45 = 120 18, city le Anicker and botter results.
To give to Illustrations:
** are sur covelule L terming cus finished air-
planes; :: E7: day trid bloit to solv the innumerable
problems and 10 No. -
Te are thesi of schedule in building warships; but
KE are worldn to git oven further shead of schedule.
To change S whole nation from a bacis of peace time
production of imlents of pence to a basis of war time
production 52 imlents of war is no small task. And the
greatest difficulty comes at the beginning of the program,
when new tools and plant facilities and new assembly lines
and ship 7675 must first be constructed before the actual
material begins 10 flow steadily and speedily from then.
The Congress, of course, must rightly keep itself
informed at all times of the prograss of the program. How--
ever, there is curtain information, as the Congress itself
will reality recognize, suich, in the interests of our own
security and those 17 the nations we are supporting, must of
needs Se went in confide CE.
Regraded Unclassified
29
-
New circumstances are constantly begetting new neede
for our safety. I shall ask this Congreas for greatly In-
creased new appropriations and authorizations to carry on what
we have begun.
I also ask this Congress for authority and for funds
sufficient to manufacture additional munitions and war sup-
plies of many kinds, to be turned over to those nations which
are now in actual war with aggressor nations.
Our most useful and immediate role is to act as an
arsenal for them as well as for ourselves, They do not need
man power. They do need billions of dollars worth of the
weapons. of defense.
The time is near when they will not be able to pay
for them in ready cash. To cannot, and will not, tell them
they must surrender, merely because of present inability to
pay for the weapons which we know they must have.
I do not recommend that we make them a loan of dol-
lars with which to pay for these weapons -- a loan to be repaid
in dollars.
I recommend that we make it possible for those na-
tions to continue to obtain war materials in the United States,
fitting their orders into our own program. Nearly all of their
materiel would, if the time ever came, be useful for our own
defense.
Taking counsel of expert military and naval authorities,
considering what is best for our own security, we are free to de-
cide how much should be kept here and how much should be sent
abroad to our friends who by their determined and heroic resist-
ance are giving us time in which to make ready our OWD defense.
For what we send abroad, we shall be repaid, within
a reasonable time following the close of hostilities, in similar
materials, or, at our option, in other goods of many kinds which
they can produce and which we need.
Let us say to the democracies: "We Americans are
vitally concerned in your defense of freedom. We are putting
forth our energies, our resources and our organizing powers to
give you the strength to regain and maintain a free world. Ne
shall send you, in ever-increasing: numbers, ships, planes, tanks,
guns. This is our purpose and our pledge.'
In fulfillment of this purpose me will not be intim-
idated by the threats of dictators that they will regard as a
breach of international law and as an act of war our aid to the
democracies which dare to resist their aggression. Such aid is
not an act of war, even if & dictator should unilaterally pro-
claim it so to be,
When the dictators are ready to make war upon us,
they will not wait for an act of war on our part. They did not
wait for Norway or Belgium or the Netherlands to commit an act
of mar.
Their only interest in in B. new one-way international
law, which lacks mutuality in its observance, and, therefore,
becomes an instrument of oppression.
The happiness of future generations of Americans may
well depend upon how effective and how immediate we can nake
our aid felt. No one can tell the exact character of the
emergency situations that we may be called upon to meet. The
Nation's hands must not bo tied when the Nation's life is in
danger.
Regraded Unclassified
30
- 6 -
We must all propare to nake the surrifices that the
energency - as serious na war itsulf -- demends. Thatever
stands in the way of speed and efficiency in defense propara-
Wons cust give way to the national need.
A free nation has the right to expect full coopera-
tion from all groups. A True nation has the right to look to
the losders of business, of labor, and of agriculture to take
the lead in stimulating affort, not anting other groups but
within their own groups.
The Sest way of dealing with the few slackers or
trouble makers in our midst is, first, to shame them by
patriotic example, and, if that fails, to une the sovereignty
of government to save government.
As men do not Hw 09 head alone, they do not fight
by arnaments alone. These nhe con our refenses, and those
behind them who baild our defenaes, nust have the stamine and
courage which come from su belief in the nanne I'
of life which they 35 ocfencing. The nighty action which we
are calling for cannot DE SCEEC on 1 disregard of all things
worth fighting for.
The Nation talms grant satisfection and much strength
from the things unless have been done to make its people con-
scious of their individual stake in the preservation of demo-
cratic life in marica. Those things have toughened the fibre
of our unople, Lave renewed their faith and strengthened their
devotion to the institutions 40 make ready to protect.
Certainly this is no time to stop thinking about the
visual and economic problems which Fre the root cause of the
social revolution which is today & supreme factor in the world.
There in nothing mysterious about the foundations of
a healthy and strong democracy. The basic things expected by
our people of their political and economic systems are simple.
They are:
Equality of opsortunity for youth and for others.
Jubs for those can work.
Security for those the need it,
The ending of 5. cial wiydling for the for.
The proservation of civil Inertios for all.
The enjoyment of the Truito of scientific progress
in a wider end constantly claims standard of living.
These are the simple and Sasic things that must never
be lost sight of in the turno 1 and undelievable complexity of
cher nodern wrlf. The inner and abiding strength of our
éobnomic and political systems is dependent upon the degree to
which they fulfill these expectations.
Many subjects connected with our social economy call
for impodiate improvement.
AG oxamples;
we should bring more citizens under the coverage of
olá age pensions sná unemployment insurance.
le should widen the opportunition for adoquate medical
care.
Regraded Unclassified
To should plan a better system by which persons de-
serving or needing gainful employment my dotain it.
I have called for personal sacrifice, I am assured
of call. the willingness of almost All Americans to respond is that
A part of the sacrifice teans the payment of more
money in taxes. In my budget nossage I recommend that a
greater portion of this great defense program be paid for from
taxation than are paying today. No person should try, or
be allowed, to get rich out of this program; and the principle
of tax payments in accordance with ability to pay should be
constantly before our eyes to guide our legislation.
If the Congress paintains these principles, the
voters, outting patriotion shead of jocketbooks, will give
you their applouse.
In the future days, which we seek to make secure,
we look forward to a world founded upon four essential human
freedoms.
The first 18 freedom of speach and expression -
everywhere in the world.
The second is freedom of every person to worship God
in his own way - everywhere in the world.
The third is freedom from want - which, translated
inte world terms, means economic understandings which will se-
cure to every nation a healthy peace time life for its inhabi-
tants - everywhere in the world.
The fourth is freedom from lear - which, translated
into world terms, means a world-wide reduction of arrisments to
such a point and in such of thorough fashion that no nation
will be in is position to count an act of physical aggression
against any neighbor - anywhere in the world.
That 1s no vision of & distant millennium. It is a
definite basis for a kinc of world attainable in our own time
and generation. That kind of world is the very antithesis of
the so-calied new order of tyranny which the dictators seek
to create with the cresi, of a booth.
To that new order We appose the greater conception -
the moral order. A good society is able to face schemes of
world domination and foreign revolutions alike without fear.
Since the beginning of our American history we have
been engaged in change - in a perpetual peaceful revolution -
a revolution which goes on steadily, quietly adjusting itself to
changing conditions - without the concentration camp or the
quick-line in the ditch. The world order which we seek is the
cooperation of free countries, working together in a friendly,
civilized society.
This nation has placed its destiny in the hands and
heads and hearts of its millions of free eien and women; and its
faith in freedom under the guidance of God. Freedom means the
supremacy of human rights everywhere. Our support good to those
who struggle to gain those rights or keep them. Our strength
Is in our unity of purpose.
To that high concept there can be no end save victory.
FRANKLIN n. ROOSEVELT
THE VILITS HOUSE,
Regraded Unclassified
HOLD POR RELEASE
HOLD FOR RELEASE
END FOR RELEASE
January E, 1541
CONFIDENTIAL: To be held in STRICT CONFIIENCE
and no portion, aynopsis or intimation to be
published or given out. until delivery of the
President's message to the Congress HAS SEIN.
Release expected about 2:00 P. K., 3. 5. i.,
January 6, 1941.
CAUTION: Extrese care must be exercised to
avoid premature publication.
STEPEEN EARLY
Secretary to the President
20 X COMBESS R THE UNITED STATES:
I address on, the Lembers of the
Congress, at a moment unprecedented in the history of
the Union. I use the word "unprecedented", because at
DO previous time has american security been as seriously
threatered from without as it is today.
Since the permanent formation of our government
under the Constitution, in 1789, most of the periods of
crisis in our history have related to our domestic af-
fairs. Fortunitely, only one of these - the four year
X between the States - ever threatened our national
unity. Today, thank God, one hundred and thirty million
inericans, in forty-sight States, have forgotten points
of the compass in our national unity.
It is true that prior to 1914 the United States
often und been disturbed by events in other Continents.
Te had even engaged in two wars with European nations and
in = mmber of undeclared wars in the Sest Indies, in the
Wediterrenean and in the raciffe for the caintenance of
American rights and for the principles of peaceful con-
narce. In no case, nonever, had a serious threat been
raised against our national safety or our indecendente.
That I seek to convey is the historic truté that
the United States LS a nation has at all times raintained
opposition to any attempt to lock us in behind an ancient
Chinese wall while the procession of civilization net
pest. Today, thinking of our children and their children,
we oppose enforced isolation for ourselved or for any cart
of the inericas.
That determination of ours was proved, for example,
during the quarter contury of wars following the French
Revolution.
While the Napoleonic struggles did threaten inter-
esta of the United States because of the Presel foothold in
the Test Indies and in Louisiana, and while VE engaged in
the The of 1812 to vindicate our right to perceful trade,
it is, nevertheless, clear that neither Prance nor Great
Britain nor any other nation was aiming at domination of the
stulevorld.
Regraded Unclassified
33
2 -
In like fashion from 1815 to 1914 - 99 years -
no $ inde war in Europe or in Asia constituted $ real
threat against our future or against the future of any
other American nation.
Excent in the Magimilian interlude in Mexico, no
Loreign nower sought to establish itself in this Remisphere;
and the strength of the British fleet in the Atlantic has
bein E friendly strength. It. is still a friendly strength.
Even when the World "Tar broke out in 1014, it
seened to contain only small threat of danger to our cwn
American future. But, as time went on, the American people
began to visualize what the downfall of democratic nations
ni lit nean to our crim comocracy,
To neod not over-emphasise impurfections In the
Paace of Versailles. Tie need not harp on failure of the
de seracias to deal With roblems of world reconstruction.
e should repender that the Peace of 1519 was far less
unjust than the kind of "pacification" which began even
before Nunich, and which is being carried on under the
tax order of turanny that svoks to soread over every con-
tinent tokey. The American neople have unalterably set
Ueir Istus against that tyranny.
Every realist knows that the democratic way of
2525 it at this assent voing directly assatled in every nort
15 will - assailed either by arms, or by secret spread-
CO passphous proparanda by those who seck to destroy
211 promote discord in nations still at peace.
During sixteen nonths this assault hus blotted
No :40 ...ple pattern of wenecratic life in an appalling
curier of independent nations, breat and mall. The as-
sailams are still on the march, threatening other nations,
rest stis small.
Therefore, as your President, performing ny consti-
to "(ive to the Congress information of the
state of NA Snion", I fine it necessary to report that the
Evture ins the safety of our country and of our denocracy
are 17 involved in events far beyone our borders.
Arte. defense of denocratic existence is now being
allastic valed in four centinents. If that defense fails,
<02 production and all the resources of Suro e, Asia,
and Authalisis mill be Geminated by the conquerors.
"ze Total of those populations and their resources greatly
excéets % EUT, total of the posulation and resources of
4/ tole of the lestern lienischero - many times over.
In times Tike thes. it is immature - and incident-
ally untruo - for anybody to brag that an unorepared America,
end with one Mand tied Benind its back, can
helo DE: the world.
No reglistic American can expect from a dictator's
Teace international generosity. or return of true independence,
= vorld Lisarmment, or freedom as evoression, or freedom of
religion - or (Vec jood business.
Such & prace vould bring no security for us or for
=u= neighbors. Those, who would iva up essential liberty to
perchase little termorary safety, deservo naither liberty
"De safety".
As A. nation wa may take -rinc in the fact that de
information; X: 10 proce affort to de soft-headed.
Regraded Unclassified
- 3 -
We must always be wary of those who with sounding
brass and R tinkling cymbal preach the "1am" of appeasement.
We must especially beiere of tast small group of
selfish men who would clip the wings of to he American eagle
in order to feather their own nests.
I have recently pointed out how quickly the tempo
of modern warfare could bring into our very midst the
physical attack which we must expect if the dictator na-
tions win this war.
There is much loose talk of our insunity from in-
mediate and direct invasion from across the 0035. Obviously,
AB long as the British Navy retains its power, no such danger
exists, Even if there wore no British Navy, it is not
probable that any enemy would be stupid enough to attack us
by landing troops in the United States from across thousands
of miles of ocean, until it lisd acquired strategic baces from
which to operate.
But we learn much from the lessons of the past
years in Europe - particularly the losson of Norway, whose
assential seaports were exptured by treachery and surprise
built up over a series of years.
The first phase of the invasion of this Hemisphere
would not be the landing of regular troops. The necessary
strategic points would be occupied by secret agents and their
dupes - and great numbers of then are already here, and in
Latin America.
As long as the aggressor nations maintain the of-
fonsive, they - not we -- will choose the time and the place
and the method of their attack.
That is why the future of all American Republics
18 today in serious danger.
That is why this Annual Message to the Congress is
unique in our history.
That is why every member of the Executive branch
of the government and every member of the Congress face great
responsibility - and great accountability.
The need of the moment is that our actions and our
policy should be devoted primarily - almost exclusively - to
meeting this foreign peril. For all our domestic problems
are now a part of the great emergency.
Just as our national policy in internal affairs has
been based upon a decent respect for the rights and dignity
of all our fellow-non within our gates, so our national
policy in foreign affairs has been based on a decent respect
for the rights and dignity of all nations, large and small.
And the justice of morality must and will win in the end.
Our national policy is this:
First, by an impressive expression of the public
will and without regard to partisanship, we are committed to
all-inclusive national defense.
Second, by an impressive expression of the public
will and without regard to partisanship, we are committed to
full support of all those resolute peoples, everywhere, who
are resisting aggression and are thereby keeping war away
from our Hemisphere. By this support, we express our de-
termination that the democratic cause shall prevail; and we
strengthen the defense and security of our own nation.
Regraded Unclassified
Third, by an impressive expression of the public
will and without regard to partisanship, we are committed
to the proposition that principles of norality and consid-
erations for our own security will never permit us to ac-
quiesce in & peace dictated by aggressors and sponsored by
appeasers. 76 know that enduring peace cannot be bought at
the cost of other people's freedon.
In the recent national election there was no sub-
stantial difference between the two great parties in reseect
to that national policy. No issue was fought out on this
line before the American electorate. Today, it is abundantly
evident that American citizens everythere are denanding and
supporting speedy and complete action in recognition of
obvious danger.
Therefore, the incediate need is a avift and driv-
ing increase in our amazent production.
Leaders of industry and labor have responded to
our summons. Gouls of sheed have been set. In some cases
these goals are being reached anead of time; in some cases
we are on schedule; in other CSSES there are slight but not
serious dalays; znd in some 08523 - and I am sorry to say
very important CASES - we are all c oncerned by the slowness
of the accomplishment 3£ our "lans.
The Army and Revy, however, have made substantial
progress during the post year. Actual experience is in-
proving and speading un our whole of production with every
passing day. and today's best is not good enough for tomorrow,
I au not entisfied with the progress thus far made.
The men in charge of the program represent the best in train-
Los, ability and patriction. They are not satisfied with the
progress thus for Mode. None of us will be satisfied until
the job is John.
No matter whether include original goal was set too
high or too 1on, our cujective is quicker and better results.
To five two illustrations:
Ne are behind scitedule in turning out finished air-
planes; DO are working day and night to solve the innumerable
problems and to catch UD+
le are ahead of schedule in building warships; but
we are working to get even further shead of schedule,
To change a whole nation from a basis of peace time
production of implemente of pence to a basis of war time
production of implements of war is no small task. And the
greatest difficulty cones at the beginning of the program,
when new tools and plant [acilities and new assembly lines
and ship ways must first be constructed before the actual
material begins to flow steadily and speedily from thom.
The Congress, of course, must rightly keep itself
informed at all times of the prograss of the program. How-
ever, there to certain information, as the Congress itself
will readily recognize, which, in the interests of our own
security and those of the nations we are supporting, must of
needs be keet in confidence.
Regraded Unclassified
- 5
New circumstances are constantly begetting DAY coods
for our safety. I shall ask this Congress for greatly 10-
creased new appropriations and authorizations to carry 05. mut
we have begun.
I also ask this Congress for authority and for funds
sufficient to manufacture additional munitions and war SEP-
olies of many kinds, to be turned over to those nations which
are now in actual war with aggressor nations.
Our most useful and immediate role is to act as an
arsonal for them as well as for ourselves. They do not need
can power. They do need billions of dollars worth of the
of defense.
The time is near when they will not be able to 247
for them in ready cash. To cannot, and will not, tell then
they must survender, arrely because of present inability to
pay for the wespons which we know they must have.
I do not recordend that we make then a loan of dol-
lars with which to pay for these weapons - a loan to be recaid
in dollars.
I recomend that WE make it possible for those na-
tions to continue to obtain war materials in the United States,
fitting their orders into our own program. Nearly all of their
materiel would, if the time ever came, be useful for our
defense.
Taking counsel of expert vilitary and naval authorities,
considering what is best for our own security, we are free to de-
cide hav much should be kept here and how much should be sent
abroad to our friends who by their determined and heroic resist-
ance are giving us time in which to make ready our CRITI decense.
For what we send abroad, we shall be repaid, within
a reasonable time following the close of nostilities, in sizilar
aterials, or, at our option, in other goods of cany kinds which
they can produce end which we need.
Let us sav to the democracies: "Te Americans are
vitally concerned in your defende of freedom. Te are outting
forth our energies, our resources and our organizing powers to
give you the strength to regain and maintain a free world. The
shall send you, in ever-increasing mumbers, ships, planes, tanks,
guos. This 1a our nurpose and our "ledge."
Ir. [ulfillment of this purpose we will not be intio-
idated by the threats of dictators that they will regard as a
breach of international law and as an act of war our aid to the
denocracies which dare to resist their aggression. Such aid is
not an set of Har, even 11 & dictator should unilaterally pro-
clain it so to be.
Then the dictators are ready to make war upon us,
the; will not suit for an act of war on our part. They did not
wait for Moriny or Delgium or the Methorlands to connit an act
of mr.
Their only interest is in a new one-way international
law, which lacks mutuality in its observance, and, therefore,
becomes an instrument of oppression.
The happiness of future generations of Ansricans may
well depend upon how effective and how innediate we can make
our aid felt. No one can toll the exact character of the
energency situations that ye may be called upon to met- The
Nation's hands must not be tidd when the Nation's life is in
danger.
Regraded Unclassified
37
- B
de cust all prepart to make the sucrifices that the
emergency - 85 serious as Tar its:lf - demands. Thatover
stand in the way of speed and efficiency in defense prepara-
tions cust give way to the national need.
A free nation has the right to expect full coopera-
tion from all groups. A free nation has the right to look to
the leaders of business, of labor, and of agriculture to take
the lend in stimulating effort, not any the groups but
within their own groups.
The best way of dealing with the few slackers or
trucule makers in our midst is, first, to stane then by
patriotic example, and, if that fails, to use the sovereignty
of government to save government.
Às non do not live by treat alene, they do not fight
by arnanents alone. Those pto nan our nelesses, and those
behind then who build our defenser, mist, Lave the stamine and
courage which come from an unshalmable belief in the nanner
of life which they are defending. % nighty action which we
are calling for cannot be based on = discription of all things
worth fighting for.
The Nation takes (port satisfaction and much strength
from the things valch have been cone to mile its people con-
stions of their individual state is the inservation of demo-
cratic life in America. Zhose they have toughened the fibre
of our people, have tab frith and strengthened their
Service to the institutions X missing ready to protect.
Certainly this is no time to stop thinking about the
soil and economic order vich are the root cause of the
selal revolution which is total 11 factor in the world.
There is nothing enterious about the foundations of
a tealthy and strong democracy. The bisic things expected by
our people of their political and systems are simple.
Dep are:
Equality of opportunity for youth and for others.
Jobs for those who can wri.
Security for those who tax 11.
The ending of special while for the few.
The preservation of civil liberties for all.
The enjoyment of the fruits of scientific progress
in a wider and constantly rists, student of living.
Those are the simple et baste things that must never
be lost sight of in the turned and ondelivable complexity of
our modern world. The inter and cricing strength of our
economic and political systems is depensent - the degree to
which they fulfill these expectations.
Many subjects connected with = social economy call
for imediate imrovement.
As examples:
de should bring sore citizens under the coverage of
old age pensions and unexployment insurance.
"Te should widen the reportunities for adequato medical
care.
Regraded Unclassified
1
Te should plan a better system by which persons de-
serving or needing (sinful employment may obtain it.
I have called for personal sacrifice. I an assured
of call, the willingness of almst ell americans to respond to that
A part of the sacrifice means the payment of more
money in taxes. In by budget nassage I recomend that a
greater portion of this great defense program be paid for from
taxation than as are paying today. No person should try, or
be allowed, to got rich out of this program; and the principle
of tax payments in accordance with ability to pay should be
constantly before our ayes to guide our legislation.
If the Congress maintains these principles, the
voters, outting patriotism ahead of pocketbooks, will give
you their applause.
In the future days, which "ye Beck to make secure,
we look forward to = world founded upon four essential human
freadons.
The first is freedon of speech and expression -
everywhere in the world.
The socond is freedom of every person to worship God
in his com way - everyder. in the world.
The third is freedom from want - which, translated
into world terms, economic understandings which will se-
cure to every nation = healthy peace time life for its inhabi-
tants - everythere in the world.
The fourth Is freedon from fear - which, translated
into world terms, neans a world-vide reduction of amazents to
such a point and En ruch = through fashion that no nation
will be in a position to comit an act of physical aggression
against any neighber - in the world.
That is no vision of a distent millennium. It is a
definite basis for a kind of world attainable in our OWN time
and generation. That kind of world is the very antithesis of
the so-calied new order of tyracay which the dictators seek
to create with the crest of a book.
Is that new order we oppose the greater conception -
the noral order. & good society is able to face schemes of
world domination and foreign revolutions alike without fear.
Since the beginning of sur American history WE have
been engaged in change - in a perpetual peaceful revolution -
a revolution which does on steadily, quietly adjusting itself to
changing conditions - without the concentration camp or the
quick-line in the ditch. De world order which we seek is the
cooperation of free countries, working together in a friendly,
civilized society.
This nation has placed its destiny in the hands and
heads and hearts of its millions of free ben and women; and Its
faith in freedom under the guidance of God. Freedom means the
supremacy of human rights overyahere. Our support goes to those
the strugyle to gain those rights or keep thes. Our strength
in in our unity of purpose.
To that high concept there can be no end save victory.
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT
THE MITS HOUSE,
Regraded Unclassified
39
TREASURY DEPARTMENT
INTER OFFICE COMMUNICATION
DATE January 6, 1941
TO
Secretary Morgenthau
OM
Mr. Cochran
STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL
Following the conference held in the Secretary's office and attended by Sir
Frederick Phillips, Mr. Pinsent and Mr. Gifford, the sale of British securities vas
speeded up, and effort made to dispose of blocks through private sales and through
concerns having wide distribution facilities over the country. The practice was also
commenced as of December 16, 1940, of providing the Secretary daily with a list, by
Lane, of the securities sold each day, indicating the number of shares or par value
if bonds and the price obtained therefor. After the first few days the system was
insugurated of indicating by asterisks blocks of 1,000 shares and upwards sold out-
ide national exchanges.
There follows an itemization of the net proceeds from sales from December 16:
December 16
$1,151,479
December 17
838,449
December 18
1,759,386
December 19
3,346,822
December 20
1,573,624
December 21
204,469
December 23
1,157,637
December 24
111,682
December 26
3,785,724
December 27
1,234,392
December 28
1,170,817
December 30
2,094,338
December 31
2,300,141
January 2
4,790,505
70mg
40
January 6, 1941
9:30 a.m.
GROUP MEETING
Present:
Mr. Haas
Dr. Viner
Mr. Pehle
Mr. Sullivan
Mr. Foley
Mr. Kuhn
Mr. Graves
Mr. Thompson
Mr. Young
Mr. Cochran
Mr. Gaston
Mr. Bell
Mr. White
Mr. Schwarz
Mrs. Klotz
H.V.Jr:
Good morning, everybody. You might be
interested in the result of a discussion
that Gaston and I had the other day on
ships.
After talking with Waesche, it was agreed
that I take it up at Cabinet and it was
agreed that other than putting our own crews
on board the ships, anything less than that
would be useless, and I thought - I mean
Gaston was right in his analysis and I thought
it was interesting, and I want to say that
Knox spoke up, Herbert, and said that he had
the men ready and the President said, no,
Henry would take care of it.
Regraded Unclassified
41
- 2 -
Gaston:
Very good.
H.M.Jr:
So I thought that was rather interesting.
And the other thing which I want to say in
this room, that for reasons that I can't
explain, no move of any kind is to be made
on ships, I mean in any way to give anybody
& tip off. They want the whole thing to
die down. So even moving a ship - the whole
thing, all committees are being discharged
publicly.
Gaston:
Yes.
H.M.Jr:
If you want to know privately, I will tell
you why, see. So even moving a ship from
one place to another would be against the
plan that they have.
Gaston:
I thought that might be the situation. That
is the reason I raised that question about
moving the ships.
H.M.Jr:
That was only decided at Cabinet. They were
going to let everything die down. So that
is that.
Gaston:
Yes. Right.
H.M.Jr:
And while I am on that, I checked my records
and I did say I would take up all legislation.
(Laughter) I have no other confessions that
I am willing to make.
White:
You mean the six of us were right?
H.M.Jr:
No.
Bell:
You mean the six of us were right?
H.M.Jr:
No.
42
- 3 -
Bell:
Six of us and the record.
H.M.Jr:
Thank God for the Stenotype. He was right.
Sullivan:
His vote counts for more than all the rest
of us.
H.M.Jr:
Harry, I admitted everything in which I was
wrong last week.
White:
I can't afford to. (Laughter)
H.M.Jr:
That is a pretty good answer.
Gaston:
I haven't anything except that I have the day
pretty well occupied with a series of meetings
in connection with this Defense Communications
Board. We have about 300 people coming in at
10:30 this morning for the meetings on the
communications in defense.
H.M.Jr:
I will try very carefully not to disturb you.
Anything else?
Gaston:
I think that is all. Archie Lochhead handed
me a letter to him from the New York Chapter
of the American Institute of Banking, asking
that you address them on February 1. I gave
the letter to Mr. Schwarz.
H.M.Jr:
What is the honorium?
Gaston:
The honorium is a chance to sell them 8. bill
of goods.
H.M.Jr:
It is not worth it.
Gaston:
They are young bankers, the hope of America.
H.M.Jr:
You thank him. Anything else?
43
4 -
Gaston:
Nothing else.
H.M.Jr:
I only talked to you (Foley) four times
yesterday. Did you get to Ball?
Foley:
I talked to him on the telephone. The sent
a copy out to Hackworth and Hackworth called
and said he had no suggestions.
H.M.Jr:
I thought we would stay right after this
meeting, and there are a couple of questions
I would like to ask. Mr. Sullivan?
Sullivan:
Nothing.
H.M.Jr:
Chick?
Schwarz:
Edgar Mowrer called me this morning. He would
like to see you for a few minutes during the
first part of this week or whenever it is
convenient this week for you.
H.M.Jr:
Well, I am waiting to hear from General Dowding.
He announced that he wouldn't see anybody.
Schwarz:
Tomorrow?
H.M.Jr:
Today, isn't it?
Schwarz:
The radio said he would be here tomorrow.
H.M.Jr:
Tomorrow. How often has Mourer asked?
Schwarz:
This is the second time.
H.M.Jr:
And I have got the radio fellow too that wants
to see me. What is his name?
Foley:
Kaltenborn.
H.M.Jr:
Well, if Mowrer can get here at 11:15 --
44
- 5 -
Schwarz:
He will make it. He will be glad to.
H.V.Jr:
Eleven fifteen. I would like you to sit in
with him. Wait a second, I have got White
from eleven to eleven thirty. Are you ready
on that banking?
White:
It wasn't on that banking. It was on something
else. I don't think we will need more than ten
of fifteen minutes.
E.V.Jr:
Tell Mowrer I can see him at eleven thirty.
Schwarz:
Eleven thirty.
Sullivan:
Is Kaltenborn coming in this morning?
E.V.Jr:
Not that I know of.
Sullivan:
T would like to see him when he comes. I know
him and I think I can do some good with him on
something else.
E.V.Jr:
I see.
Pehle:
On this I. T. & T. matter which has now come
to a head, we now have 8. letter from Cordell
Hull saying the matter has been discussed with
the President and having already received his
approval in principle of the proposed release
of funds, he perceives no reason why a license
should not be granted.
H.M.Jr:
Well, there is nothing to do then, is there,
wan'
Bell:
I don't think 30, I don't understand what
approval in principle means. I don't know
whether you discussed it with the President
or not.
45
- 6 -
H.M.Jr:
No.
Bell:
There was some indication, wasn't there, of
what --
Pehle:
They discussed it with the President, and the
first time Mr. Hull discussed it with them he
said, "No, not now," and then Mr. Hull took it
up again with him and he said, "Yes." I take
it the amount was not given at the first, but
it amounts to about seven million dollars of
Roumanian gold.
H.M.Jr:
How much Roumanian gold is there?
Pehle:
About 28million. It is about a forth of all
the Roumanian assets in this country.
Bell:
I think you will have to approve it.
H.M.Jr:
You think what?
Bell:
I think we will have to approve it. We raised
the question with the State Department as to
whether this was the preferenced - and
apparently they sort of glossed over that,
didn't they, John? They said they didn't think
they could go into that at this time.
Pehle:
I think that is what they decided.
H.M.Jr:
How do you know that Mr. Hull saw the President
twice on it?
Pehle:
I only know he saw the President from what
Mr. Livesey told me, but the letter says this
matter has been discussed with the President.
H.M.Jr:
May I see the letter? Well, there is nothing
to do but do it.
46
- 7 -
White:
I think in justice to all other creditors,
that some publicity might be given to that
so as to acquaint other creditors with the
acceptance of that principle so there won't
be any favoritism; so if there are other
creditors that have funds that they would
like to get out on that basis, they would
know that it is being done.
Bell:
I take it it will receive publicity.
Pehle:
I think the minute it comes out it will
receive --
H.M.Jr:
Well, I think also from the standpoint of
speculation in the stock that if you are
going to do it, I would announce it tonight
after the market closes 80 there is no inside
information.
Cochran:
There has already been a story in the press
that this was anticipated.
H.M.Jr:
I would do it after three o'clock tonight.
Bell:
We will merely announce that we have granted
the license.
H.M.Jr:
That is enough.
Pehle:
Should we take an affirmative step to see
that nothing is announced before then? They
are working out the deal this morning between
the Federal Reserve Bank who sent a man down
with the checks --
H.M.Jr:
Don't accept it until three o'clock.
Pehle:
Don't give any license until three o'clock?
H.M.Jr:
That is right.
47
- 8 -
Pehle:
We are taking 8. chance on a possible revocation
coming through from Roumania before then, and it
is 13 million dollars.
H.M.Jr:
All right, do it the may we used to do the gold
prices. Before the ink is dry let Chick go to
the Dow Jones people and put it on the ticker
the same second. The second it is signed,
tell Chick Schwarz and he tells it to the
boys and within five seconds it is on the
ticker and nobody gets a break.
Pehle:
I think that is better. I know they are worried
about 8 revocation.
H.M.Jr:
All right, we will do it that way, the way we
used to handle the gold prices.
Pehle:
The other matter was, I mentioned before --
H.M.Jr:
You can do it another way. You can do it
before the market opens.
Pehle:
What time does it open°
H.M.Jr:
Ten o'clock.
Bell:
It wouldn't be ready that soon, would it?
Pehle:
We will be ready. We are ready right now.
Whether they will be ready I don't know.
H.M.Jr:
Couldn't you say we are going to approve it?
Schwarz:
Then everybody will have the information before
the market opens.
Pehle:
Yes, I think we can do that. Can I go out and
start it?
48
- 9 -
H.M.Jr:
Why don't you go ahead and go out and if
you can get it out before ten o'clock,
everybody gets - eleven million dollars to
the stockholders of I. T. & T. is a tidy
sum. Schwarz can go with you. Go ahead,
Schwarz.
Cochran:
Has Knoke spoke to you this morning?
Pehle:
No, but I will call him right away.
Cochran:
He was trying to get me.
(Mr. Pehle and Mr. Schwarz left the conference.)
Kuhn:
I have nothing except that Amherst Professor
whom you want to see tomorrow. Are you going
to see him tomorrow?
H.V.Jr:
I phoned him yesterday. Did you know I phoned
him?
Kuhn:
No.
H.V.Jr:
Yes. I phoned him. You (Klotz) make a note.
Odegarde will be here at 9:15 Wednesday.
Kuhn:
I have got a couple of other suggestions, but
they can wait until he gets here.
H.V.Jr:
Good. 9:15 Wednesday.
Kuhn:
May I see you a minute or two before Mowrer
comes in?
H.V.Jr:
Sure.
Kuhn:
I think I know what he has got in his mind.
H.V.Jr:
Dr. Viner, what I would like to do, if you
49
- 10 -
would concentrate for me, first, everybody
in the shop here - not everybody - you can
find out from Mr. Bell, but Bell and White
and Haas have been working on an answer for
the President, a confidential memorandum,
on the Eccles memorandum, and if you could
get in on that before I see it, I would
appreciate it.
Now, the other thing, at the same time you
talk to Haas, he will tell you what I was
thinking of in terms of a positive program.
I mean, the two things - I mean rather than,
if you don't mind, this foreign stuff. This
is in your field. You did the banking study
for me. The two things, one the President
asked us to analyze the Eccles thing and
point out the good and bad points. The other
thing is, I have an idea as to a positive
program and I told it to Haas. Bell laughed
at me.
Bell:
No, I didn't laugh at you. I laughed at the
air up there on the farm.
H.M.Jr:
I mean you laughed with me. You thought the
air was a little strong up there. It is all
right but get that from - you could be most
useful to me if you would just stick on that.
I mean, the other stuff - well, that is right
now what I need. I think you could help me
most there. I don't know what is the status
of that memorandum to the President.
Bell:
Well, it was in fine shape Saturday night,
wasn't it, George? Harry hadn't seen it. I
don't know whether he has seen it this morning.
Haas:
Harry saw it late Sunday.
50
- 11 -
White:
Well, I think there is a little difference
of opinion that you might help resolve if
you could by any chance give us some indication
of what the purpose of the memorandum is.
The memorandum as it is presently drafted
is in my opinion satisfactory for one purpose
and not satisfactory for another, and I think
it is & little weak to give the President -
I should like to see it made much stronger.
On the other hand, if the President is going
to use it to give to the Federal Reserve
Board as an answer to them --
H.M.Jr:
What he said was, "Henry, give me a memorandum
which I willmemorize and then destroy.
White:
I don't know whether the other men understood
that but if they did --
H.M.Jr:
He said, "I will memorize it and then destroy
it. I will show it to nobody."
White:
Then I feel that the present memorandum is much
too weak, but we will have another - if we have
another opportunity this morning --
H.M.Jr:
You have, because the President - I told Foley
last night - isn't seeing me until 9:30 tomorrow
on this legislation for the British, so I am
not going to - so this other thing I won't
get to until tomorrow.
White:
If you are going to see him at 9:30 tomorrow -
do I understand that?
H.M.Jr:
Yes.
White:
Then I think you ought to reserve some time
late this afternoon --
51
- 12 -
H.M.Jr:
But I am not going to see him on this
subject.
Thite:
Oh.
H.V.Jr:
It is on aid to Britain legislation at 9:30.
White:
Then we will have time to iron out our
difficulties,I think.
H.V.Jr:
I think the papers are all wrong on what he is
going to say. The message that I zot was that
he had not finished his message to Congress,
and he was going to work on it this morning.
Foley:
I think that is true. Ben was over here and
when I went home last night I left Ben over
at the White House where they were still working.
Sam had called him just before we left. He
had talked with Sam two or three times.
H.N.Jr:
I don't think this aid to Britain is in the thing.
It is in?
Foley:
Yes.
H.V.Jr:
It is in?
Foley:
Yes.
E.M.Jr:
This form
Foley:
Yes.
H.W.Jr:
He has taken our form
Foley:
20 far as Ben knew it was consistent with
what they had in there. The only thing that
Ben wanted done was to set the message un in
such a way that he wouldn't foreclose the
possibility of doing something by way of
Regraded Unclassified
52
- 13 -
lease or some such arrangement under existing
law in the event the legislation didn't go
through, but he said he hadn't - he told Sam
that he hadn't been advised that he could do
it under existing law and Ben was trying to
get him to put back in again the language that
he drafted that would say that he wanted the
benefit of Congressional approval of the thing --
H,M.Jr:
Ts there a way he can do it under existing law?
Foley:
Yes.
H.M.Jr:
I mean through the RFC"
Foley:
No. He has got power in 80 far as the Army
is concerned. The Navy could turn the stuff
over to the Army and then the Army could do
it.
H.M.Jr:
But he had our original memorandum Friday
afternoon. Well anyway, I don't want to rush
this Eccles thing, and I will not be able to
get it today. I want - Viner can't do it in
one day, and do me a good job any more than
the rest of you, so we will get at it some time
tomorrow.
White:
That will give us adequate time. Senator Wagner
said that they apparently were pushing to get
this Taft Bill which embodies Eccles' suggestions.
I haven't seen the bill, so I don't know whether
it is all or some, and they want to get it
before the committee as quickly as possible and
talk a little to them about it, and he said,
Well, we are not going to let them sweep us
off our feet," so I don't know what the progress
of that will be, but they - apparently they
had hoped to get it before Congress at once.
53
- 14 -
H.M.Jr:
I can't be swept off my - I mean, now that
the situation is as it is, whatever I send
the President I want to have time to think
about it, and I want time for everybody to
think about it. So I mean I won't touch it
today. Where was I? Viner? Haas?
Haas:
Allison killed a small delivery, and I put
in a telephone call and here is the explanation
I just got.
H.M.Jr:
Give that to Philip Young. The British -
they have 66 engines on hand at Allison awaiting
instructions from the British. Can you give a
copy of this to Viner? How do you like it?
Haas:
It is a maiden's answer to a maiden's prayer
on one point of view, and a nightmare from
somebody elses.
H.M.Jr:
I tell you one fellow that is going to like
it is "North Dakota Gaston."
Gaston:
Thanks very much.
H.M.Jr:
Herbert, we are going back to good old first
principles, Non-Partison League and so forth
and so on.
Gaston:
In that connection I was going to ask if I
might submit 8. short memorandum to Messrs.
Viner, White, and Haas and Federal Reserve.
H.M.Jr:
Sure. Just take a look at that headline on
that memorandum.
Gaston:
Very interesting.
H.M.Jr:
All right?
- 15 -
Gaston:
That is Larry Sultzer's favorite.
Haas:
I put & list of people on there that are
interested.
(Mr. Schwarz and Mr. Pehle returned to
conference.)
Schwarz:
John has just talked to Knoke, who has asked
us to hold this up an hour. He can explain
the reason I think, that we should.
Pehle:
The transaction is going through just at
eleven o'clock, and they are afraid to announce
it in advance for fear there may be either a
revocation or some sort of attachment that
will hold it up; but they agreed to our
announcing it just as it goes through.
H.M.Jr:
O.K. That gives the boys a chance to buy the
stock for one hour. Shall we make a little
pool and buy some of I. T. & To
Viner:
Can I step out for a minute?
Gaston:
Two of them have gone out already.
H.M.Jr:
How about 8. little pool? Do you think 10,000
shares is enough to divide up? (Laughter)
Foley:
We had better sell it short and hold UD the
news.
White:
It is already out, Ed.
Gaston:
I neglected to tell you that Lucey finished
his series Saturday evening of a story on
taxation which has been checked over. He
sent me quite a bunch of clippings. The heads
of some of them were very good.
55
- 16 -
H.M.Jr:
George, when you leave the room call up
Purcell and tell him that I want a copy
of all transactions of I. T. & T. from ten
to twelve this morning, who did the business.
From ten to twelve I want actually every
transaction of I. 7. & T.
Haas:
And the parties involved.
H.V.Jr:
And the parties involved.
Bell:
You ought to ask him if there has been any
activity in the rast week also.
H.M.Jr:
You might ask that.
Pehle:
They got the word Saturday from the State
Department that it was going to 20 through.
H.M.Jr:
Then let's start with Friday. I want to know
every share sold and who bought it, and who
the actual buyer is, beginning with Friday
morning. Let's start with Thursday and do it
right. (Laughter) Every share sold, who
bought it, and whose account and so forth,
beginning with Thursday, through until tonight.
hite:
What is the date of that letter from Secretary
Hull?
Pehle:
It was dated January 4, Saturday.
H.M.Jr:
Well, let's start with Thursday morning
through Monday night.
Pehle:
How about sales today
H.M.Jr:
Everybody.
56
- 17 -
Haas:
Going to get it?
H.M.Jr:
From Thursday morning, every sale and who the
actual buyer is.
Gaston:
It might help to have a little graph of the
movement of I. T. & T. in the market for the
last two or three months up to this point.
H.M.Jr:
I just wanted to know who is getting in on it.
Take a look at it the way Gaston said.
Young:
As a result of your efforts, Meigs at the
Defense Commission with Knudsen's approval
has passed on all of these South American
aircraft accessory applications, and parts,
and so on, cleared them all, on their
responsibility regardless of the Army or Navy.
H.M.Jr:
Good.
Young:
Which they hope to continue to do and Nelson
Rockefeller is very appreciative of what we
did over here on it.
H.M.Jr:
Does he know it?
Young:
Yes. We worked with Meigs on it.
H.M.Jr:
Good.
Young:
And as a result of that, we boosted to the
limit minimum limit for clearance up to 50,000
on all of those various --
H.M.Jr:
Do you think we could get out a story on that?
Young:
Yes, I should think so, probably. We haven't
got the official documents back yet. We
probably will get them today.
57
- 18 -
H.M.Jr:
When you get them, Chick, why don't you
work on them with Bob Horton?
Schwarz:
Fine.
Young:
Knudsen was very cooperative the other day
on priorities, and that procedure is now
established, I hope.
H.M.Jr:
Yes. The Executive Order setting that Board
up hasn't gone though yet, has it?
Foley:
No, I saw Smith coming out of Knox's office
last night, and I asked him and he said he
wasn't going to do anything on it until he got
the office of Production Management Executive
Order signed. He is having trouble with that.
Gaston:
Steve Early asked the Secret Service to investi-
gate the source of Gene Duffield's story, saying
that Hillman was to be showed to one side in
that Executive Order and given no authority.
H.M.Jr:
And, of course, you did it.
Gaston:
Well, I learned about it after they had made
some inquiries and I told the Chief that I
thought the inquiry by investigative agencies
as to the source of stories was a silly business,
and Steve Early ought to know it.
H.M.Jr:
Did you kill it?
Gaston:
I haven't definitely killed it. They had already
done some work.
H.M.Jr:
I wouldn't do it.
Gaston:
All right, I will tell Chief Wilson.
58
- 19 -
H.M.Jr:
Why don't you call up Steve and simply say
that I - you can use me and say I will not
have the Secret Service used for that purpose.
Gaston:
The man talked to Gene Duffield and, of course,
Gene just laughed at him, and said, "I don't
tell where I get my stories.
H.M.Jr:
I would call up Steve and tell him as far as
Secret Service is concerned, we just don't
do that kind of thing. He knows better than
that. Do you mind calling him up?
Gaston:
No, I don't mind calling him up.
Schwarz:
Gene told me about the investigation and said
that he got the story from three different
people and he wasn't going to name any of them.
H.M.Jr:
I would call up Steve and would you please call
up Gene Duffield yourself and tell Gene that
we have killed it, and it was done without
either your knowledge or my knowledge? Will you
apologize to him?
Gaston:
I will do that. The Chief just told me about
it late Saturday.
Viner:
What a story that would cause in the press if
that came out.
H.M.Jr:
Well, fortunately Duffield is a friend. It is
an outrageous performance. Early knows better
than that. If he wants to do that kind of thing,
let him use F.B.I.
Young:
The British have applied for an export license
for the erection and maintenance drawings of
the Curtiss SFC-4 dive bomber, which are the 50
dive bombers at Martinique. So far as I am
59
- 20 -
able to find out, those are the only Navy
bombers of that model which are outside of
the country.
H.M.Jr:
Yes.
Young:
I don't know what that means.
H.M.Jr:
All right?
Young:
But it seems peculiar they should have applied
for that.
H.M.Jr:
Now, that stuff which came over from Maxwell,
have you got anywhere for the Greeks?
Young:
On the Republic planes. I have been checking
into that. I am trying to find out just now
where the planes are. There are about 12 yet
to come out of the factory. The rest of them
have already been delivered to the Army and
part of them will be shipped to the Philippines
from the West Coast.
H.M.Jr:
Philip, in the next day or two we have just got
to do something for the Greeks, because I don't
want the President to ask me why not.
Young:
Have you talked to anybody on the Republic P-43's,
which are the new ones?
H.M.Jr:
The Greeks, no, but I am perfectly willing to.
-
Young:
Because they come along in January, February,
and March.
H.M.Jr:
I am perfectly willing to.
Young:
I think that that ought to be taken up with
General Marshall, probably, because he talked
about them the other day in that meeting when
60
- 21 -
the Secretary called his office.
H.M.Jr:
Tell Mack that whenever I get through with
Foley, I want to see you and we will talk
about that, and I will do it at that time.
Will you please?
Young:
Right.
H.M.Jr:
Harry?
White:
Here is some various material on shipping,
(handing charts to Secretary) and we are
ready to talk to you on oil if you want to
at any time.
H.M.Jr:
Well, don't leave this here. You hold onto this
oil matter, will you please?
White:
Yes. The oil and gasoline are still going in
very substantial amounts to Japan. I just
thought you ought to know that.
H.M.Jr:
Well, what is his name, Sumner Welles, made a
remark to me the other day which I think we
might follow up. He said, "I thought we were
going to drop the octane content of export gas
to 67." He said, "I am surprised we haven't
done it before." So just keep that in mind.
White:
Yes. Of course, the public doesn't know that
this stuff is going. The public seems to think
that it is embargoed.
H.M.Jr:
Well, we will see.
White:
Then there are other things about oil. There
is no hurry about it.
Senator Wagner made a comment which may be of
interest --
61
- 22 -
H.M.Jr:
I got & call from him.
White:
Well, on the holding companies?
H.M.Jr:
Yes.
White:
He told you?
H.M.Jr:
No, I haven't spoken to him.
White:
Oh. He said that he didn't like this death
sentence on the holding companies. He was
very reluctant and he was going to take it
up with Glass. I didn't discuss it with him.
I am merely passing that comment on. I
didn't know whether you knew where he stood
or not. He said he was wondering whether
some compromise might not be found.
H.M.Jr:
I am sure, but I am not going to compromise.
Somebody else can, but I am not going to.
You can't compromise with a death sentence.
Harold
Bell:
I think you might give the President authority
to extend that period, Mr. Secretary, by
executive order. It would help some.
H.M.Jr:
Oh, that puts him on the spot.
Bell:
Well, that doesn't hurt. You might have
people trying to buy broken up companies, and
they might wait right until the deadline and
then --
H.M.Jr:
Well, they shouldn't.
Bell:
And then get them very cheaply.
H.M.Jr:
Well, they have got three years under the bill.
62
- 23 -
Bell:
Yes, I know, but if they have this authority
to extend it, they will never know when the
date is actually going to come.
H.M.Jr:
On the other hand if we work it the other way
around, if they thought it was going to be
extended, they might keep postponing it.
Bell:
Well, they would have to work it out some time
and the deadline would be whatever the end
of the period was in the President's authority
rather than a definite three year period.
H.M.Jr:
Well, we will think about it.
Harry, what happened to that book that you had
on all the English assets which you said I
might take to Cabinet?
White:
I have another copy. I gave it to Mrs. Klotz.
H.M.Jr:
Do you have it?
Klotz:
Yes.
White:
That is as of several weeks ago. We can give
you additional information now. It wouldn't
change very much.
H.M.Jr:
Well, Stewart is going to be here for two days,
today or tomorrow, and I want him to take a fresh
look at that thing for me. I want everything
prepared for him so he can take it and go
in 8 room and lock himself up and then be
prepared to a sk us questions as though he was
a committee on the Hill. The question that I
am going to have to answer is why the English
haven't got more money, you see. I mean,
the English asset position in the thing, I
want to turn over to him tomorrow morning. I
am going to ask him just to concentrate on that.
63
- 24 -
Will you have it ready, Harry?
White:
Yes, sir.
H.M.Jr:
Dan?
Bell:
Bob Pierce who is the manager of the National
City's branch in Paris will be in town tomorrow.
I thought you might like to talk to him.
H.M.Jr:
You talk to him.
Bell:
I am going to talk to him.
H.M.Jr:
I am just so far behind on my appointments.
Bell:
I thought I would let him talk to all the other
boys, Pehle and White and 80 on.
H.M.Jr:
Sure.
Bell:
May we show Archie Lochhead the draft of the
Chinese agreement and get his comments?
H.M.Jr:
Please.
Bell:
Last spring when we had our Federal Reserve
conference, we rode the Federal Reserve Banks
of San Francisco, Dallas, and Atlanta pretty
hard for not policing their subscriptions, and
Clark of San Francisco said he would make
another attempt. He sends in a list now which
is very good, but the type of security might
have had something to do with reduction. The
Bank of America group, which subscribed for
44 million 500 thousand of the July bond,
subscribes for a million and 8 half of the
December note; and the Stewart group, which
subscribed for 44 million of the July bonds,
subscribed for 5 million of the December note
and that whole group, The Bank of America and
64
- 25 -
Trans-America and the Stewart group, subscribed
for a hundred million dollars of the July note -
or the July bond and for the December note
only seven million, so they really did some
work on it, if this is any indication. I think
the type of security had something to do with
it.
H.M.Jr:
I don't get the significance.
Bell:
Well, the Trans-American group has been the
worst offender in padding, and we have never
been able to control them because they go through
so many companies and these various companies
scattered around on the Pacific Coast put in
subscriptions that they could never pay for
and shouldn't get them. That is the way the
banking group has gotten a large amount of
government securities which they have put on
the market. He has gone to all of them --
H.M.Jr:
Who has?
Bell:
Clark.
H.M.Jr:
Who is he?
Bell:
He is the Vice-President of the Federal Reserve
Bank of San Francisco.
H.M.Jr:
I see.
Bell:
And apparently it has had some results.
H.M.Jr:
Will you remember that when we go to testify
on the bank holding bill as one of the evils
of the bank holding companies?
Bell:
Yes, I would be delighted.
65
- 26 -
H.M.Jr:
It is a very good point, it is an excellent
point. Will you remember that when we go up
to testify?
Bell:
Yes, I will. May I see you about five minutes
today some time?
H.M.Jr:
Sure. Tell McKay that after Foley you come
and then Young.
Bell:
All right.
Thompson:
Your testimony before the Appropriations Committee
is all ready. Do you want to go over it?
H.M.Jr:
Who is all ready?
Thompson:
Bell, Gaston, Haas and White.
H.M.Jr:
Let Ferdinand Kuhn read it, please.
Thompson:
I have a proposal here for Mr. Bartelt to
consolidate the Treasury emergency relief
accounting and disbursing offices. They have
got to vacate their present quarters --
H.M.Jr:
Which office will you close?
Thompson:
Close the Albany office. The must vacate on
that.
H.M.Jr:
Will I get a kick back on that.
Thompson:
There will probably be & lot of kick backs on
it, but it seems to be a desirable thing to do.
H.M.Jr:
Then in order to save us - who does my politics?
Thompson:
Mr. Gaston.
66
- 27 -
H.M.Jr:
What office is this?
Thompson:
The offices. emergency relief accounting and disbursing
H.M.Jr:
That comes under who?
Thompson:
Bartelt.
H.M.Jr:
Would you mind calling up the Chairman of
the New York Democratic Committee, Mr. James
Farley? Explain what it was and was it all
right with him to do this? It was something
I would like to do. I think if Farley knows
about it beforehand --
Bell:
The kick would come from two Senators also,
Mead and White.
Thompson:
Twenty-three employees would be dropped.
H.M.Jr:
I think if Wagner and Mead knew about it
beforehand and Farley, if you don't mind.
There is no hurry. Don't bother with it today.
You can do it tomorrow.
Thompson:
It also involves the dismissal of Mr. Grubb,
who is the accountant in charge at New York City.
H.M.Jr:
Give Gaston a memorandum on it, and if he could
call up these three people saying this is what
is going to happen, see?
Gaston:
Yes.
H.M.Jr:
I just want Foley to stay behind.
67
January 6, 1941
10:17 a.m.
H.M.Jr:
Well, Harry spoke to me about the thing
and it's perfectly all right with me.
Senator
Robert
Wagner:
It seems to me this: now, of course, I'm
going to do what he wants as you know, but
when the public 1e anxious about things and
wants to know, it seems to me - and at & time
like this, I don't think it's wise to keep
them uninformed.
H.M.Jr:
Well, I agree with you.
W:
Now, I don't know, if he has a different
idea it's just another case where it'll put
me on the spot because they'll be after me on
the Committee, you know.
H.M.Jr:
Yes. Well, the point 18 this: I don't think
that the President can get his legislation
through unless he does tell the Congress what
the situation of the British 18. See?
W:
That's my opinion, and I think I'm going to
tell him that. Has anybody told him that at
all?
H.M.Jr:
Not that I know of.
W:
The trouble is you know they don't tell him
these things.
H.M.Jr:
Not that I know of, but if he asks me, I'd
certainly tell him that, and I've been pre-
paring myself just for that kind of 8 call
from the Hill because I was sure that when
they got his suggestions 88 to how to do this
thing the first question they're going to ask
1s, well, just how broke are they?
W:
Yeah, and it would be a better thing if I
started that rather than to have it started
in Foreign Relations where undoubtedly that
legislation would have to go, but of course
it would be in the form of an amendment to the
Neutrality Act I would imagine.
Regraded Unclassified
68
- 2 -
H.M.Jr:
I don't think that that's the way It's going
to be, Bob.
W:
Well, I don't know. I haven't asked him and
I only know what I read in the paper. They're
not very accurate.
H.M.Jr:
Yeah.
W:
Well, there's nothing else you have on your
mind?
H.M.Jr:
Well, yes, this other thing. We've been working
with Carter Glass on this bank holding thing
and anytime that you're ready I'd like to talk
to you about it.
W:
Now he talked to me the other day about that
and he told me - he said that you had talked
to his but of course he wanted me to be
consulted. Well, I said
.....
H.M.Jr:
Well, you know
.....
W:
Yes, well now wait a minute. I said, now, I
told Henry Morgenthau at one time that on
these matters he should always talk to you
.....
H.M.Jr:
That's right.
W:
.....
and it was entirely - that it vas a very
clear understanding about that Carter.
He needn't worry about that, and he talked
about ne introducing it. I said, no, you
introduce it now that it's set. Well, he said,
there are a couple of matters there that I'm
not sure that I'm with the Secretary on and
I'd like to discuss those with you because I
want your judgment as to what we can get out
of the Committee and all that sort of thing.
So I said, all right, I'll talk to you as soon
as you're ready. Now he'll probably want to
talk to me. Now what he had in aind particularly
I think 1s, he said to ae that he don't like
that 1dea of
69
- 3 -
H.M.Jr:
I Bee.
W:
He'd like to have it the way he had it when
he introduced the bill, you know, from now on.
H.M.Jr:
Well, you mean to freeze
W:
To freeze, yes, exactly.
H.M.Jr:
Well, that doesn't suit me at all.
W:
So I said what we'd better do, Carter, is
when we are ready let's ask the Secretary
to meet with us and let's talk it out that
way, which was agreeable to him.
H.M.Jr:
I'd like to do that very much.
W:
Now, that's the status of it.
H.M.Jr:
Well, now, if you'll set the time
.....
W:
Did you give it to Steagall?
H.M.Jr:
No. Carter told us not to.
W:
Yeah. Well, he doesn't get along well with
him.
H.M.Jr:
But I made it perfectly plain to him that
when I saw him that I was simply carrying out
the suggestion, because you always say to me....
W:
Oh, yeah. Well, there's no - I told him
that same thing myself too. Oh, I think
what he wanted to be sure of was that it was
all right with me as chairman, you know.
H.M.Jr:
Well, I had a call in, you remember, and you
called me.
W:
Oh, yeah. Well, there's no talk about that.
I cleared that with him, but I think he wanted
to make sure for himself. So I tell you,
I'll talk to him today
H.M.Jr:
Will you, and will you do this: I'd like to
mention it to Barkley and when we meet I wish
that Barkley would sit in on it.
70
- 4 -
W:
Yes.
H.M.Jr:
So you mind if I call Barkley?
W:
Not & bit, not a bit. I don't mind any of
those things.
H.M.Jr:
Well, and then I'm going to say that if and
when we meet, I would like to meet with you
and with Carter and with Barkley.
W:
Yeah. That's fine with me.
H.M.Jr:
All right, because once before I didn't
tell Barkley before I came up on the Hill
and he was hurt.
W:
Yeah.
H.M.Jr:
So I don't want it to happen again.
W:
All right.
H.M.Jr:
So it would help me a little bit if he could
be included.
W:
Oh, sure, that's all right with me.
H.M.Jr:
Well, in not too distant future - do you think
you can do it this week?
W:
Well, I'm going to try to. I'm settling down.
I'm dieting and I've lost about 8 pounds now
and I feel a little better.
H.M.Jr:
God, you must be handsome as hell.
W:
(Laughs).
H.M.Jr:
The line for the girls forms on the right, eh.
W:
You can't think of those things these days -
you can, but not me.
H.M.Jr:
All right.
W:
All right, Henry.
71
January 6, 1941
10:25 a.m.
H.M.Jr:
Hello.
Senator
Barkley:
Hello.
H.M.Jr:
Alben, Henry talking.
B:
How are you?
H.M.Jr:
I'm fine. Alben, I've been talking with
Senator Glass over & proposed bill on bank
holding companies. Hello?
B:
Yeah.
H.M.Jr:
And I'm very anxious that we do something,
and he has it under consideration, and Wagner
said he'd like to have me come up and talk
to him and when I do I'd like very much if
you'd be there.
B:
All right. You haven't fixed any time yet.
H.M.Jr:
No. If you'd like to have something in advance -
to give you an idea - to read it before we come
up, I'll be glad to send it up to you.
B:
All right. Suppose you do that.
H.M.Jr:
Well, I'll send it up, but we've fussed
around with these bank holding companies now
and I think it's time we did something.
B:
Yeah. Well, I think Glass has, as I understand
it, has always been rather sympathetic with
the proposal that they ought to be handled.- -
used to be - I don't know whether he - I haven't
talked to him lately.
H.M.Jr:
Well, here's the difference between the way
I'm thinking and the way Glass is. Glass would
like to freeze the present situation and simply
say well whatever it 16 at present we'll let
that - but they can't grow. I'd like to have
it so that over a period of say several years
these kind of companies be liquidated and we
don't have bank holding companies.
72
- 2 -
B:
Sort of a death sentence.
H.M.Jr:
Definitely.
B:
A postponed execution of it.
H.M.Jr:
Yeah. Give them three years.
B:
Yeah. Well, I'll be glad to talk with you
about it and in the meantime get any memo-
randum you want to send over.
H.M.Jr:
I'll send one up today.
B.
All right.
H.M.Jr:
Thank you.
B:
Good-bye.
73
1941
n door Denster
in accordance with our telephone commission
relative to the bank holding company problem, I -
transmitting herevith e short comparing
the principal features of 8. 3575 (75th Congress),
the bank holding company bill introduced w Senators
Class and Holder is 1938, a copy of which to enclosed,
and the type of bill preferred by the Treasury Depart-
sent which me recently diseased with Senater Glass.
In addition, I as enclosing a americates giving -
of the sulient facts concerning Transamerica Corpora-
tion and the Bank of America National Trust and Sevings
Association and the difficulties which the office of
the Comptreller of the Currency has encountered is the
supervision of that bank.
Very truly yours,
(Signed) H. Morgenthau, Jr.
Secretary of the Treasury.
In. Albon W. Barkley,
Orig start endoswery 7 special
I I 1
messinge at 4:55 pm 1/6/41,
from General Cannel's office
I
Allowis 7/6/19
74
STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL
COMPARISON or 8. 3575 (7538 CONGRESS) 180
MM SOLDING COMPANY LAGIALATION
CONTEMPLATED BY THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
B. 3575, introduced by Sensions Gase end Belder is 1938, if ensabed
into law, would operate to "froom" the bank helding tenjety by
prohibiting further expansion of bank holding companies eat by placing
certain restrictions upon the sperations of such concenies. the Mill is
brief defines a holding coupany of an insured bank as . congrage which and
of holds more than 10 persent of the charge of expital stock of as insured
bank or dominstes the election of the najarity of directors of an insured
bank. (See. 2(7) end (#). page 20)
8. 3575 would not abolish bank holding companies or require then to
dispose of any bank stock which they bold or sequire prior to the effective
date of the Act, but would prohibit then from acquiring any more votteg
stock of any insured bank and would probibit any company from acquiring
sufficient voting stock of an insured bank to become a helding company.
(See. 4, page 4.) in insured bank which is controlled by a helding con-
pany would net be parmitted to make loans to or cellsteralized with 100
curities issued w, purchase securities from, or invest in securities
issued w, the helding company or any of its subsidiaries; nor sould such
a bank establish say now OF additional branches. (Sec. 3, page " sec. 5,
page 5.)
8. 3575 contains - number of sametions for enforeing its provisions.
If a holding company acquired any additional stock in en insured bank
after the effective date of the Act and thereby violsted the Act 18 would
be unlawful for such insured bank to pay any dividends to such holding
company. (See. 10, page 8.) s violation of the Act would constitute a
misdemeaner, with a $5,000 fine for each violation by B company, and &
$5,000 fine or not exceeding one year's ingrisonment, or both, for each
violation by a. natural yersen. (See. 14, page 12.) If an insured bank
or a holding company of such insured bank violated the 202, the insured
bank night become ineligible to receive deposits of public funds of the
United States, and night have its insurance terminated by the Federal De-
posit Insurance Cerporation. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
also could obtain injunctive relief free the courts to enjoin violations
of the Act.
Although 5. 3575 eight help the situation somewhat by plasing certain
rectrictions upon the activities of bank holding companies and insured
banks controlled by such companies, 18 10 believed that the bill does not
" far enough to reasdy the evile inkerent in the control of insured banks
by holding compenies. The draft of legislation which the Treasury Depart-
sent has in aims would prescribe a definite period within which holding
75
company control of banks would have to be terminated. It muld make 10
underful after June 30, 1944 for any company to on or control in up
manner more than 10 persent of the voting cosurities of an insured bask
of to control is any name the election of the majority of the directors
of at insured bank. s violation of the set would subject a violating
company to 8. fine, and a violating individual to a Sine, or to imprisem-
met, or both. the 20ard of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance
Carporation would be authorized to obtain injustive relief free the
courts to enjoin violations, and would also be authorised, after hearing,
to remove any officer or director of 48 incured bank visa was responsible
for, of failed to discless to proper authorition, may violation of the Mr.
Is addition, the draft of legialation contemplated by the Treasury
Department would provide that after the date of the approvel of the in
12 sould be unlewful for say national bank, over the objection of the
Comptroller of the Currency, or any State bank insured by the Federal De-
posit Insurance Corporation, over the objection of the Corporation, to
declare or to pay any dividend. Such a provision would be necessary be
step holding companies from blooding banks by the dealaration and payment
of excessive dividends in the period between the date of approval of the
Act and the termination of holding company control of banks on June 30,
1944. In addition, such a vote upon excessive dividends would be 200M-
sary after 1944 is order to insure that no company or group of individuals
who night devise a scheme to circumvent the Act and obtain centrel of as
insured bank could bleed the bank by distating the declaration and payment
of excessive dividends. Sush a veto over excessive dividends would -
stitute the most effective single method for assuring the continued and-
ness and stability of the banks insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation.
DJ8100 typed 1.6.41
Regraded Unclassified
76
75TH CONGRESS
3D SESSION
S. 3575
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
JANUARY 5 (calendar day, MARCH 2), 1988
Mr. GLASS and Mr. McAnoo introduced the following bill; which was read twice
and referred to the Committee on Banking and Currency
A BILL
To provide for the regulation of bank holding companies and
affiliates, and for other purposes.
1
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
2 tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
3 That this Act may be cited as the "Bank Holding Company
4 Act of 1938".
5
SEC. 2. (1) "Insured bank" means any operating
6 bank, banking association, trust company, savings bank, or
7 other banking institution, the deposits of which are insured
8 in accordance with the provisions of section 12B of the
9 Federal Reserve Act, as amended.
10
(2) "Person" means any individual, partnership, asso-
11 ciation of persons, or company.
2
1
(3) "Company" means any corporation, incorporated
2 bank, banking association, insured bank, joint-stock com-
3 many, business trust, or trustees of any voting trust.
4
(4) "Director" means any director or trustee of any
5 company, or any individual who performs similar functions
6 in respect of any company.
7
(5) "Securities" include notes, drafts, acceptances,
8 bonds, debentures, capital notes, voting trust certificates,
9 capital stock, treasury stock, warrants, and rights to sub-
10 scribe to or certificates of deposit for any of the foregoing.
11
(6) "Capital stock" includes common and preferred
12 stock, capital notes, and debentures.
13
(7) "Control" means the legal or equitable ownership
14 or holding of more than 10 per centum of the total number
15 or par value of the outstanding shares of capital stock or total
16 number of voting rights for electing directors, or the domina-
17 tion. directly or indirectly, in any manner of the election of
18 a majority of the directors of an insured bank or any other
19 company, and wherever used in this Act the word "control"
20 in any grammatical form shall have this meaning.
21
(8) "Holding company" of any insured bank means any
22 company which controls the insured bank or controls any
23 other company which in turn controls the insured bank, and
24 every company in any series or succession of companies in
25 any system of controlling and controlled companies, in which
Regraded Unclassified
77
8
1 any company or combination of companies control the in-
2 sured bank.
3
(9) "Affiliate" of any insured bank means any com-
4 pany which with respect to the insured bank is a holding
5 company, every company in any series or succession of com-
6 panies constituting any system of controlling and controlled
7 companies, in which any company is controlled by the in-
8 sured bank or by such holding company or by any company
9 or combination of companies in such system, and any com-
10 pany having one or more shareholders who have legal or
11 equitable ownership of more than 50 per centum of the
12 number or par value of the outstanding shares of capital stock
13 or voting rights for electing directors of both the company
14 and the insured bank: Provided, That notwithstanding the
15 foregoing, any company engaged solely in the business of
16 (a) operating a safe-deposit vault; or (b) holding or op-
17 erating the building and premises occupied by any insured
18 bank, shall not be an affiliate of the insured bank.
19
(10) "Effective date" means the date of enactment of
20 this Act.
21
SEC. 3. It shall be unlawful for any insured bank,
22 directly or indirectly or by any device whatever (1) to
23 make any loan or extension of credit to any of its affiliates
24 or to invest any of its funds or any funds administered by
25 it, in any securities issued or guaranteed by any of its
4
1 affiliates; or (2) to purchase any securities from any of
2 its affiliates; or (3) to make any loan or extension of
3 credit to any person secured by any collateral consisting
4 of any securities issued or guaranteed by any of its affilintes,
5 Notwithstanding the foregoing, any insured bank, which
6 prior to the effective date, shall have made any loans, exten-
7 sions of credit, or investments which by virtue of this section
8 would constitute prohibited loans, extensions of credit, or
9 investments if made after the effective date, shall have three
10 years after the effective date within which to collect, sell,
11 or otherwise dispose thereof. During said three-year period
12 any such lonns or extensions of credit may be renewed or
13 extended, but no renewal or extension shall be given beyond
14 said period. Within two years after the effective date,
15 where necessary to save itself from loss, any such insured
16 bank may accept securities issued or guaranteed by its
17 affiliates, as payments to apply on or as collateral security
18 for loans or extensions of credit made prior to the effective
19 date to any person other than one of its affiliates, and in
20 such event the insured bank shall collect, sell, or otherwise
21 dispose of such securities within three years after the
22 effective date.
23
SEO. 4. It shall be unlawful for any company to acquire
24 any capital stock, or voting rights for electing directors,
25 of any insured bank or of any holding company of any
Unclassified
78
b
1 insured bank, if such company is or upon such acquisition
2 would become A holding company of any insured bank.
8
SEC. 5. No insured bank shall éstablish or operate or
4 be permitted to establish or operate any new or additional
5 branchés while such insured bank is controlled by any hold-
6 ing company.
1
SEC. 6. Every company shall before the expiration of
8 sixty days after the effective date cause to be filed with the
9 cashier or secretary of every insured bank as to which it is
10 an affiliate, an affidavit to be signed by one of its executive
11 officers having knowledge of the facts, which shall set forth
12 as of the effective date (1) the total number and par value
13 of the outstanding shares of capital stock and total number
14 of voting rights for electing directors of such insured bank,
15 which such company owns or holds, the names of the per-
16 sons in whose names such shares or rights are issued and a
17 full description of any instruments evidencing such shares
18 or rights; (2) the amount of any indebtedness of such com-
19 pany to the insured bank, direct and indirect, the maturity
20 dates, and the person in whose name such indebtedness
21 stands, if other than the company; and (3) an itemized
22 statement of its nssets and liabilities as of the last day of the
23 preceding month and of its earnings for the current fiscal
24 year to the last day of the preceding month, if the company
25 be directly or indirectly indebted to the bank. Within
Regraded Unclassified
6
1 twenty days after the close of each calendar month there-
2 after, if there has been any change in any of the matters
3 covered in such affidavit, except item 3 thereof, during such
4 month, the company shall file a like report, so long as it
5 shall continue to stand in the relation of an affiliate to such
6 insured bank. Every company shall file within thirty days
7 after the last day of June and December of each year with
8 the cashier or secretary of every insured bank as to which
9 it is an affiliate a like sworn itemized statement of its assets
10 and liabilities as of the last day of June and December of
11 each year and of its earnings for the current fiscal year to
13 the last day of June and December of each year. Every
13 insured bank shall retain such Iffidavits and statements on
14 file ns a part of its records for at lenst three years.
15
SEC. 7, Every insured bank, holding company, and
16 affiliate shull file with the Federal Deposit Insurance Cor-
17 poration such annual, semiannual, quarterly, and other
18 periodic and special reports, the answers to such specific
19 questions and the minutes of such directors', stockholders',
20 committees', and other meetings, as the Corporation by
21 order may prescribe as necessary or appropriate for the
22 proper consideration of the condition of any insured bank
23 or for the proper supervision of the Federal deposit insur-
24 ance system, and the Corporation may make such investiga-
25 tions of any insured bank, holding company or affiliate, and
79
7
1 the books and records thereof, as shall be necessary (If
2 proper to disclose the condition of any insured bank or the
3 effect of the relations between any holding company or
4 affiliate and any insured bank, upon the Federal deposit
5 insurance system or any insured bank. And such investi-
6 gations shull be made at the expense of the Corporation;
7 and it shall be unlawful for any insured bank, holding com-
8 pany, or affiliate knowingly to make any false statement
9 or report to the Corporation or to refuse authorized repre-
10 sentatives of the Corporation access to any information re-
11 quired in connection with any such investigations.
12
SEC. 8. After the effective date, the Board of Governors
13 of the Federal Reserve System shall not, without the consent
14 of the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance
15 Corporation, grant or extend the operative effect of any
16 voting permit to any holding company affiliate under the
17 provisions of section 2 of the Banking Act of 1933, as
18 amended (U. S. C., title 12, sec. 61).
19
SEC. 9. Whenever it shall appear to the Board of Direc-
20 tors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation that any
21 person is engaged or about to engage in any acts or practices
22 which constitute or will constitute a violation of the provi-
23 sions of this Act, the Board in its discretion may bring an
24 action in the proper district court of the United States or the
25 Supreme Court of the District of Columbia, to enjoin such
Regraded Unclassified
8
1 acts or practices and to enforce compliance with this Act,
2 and upon a proper showing a temporary or permanent injune-
3 tion, decree, or restraining order shall be granted without
4 bond. The Corporation may transmit such evidenco as may
5 be available concerning such nets or practices to any United
6 States attorney or to the Attorney General, who, in his dis-
7 cretion, may institute appropriate criminal proceedings under
8 this Act. The proper district for the commencement of any
9 injunction proceeding pursuant to this section shall be any
10 district wherein any act or transaction constituting the viola-
11 tion occurred or in which the defendant is an inhabitant or
12 transacts business, and process in such cases may be served
13 in any district in which the defendant is an inhabitant or
14 transacts business or wherever the defendant may be found.
15 Judgments and decrees so rendered shall be subject to review
16 as provided in sections 225 and 347 of title 28 of the United
17 States Code, and section 7, as amended, of the Act entitled
18 "An Act to establish a court of appeals for the District of
19 Columbia", approved February 9, 1893 (D. C. Code, title
20 18, sec. 26). No costs shall be assessed for or against the
21 Corporation in any proceeding under this Act brought by it
22 in any court.
23
SEO. 10. It shall be unlawful for any insured bank to
24 pay to any holding company, directly or indirectly, any
25 dividend on any shares of its capital stock so long as such
Regraded Unclassified
80
1 holding company shall continue to hold any shares of the
2 capital stock or voting rights for electing directors of such
3 insured bank, or of any company which is 9 holding company
4 with respect of such insured bank, acquired in violation of
5 any provision of this act.
6
Sed. 11. Whenever the Board of Directors of the Fed-
7 eral Deposit Insurance Corporation shall determine, after
8 reasonable notice to the company affected an opportunity for
9 a hearing, that any insured bank or any company which with
10 respect to any insured bank is a holding company has violated
11 any provision of this Act, and that such action is necessary
12 for the protection of the public or the safety and integrity of
13 the Federal deposit insurance system, it may make a finding
14 of the facts of such violation. Upon making such finding,
15 the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Cor-
16 poration may cause the same to be published in the Federal
17 Register and thereafter the insured bank shall be ineligible
18 to receive deposits of public funds of the United States or of
19 any public officer, agent, or instrumentality of the United
20 States. Upon making such finding, the Board of Directors
21 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation may proceed
22 to terminate the insured status of the insured bank, in like
23 manner 88 provided in subsection (i) of section 12B of the
24 Federal Reserve Act, as amended. Upon notification in
35 writing by the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit In-
Regraded Unclassified
10
1 surance Corporation to the Board of Governors of the Fed-
3 eral Reserve System of any such finding of such violazion on
3 the part of any holding company and request for such revoor-
4 tion, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
5 forthwith shall proceed to revoke any voting permit thereto-
6 fore granted to such holding company as a holding company
7 affiliate under the provisions of section 2 of the Banking Act
8 of 1933, as amended (U. S. O., title 12, sec. 61) The
9 Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Cor-
10 poration shall have the right, upon such terms and conditions
11 as may be consistent with the public interest, the safety and
12 integrity of the Federal deposit insurance system and the
13 purposes of this Act, to review, suspend, modify, or revoke
14 any order or finding made pursuant to this section.
15
SEC. 12. Any person or party aggrieved by an order
16 issued by the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit
17 Insurance Corporation under this Act may obtain a review
18 of such order in the circuit court of appeals of the United
19 States within any circuit wherein such person resides or bas
20 his principal place of business, or in the United States Court
21 of Appeals for the District of Columbia, by filing in such
22 court, within sixty days after the entry of such order, a
23 written petition praying that the order of said Board be
24 modified or set aside in whole or in part. A copy of such
25 petition shall be forthwith served upon any member of said
81
11
1 Board, or upon any officer thereof designated by the said
2 Board for that purpose, and thereupon the said Board shill
3 certify and file in the court IL transcript of the record up$n
4 which the order complained of was entered. Upon the
5 filing of such transcript such court shall have exclusive
6 jurisdiction to affirm, modify, or set aside such order, in
7 whole or in part. No objection to the order of said Board
8 shall be considered by the court unless such objection shall
9 have been urged before said Board or unless there were
10 reasonable grounds for failure 80 to do, The findings of
11 the said Board as to the facts, if supported by substantial
12 evidence, shall be conclusive. If application is made to the
13 court for leave to adduce additional evidence, and it is shown
14 to the satisfaction of the court that such additional evidence
15 is material and that there were reasonable grounds for failure
16 to adduce such evidence in the proceedings before said Board,
17 the court may order such additional evidence to be taken
18 before the said Board and to be adduced upon the hearing
19 in such manner and upon such terms and conditions as to
20 the court may seem proper. Said Board may modify its
21 findings as to the facts by reason of the additional evidence
22 80 taken, and it shall file with the court such modified or
23 new findings, which, if supported by substantial evidence,
24 shall be conolusive, together with its recommendation, if any,
25 for the modification or setting aside of the original order.
12
1 The judgment and decree of the court, affirming, imindifying,
2 or setting aside, in whole or in part; any such order of sald
8 Board shall be final, subject to review by the Suprimes Code
4 of the United States upon certiorari or ocetification iss pilo-
5 vided in sections 346 and 347 of title 28 of the United Stafes
6 Code. The commencement of proceedings under this section
I shall not, unless specifically ordered by the court, operate
8 as a stay of said Board's order.
Hade
8
9
SEC. 13. It shall be unlawful for the individual directors,
10 officers, or agents of any company to authorize, order, or do
11 any act constituting in whole or in part a violation of the
12 provisions of this Act by such company.
13
SEO. 14. Any person who knowingly violates any pro-
14 vision of this Act shall be guilty of a misdemeanor; any
15 company which knowingly violates any provision of this
16 Act, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished bigs fine of
17 not exceeding $5,000 for each violation, and any natural
18 person who knowingly violates any provision of this Act,
19 upon conviction thereof, shall be punished for each violation
20 by fine of not exceeding $5,000 or by imprisonment for not
21 exceeding one year, or by both, in the discretion of the
22 court.
23
SEO. 15. No provision in this Act shall apply to, or be
24 deemed to include, the United States, 8 State, or any politi-
25 cal subdivision of & State, or any corporation which is
Regraded Unclassified
82
13
1 wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by any one or more of
2 the foregoing, or any corporation which is managed by a
3 person or persons appointed pursuant to law by the Presi-
4 dent of the United States or the Governor of a State or the
5 chief executive of any political subdivision of 8 State, or any
6 officer, agent, or employee of any of the foregoing acting
7 as such in the course of his official duty or to any company
8 which is determined by the Board of Directors of the Fed-
9 eral Deposit Insurance Corporation, on application for
10 exemption or of its own motion, to be only incidentally a
11 holding company and to be primarily engaged in business
12 other than holding the stock of or managing or controlling
13 banks, banking associations, savings banks, or trust com-
14 panies, or to be only incidentally or temporarily an affiliate
15 of any insured bank.
16
SEO. 16. If any provision of this Act or the application
17 of such provision to any person or circumstances shall be
18 held invalid, the remainder of the Act and the application
19 of such provision to persons or circumstances other than those
20 as to which it is declared invalid shall not be affected
21 thereby.
75TH CONGRESS
Bo SESSION
S. 3575
A BILL
To provide for the regulation of bank holding
companies and affiliates, and for other pur-
poses.
By Mr. GLASS and Mr. McADoo
JANUARY 5 (calendar day, MARCH 2), 1938
Read twice and referred to the Committee on
Banking and Currency
83
Relations
belongs_to
belongs_to