Cross Reference Memorandum

dlt MITCHELL, Hon. Harry B. President, PERKINS, Frances 252=I Commissioner, United States Civil Service Commission, Washington, D. C. April 25, 1947 Wrote to the President re the appropriation to be made for the loyalty investiga- tions made necessary by Executive Order 9835. States it seems that the Budget's method of estimating the workload and consequent appropriation is contrary to the spirit of the President's Temporary Commission on Empl yee Loyalty and to the letter of the Executive order. Discusses this matter in detail.--- April 28, 1947 the President sent memo to James E. Webb, Director of the Budget, attaching above correspondence and suggests that he prepare an answer.-- April 30, 1947 James E. Webb, Director of the Budget sent memo to the President submitting estimates of funds required by the Civil Service Commission and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. States the objections of the two Commissioners (csc) do not seem to him to be well founded. Writes, "I recommend, therefore, that you approve the estimates as submitted herewith, and that a letter be sent to Mr. Mitchell advising him of your action and the reasons therefor, with a copy to the Attorney General for his infor- mation. A draft of such a letter is enclosed herewith.' On May 1, 1947 Attorney General Tom Clark sent memo to the President with reference to the above.--- May 7, 1947 Clark M. Clifford wrote to the President giving his views re above.-- On May 9, 1947 Mr. Clifford again wrote to the President reabove.---On May 9, 1947 the President wrote to Mr. Mitchell advising he has transmitted to the Congress estimates of funds required by the Civil Service Commission and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the loyalty investigations contem- plated by Executive Order 9835. Acquaints Mr. Mitchell with his reasons for approving the estimate. Says while Executive order 9835 does not require that any field investigations be conducted by the FBI, that Bureau has been performing such investigations. In carrying our this task the FBI has acquired sources of information and data which make it pre-eminent among Government agencies in the field of combating subversive influences. Says he thinks that any attempt to parallel this organization in another Government agency would be admin- istratively unsound. Mentions the estimates therefore recommend that sufficient funds be allowed the FBI to permit that agency to conduct all loyalty investigations of persons who are now or may hereafter be placed on the pay rolls of the Federal Government. States he is transmitting a copy of this letter to the Attorney General for his information and urges that both agencies cooperate to the utmost in ferreting out and securing dismissal of dis- loyal employees and in the protection of those who may be unjustly accused.---On May 9, 1947 Mr. Latta sent memo to the Attorney General, transmitting copy of above letter. On May 23, 1947 Clark M. Clifford sent memo to the President stating Mr.Vanech, Assistant Attorney General, who was Chairman of his Temporary Commission on SEE - 252-K Employee Loyalty, has talked at some length with him expressing concern over the possible political difficulties in connection with the appropriation hear- ings on the budget estimates for the investigation program which he sent up to the Hill on May 9th. Says A. Devitt Vanech believes that an effort will be made fo find flaws in his proposal especially the fact that the FBI is not made fully responsibly for all investigations in every case in which there is a suspicion of disloyalty in an applicant for Federal employment. Mr. Clifford says he disagrees on this matter. Discusses it more thoroughly.