CABINET MEETING, JANUARY 20, 1949*
Sawyer absent
Johnson absent
Brannan absent
Tobin absent
Whitney for Sawyer
Early for Johnson
THE PRESIDENT
Instructed Chapman to provide coal inventory information to Dr. Steelman.
CHAPMAN
Pittsburgh area - Duluth area are most critical. It may be we will have to call national emergency. If strike is not settled by Monday we will be in bad shape - particularly in Northwest where there has been an earlier cold spell than in the East.
THE PRESIDENT
Asked for opinion as to whether he should ask coal operators and Lewis to go back to work under provision that fact finding board be appointed and 60 day truce be declared while it deliberates (as is the case in steel strike).
CHAPMAN
MCGRATH
SNYDER
All agree that this procedure should be tried.
BARKLEY
Thinks it would put Lewis on spot in public mind - and increase possibility of further revolt of mine workers.
ACHESON
Says that it sounds sensible.
CHAPMAN
Stocks 40,000,000 tons - Jan 1.
Prod 20,000,000 tons
Home inventory can't be determined.
EARLY
Feels that the proposal has tremendous appeal.
PMG
Thinks it sounds good.
WHITNEY
Previous statements of members express situation very well.
THE PRESIDENT
Now that we are approaching emergency it would be feasible. Prior to this time it would have been a futile gesture. The proposal would be made that workers return to work under terms of old contract (5 day week).
CHAPMAN
It should be made clear that any settlement would be retroactive to the date that negotiations begin.
THE PRESIDENT
Told Steelman to inform Tobin & Brannan and get their reaction to proposal.
ACHESON
Took a licking in House yesterday on Korean aid - lost by 2 votes. Leadership in House put on sad performance in this matter. However a companion bill has passed Senate and if we get a rule in House Rayburn and McCormack will have to go to work.
The House decision has terrified nations in Europe and everywhere else - that we are pulling out.
*Not dated by Mr. Connelly. Assume above date to be correct because of its position between meetings of Jan. 13 and Jan. 27.