Evening star., 1946-10-12
Truman 10 Talk
On Meat Issue
Monday Night
Will Broadcast to
Nation; No indication
Of His Decision

President Truman is going to
discuss the meat problem in a
radio address to the Nation at
10 o'clock Monday night, it was
announced at the White House
at noon today.
Press Secretary Charles G. Ross
told reporters that the President
would talk about the stabilization
program, in 15-minute broadcast
over four networks, and when asked:
What about meat?" he responded:
Meat, of cosKse, is part of that
program"
Asked if the fact that the Pres
ident had scheduled the address
meant that he would decide what
course to. take to get meat back on
the American table and then go on
the air to explain his stand, Mr..
Ross responded:
TT doesn't mean anything, but
that he is going to'make speech"
No Indication of Decision.
The Presidents talk will be de-
liyered from the diplomatic recep-
ton room, which for years has been
used for such occasions.
Definite announcement that the
President would go before the coun-
try with this issue ended several
days speculation as to his prospec-
tive action.
There was, however, no indication
of what decision the President has
reached. The control of meat prices
has been one of the integral parts
of the administration stabilization
program.
The Agriculture Department, in
the meantime, worked on an answer
to the beef industry's formal petit
ton for removal of ceilings, which
Secretary Anderson said might be
ready today.
Truman Course in Doubt.
The President and his cabinet
studied the whole matter yesterday
at a lengthy session and some Of
those present left with conflicting
ideas on what course Mr.. Truman
might follow.
One official said he believes Mr..
Truman is inclined toward some
modification of the meat control
program, presumably involving
higher ceilings or perhaps certif1-
cate plan insuring against a long
run loss on livestock.
Another official said he got the
impression the President is op-
posed to a underground program OF
| this kind
| When a reporter noted that left
outright decontrol or retention Of
the present price lids as the only
alternatives. the official replied:
That's right"
Importation Discussed.
| 1t is known, however, that the
possibility of importing meat to
help ease the shortage was one Of
the points discussed by the cabinet.
Given most consideration was
whether to bring in fresh meat from
Argentina, course which would re-
quire removal of a ban imposed be-
cause of a hoof and mouth disease
threat. Argentina already has Of
fered to ship 100000 pounds of
canned meat, which is not covered
by the ban.
These proposals prompted sharp
criticism on both the political and
industry fronts.
Senator Taft, Republican, of Ohio
termed the suggested importation Of
Argentine beef shocking" He
added in a statement:
"The possible destruction of the
livestock business in the United
States would be of little Importance
compared to losing an election"
"Unfortunate Solution"
Wilbur La Roe, speaking for the
National Independent Meat Packers
Association, told reporter that ac-
ceptance of the Argentine offer
would be a most unfortunate solu-
ton" of the problem.
Declaring such importation would
be very injurious to the meat in
dustry," Mr.. La Roe said:
why encourage foreign meat
when the only thing needed Is lift
ing Government regulations?"
While the controversy over the
current shortage ran on, the Agri-
culture Department came IN with q
report indicating that housewives
may fare some better at butcher
shops in the months ahead.
The departments Bureau of Eco.
nomics said that during the three
months ending october / shipments
of stocker and feeder cattle into II
Midwestern corn belt States we're 36
per cent greater than during the
corresponding period last year.
These are cattle which will go
to the slaughter market during the
coming winter, spring and summer.
They are grain-fed and usually pro-
vide a better grade of meat than
grass-fed animals.
The bureau said cautiously that
because confusion and uncertainty
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