Evening star., 1947-11-25

Kreuger, Swedish match king, which
led to the worlds most colossal
financial fraud, were similar to this
case. Kreuger was successful Tor
many years in keeping his dishonest
actions entirely unknown to the
leading American and European
financiers of his day whom he swim
died. He was entertained and hon.
ored by the worlds leading bankers,
decorated by various governments.
The characteristics of the men
were also similar. They were gen.
fuses with figures, had tremendous
initiative, energy and drive, and
what is perhaps most significant,
worked alone.
With respect to this latter point,
thorough investigation of the Mey-
ers matter does not lay even the
finger of suspicion on any other Of
fcer in the Air Force or the Army.
The fact that Meyers was also a
lone wolf probably accounts for his
being able to keep his secrets so
long.
Knew of Senate Inquiry.
(2) Should Meyers have been
court martialed within recent
weeks?
The answer as to why court-martial
proceedings have not yet actually
been instituted against Meyers is
clear. We knew months ago the
Senate committee was investigating
him and that their findings would
ultimately be available to the Air
Force
Until October II last we had no
facts to justify court-martlal. On
that day, Meyers asked us for an
interview, which he was given. At
that time he told us shocking story,
then suggested we court-martial him
Immediately ito keep my name from
being smeared across the Nation by
Senator Ferguson"
We said we doubted if he should
be ourt-martialed at that time be-
cause we did not want to interfere
with the working Of the Senate COM
mittee. Meyers then stated he had
not received any cooperation what
ever from the Air Force in his
troubles, and added he was afraid
his testimony would have to bring in
"lot of important people The
implied threat was obvious.
That same afternoon, at his re-
quest, his counsel saw the Air
Forces general counsel and also
suggested the possibility of court
martial; but by that time we were
convinced Meyers wanted court
martial as a way of forestalling pub
lie hearing by the Senate COM
mittee.
The next day, Sunday, October 81,
Gen. Spaatz, who, along with our
general counsel, Mr.. Shaw, and di-
rector of public relations, Mr.. Leo,
had been present at the Meyers in
terview, and I of course agreed, that
everything Meyers had told us the
day previously should be presented
Immediately to the Secretary of the
Army (who still has court-martial
! jurisdiction over Meyers to the At
torney General, and to Senator
Ferguson.
This was done the first thing the
next morning Senator Ferguson
remarked, HE has told you only a
small part of it"
Conference Is Held"
When talking it over with the At
torney General, We asked him If he
would turn the matter over to the
Federal Bureau Oh Investigation i'm
mediately, because Air Force facil-
titles were just not adequate to
handle an investigation of the scope
and character indicated as required
by Meyers strange voluntary con-
fession."
The Attorney General said he
had been watching the proceedings,
suggested a conference between the
Department of the Army, the De-
partment of the Air Force, Sen
ator Ferguson and Assistant At
torney General Quinn. This was
held the following day, Tuesday
at which time the Department OF
Justice requested that all records
of the Senate committee be turned
over to Justice, and requested we
make a deposition in the Office OF
the Assistant Attorney General OF
all Meyers had said to us. This
latter was also done promptly
Later that same week we had
another conference with the At
torney General, at which time he
assured us he was proceeding as
rapidly as possible.
In the meantime, despite some
question of legality, the Air Force
has with the cooperation of the
Secretary of the Army effected
stoppage of Meyers pay. The All
Force has also taken steps to re-
scind all decorations and awards
previously given Meyers.
Court-martial charges are being
: prepared against Meyers. The tim'
) and the charges are being co-ordi'
, mated with the plans of the Depart
ment of Justice. 1t was felt mad
visable to initiate any court-martia
, proceedings until the committee hae
|. fully developed its facts relating tt
| Meyers.
go Anonymous letter of 1945.
This letter was addressed to the
Federal Bureau of Investigation
The original was retained by the
FBI, with copies transmitted stimuli