Evening star., 1950-09-13

The tert of Secretary John
sons letter to the President is
as tolloiDs::
My dear Mr.. President:
I have today presented to you the
unanimous recommendations Of the
Joint Secretaries, the Joint Chiefs OF
Staff and myself for the rearma-
ment of the United States in concert
with the rearmament programs OF
the other free nations. The compile
ton of these unanimous recommen-
dations marks a milestone in our
work for the security of the United
States and the peace of the world.
When I undertook to serve as
Secretary of Defense, at your re-
suest and that of Secretary Forrestal,
I remarked to you privately and
also remarked publicly that it was
inevitable, in the conscientious per-
formanee of my duties as Secretary
Of Defense, that I would make more
enemies than friends. Somewhat
ruefully, I now admit, was right.
The unification of the armed |
forces has been accomplished in
great degree. If it had not been
accomplished, we would not have
been able to deploy our forces on a
fighting front more than 5000 miles
from our homeland as speedily as
the three services have accomplished
that unexpected task.
am grateful to you for the sup
port you have always given me, in
my attempts to bring about unifica-
ton of the services and in my work
to establish alertness without waste
or duplication in the Department of
Defense.
under normal conditions, the fact
that have made so many enemies
would not concern me too greatly,
for I could take comfort in the
thought that I have made them in
q good cause. But today, when
American boys are laying down their
lives in the cause of our national
security and world peace, it seems
to me that the country should have
a Secretary of Defense who does not
suffer under the handicap of the
enemies I have acquired during the
Glk1ltSGu i 41dFC CCANC0 90 q
member of your Cabinet.
Accordingly, 1t is my recommen-
dAtion that, at your earliest con-
venience, you accept the resignation
which tender herewith, and name
as my successor a man of such
stature that the very act of naming
him to be Secretary of Defense will
promote national and international
unity. Such man, in my opinion,
is Gen. George Marshall-and I
recommend his name to your
thoughtful attention.
L recognize, of course, that
many will argue that one of our
great generals should not be Sec
retary of Defense. do not believe
that this argument has validity in
the case of General Marshall, who
has already rendered distinguished
service to his country, in civilian
capacity, as Secretary Of State. I
recognize also that an amendment
10 the National Security Act will be
necessary, in order to make it legally
permissible for General Marshall to
serve as Secretary Of Defense-but
I believe that Congress will speedily
amend the law In General Marshall's
case, If you should so recommend.
General Marshall, more than any
other individual I can think Of,
would be an inspiration to the people
of the United States and to our allies.
Moreover, he is a man who would
assure that we would mobilize our
forces speedily and that in doing
80 we would get dollars worth of
defense for every dollar we spend.
I know that you agree with me as
to the continuing Importance of this
latter consideration.
In my judgment, it is more
essential today than ever before that
the program for eliminating waste
in the Defense Department be con-
tinued, as we proceed to build up our
strength.
i want to express to you once
more my deep appreciation for the
understanding, cooperation, and
support you have always given me.
I am and shall always be grateful.
Sincerely yours,
Louis johnson.
The President sent the fol-
IotDiag letter to Secretary John
SON.
My dear Lou:
I have just read your letter
It is clear to me that, in writing
1t, you have been actuated by mo-
tiyes of the highest patriotism, and
I salute you. In the terribly re-
grettable circumstances which have
arisen, feel that I must concur in
your judgment and accept your
pronered resignation as Secretary
OF Defense, effective at the close of
business on September 10, 1850.