Maintaining the integrity of this debt is one of the primary obligations of the Government.

Because of your knowledge of our national needs and our industrial capabilities, as well as your public-spirited concern for the national welfare, I ask you to serve on this Commission.

I am going to appoint the Honorable James Forrestal, the Secretary of the Navy; the Honorable Arthur S. Flemming, Civil Service Commissioner; the Honorable Dean Acheson of Washington, D.C.; and the Honorable George H. Mead, Dayton, Ohio, on the Commission on the Organization of the Executive Branch of the Government.

I imagine that they will follow the usual procedure of the Railway Labor Act.

I will take care of that when it comes up.

The Act establishing this Commission provides for a cooperative approach by the Legislative and Executive Branches of the Government to the improvement of the effectiveness of the organization and operations of the Executive Branch.

I don't think so. I have no engagements from now until next Christmas that I know of.

Now I am reappointing the three members presently on the National Labor Relations Board, Mr. Paul Herzog whose term expires in 1950, Mr. John Houston whose term expires in 1948, Mr. James Reynolds whose term expires in 1951, and J. Copeland Gray, Buffalo, N.Y., for a term of 2 years, Abe Murdock of Utah for a term of 5 years; and I am nominating as General Counsel, Mr. Robert N. Denham of Maryland for a term of 4 years.

I couldn't answer you then because his name hadn't been presented to me at that time. It was presented and I thought he filled the bill, so I appointed him.

The proposed study should prove of great value.

My position hasn't changed on that at all.

I think the best thing for you to do is to wait and read the veto message which will be out soon.

I haven't discussed the matter with Dr. Steelman or anybody else.

I don't expect to grow a beard.

I haven't seen the letter and it wouldn't affect the message.

Did it have a cool reception? I didn't know that.

No, not yet. I will announce that.

That role is to study and investigate the present organization, methods, and operations of all executive agencies in order to determine what changes are necessary to promote economy and efficiency, and to improve service in the transaction of the public business.