The Department of Agriculture has undertaken a detailed survey of the situation.

And that is all I have this morning.

The drought situation has been the subject of several conferences between Secretary Hyde, Chairman [Alexander H.] Legge and myself.

General MacArthur is recommended by Secretary Hurley, and it, of course, gives me a great deal of pleasure to promote so brilliant a soldier to that position.

I have some questions on the drought.

I am sure General MacArthur will maintain the very high standards set by his many eminent predecessors, and I am sure the whole country appreciates the great service of General Summerall and regrets that he has reached the time of life…

While there are very eminent gentlemen who outrank him, none of them I believe have 18 months to serve before retirement or at least are short of the full term.

It, of course, gives me a great deal of pleasure to promote so brilliant a soldier to that position.

I have also decided to appoint General [Ben H.] Fuller to Commandant of the Marine Corps on the recommendation of Secretary Adams.

There can be no doubt as to its most serious character in many localities, and that unless relieved there will be real suffering.

The measures of assistance that the Farm Board and the other agencies of the Federal Government should undertake have not yet been determined.

There is no doubt that it is of most serious character in some localities, and that unless it is remedied there will be a great deal of suffering.