Harry Truman

The Commission shall make a thorough study of the problem of providing for the internal security of the United States and at the same time protecting the rights and freedoms of individuals.

I intend to do everything I can to enable this Commission to make a thorough and careful study.

I consider the task of this Commission to be of extraordinary importance.

Today, we are particularly concerned by the threat to our Government and our national life arising from the activities of the forces of Communist imperialism.

I HAVE today established a Commission on Internal Security and Individual Rights.

We cannot allow shortages of materials to jeopardize our national security nor to become a bottleneck to our economic expansion.

This is one of the crucial problems facing the nation.

By wise planning and determined action we can meet our essential needs for military security, civilian welfare, and the continued economic growth of the United States.

I am very pleased that you have agreed to serve as the Chairman of the President's Materials Policy Commission.

In formulating final recommendations, your Commission should take into account all possible methods of bringing supplies and requirements of essential materials into balance.

The Secretary of Defense, in accordance with and subject to the provisions of section 7(a)(1) of the Act, may authorize personnel of the armed forces detailed to the United Nations to accept directly from the United Nations (a) any or all…

The Secretary of State, in accordance with and subject to the provisions of section 7(b) of the Act, shall require reimbursement from the United Nations for the expense thereby incurred by the United States whenever personnel or assistance…

The greatest care must be exercised to assure that the supply of persons possessing critical skills will be distributed among military and civilian activities in a manner which will contribute most to the mobilization program.

The primary aim of manpower mobilization is to safeguard our national security through the maximum development and use of our human resources.

This policy shall be adhered to by all departments and agencies with respect to programs under their control, subject to such amendments and supplements as may from time to time be issued by the Director of the Office of Defense…

The most effective use must be made of our supply of individuals having the special skills required to develop and produce the necessary equipment and to use and maintain it in the Armed Forces.

We must rely heavily on science and technology.

In the case of appointments under subsection 101(a) hereof, exemption hereunder shall not extend to the receipt or payment of salary in connection with the appointee's Government service hereunder from any source other than the private…

The head of any department or agency delegated or assigned functions under the Act is hereby delegated the authority provided by subsection 710(b) of the Act to employ persons of outstanding experience and ability without compensation.

Appointments under subsection 101(a) of this order to positions other than advisory or consultative shall be supported by written certification by the head of the employing department or agency.

Authority to employ persons under this subsection 101(a) in any such department or agency shall not be redelegated by the head of such department or agency.

This order shall become effective on February 1, 1951.

I cannot believe that it was the intent of the Congress to bring about this effect, or that the Congress will wish section 407 to stand in the way of immediate administrative action for transfer of property vital to the conduct of programs…

In my judgment, section 407 repeals these provisions by implication.

I recommend that this section be repealed as soon as possible.