Franklin Roosevelt actually said...

"Cutting off the supply in times of stress would ground all ships in a very short time."

"With adequate safeguards against the military use of exported helium, it would appear to be the duty of this country as a good neighbor to share our unneeded surplus it may have with other countries."

"The Army and Navy can estimate the quantity of helium required for replenishment abroad after the initial filling of an airship in this country."

"It is believed that the Government should be authorized to make both domestic and export sales for operation of commercial lighter-than air craft."