Franklin Roosevelt actually said...

"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."

"The existence of competing helium producers restricts production from the Government plant, resulting in high costs."

"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."