Franklin Roosevelt actually said...

"I believe it to be highly important that a small committee of distinguished and disinterested citizens be appointed for the purpose of making a quick but adequate survey of the entire rubber question."

"It is, therefore, as a tangible expression of our admiration for all that The Netherlands' Navy has done, and is doing, that I have the great pleasure of turning over to you, under the provisions of t..."

"The purpose of your survey and investigation is to recommend such action as will best produce the synthetic rubber necessary for our total war effort."

"We, too, are fighting for our freedom and it is natural and right that The Netherlands and the United States have joined hands in the common struggle."