I talked to Joe Martin about the foreign aid program and the chances of enacting the bill on OTC (Organization for Trade Cooperation).1
The foreign aid bill is having pretty rough sledding, mostly because of the hope on the part of a lot of opponents that their opposition will make them popular in their districts this fall. Actually the amount of money we are devoting to our mutual security program this year is very modest as compared to the huge sums we are spending for security and protection in other directions. The Congressmen are fully aware of the fact that we cannot live alone in the world, but slogans such as "I am against giveaways" are so effective in stirring up prejudices and misunderstanding that it is difficult for the ordinary Congressman (normally not a very big person in any event) to resist.2
However, I asked Joe to come in to see me primarily because of my concern as to the general attitude toward OTC. There is a very great deal of misunderstanding concerning OTC.3 Attached is a memorandum that shows what OTC is.4
Joe understands this, as do the other Congressional leaders. However, since the popular concept is that OTC is a device for lowering tariffs, the project is disliked in manufacturing districts such as Joe's. Consequently, he himself is very lukewarm.5
I insisted that there be a conference called of Republican Congressmen (immediately after action on the foreign aid bill is completed) to make certain that each of them understands exactly what OTC is. Moreover, I insisted that each understand how intensely interested I am in having it favorably considered. I pointed out to Joe that many of these people would, this coming fall, be asking for my blessing in races for reelection. I told him that, as always, I would stand for principles and important measures, and of the measures I would [insist] was needed by our country was this OTC. This would create a very difficult situation if we found a majority of House Republicans opposing me on this point; any request of mine under the circumstances for a Republican House would be greeted with a considerable amount of justifiable ridicule.
I think that Mr. Martin got the point; he promised faithfully to get the group together and allow any Congressman to present the case to the Congress whom I might consider capable of doing well.6
I told Bryce Harlow to keep in touch with the matter, and expressed the opinion that Charlie Halleck would probably do the best job of anyone.
