Dear Allan: I must write a little further word of explanation about my request that you represent me personally at some future inauguration in South America or elsewhere.1
Because in many cases wives accompany my appointees, I had assumed that the United States government took care of all expenses for the couple. My face is a bit red to discover that appropriations are so limited as to make it possible for us to pay the expenses only of the representative himself (or herself when the appointee happens to be a female). Of course the distaff side of the house is welcome to go, and we are delighted when she can accompany her husband--but in such cases the cost for her must be privately paid. The only exception to this rule is in those very few cases when an American military delegation is also invited, and special military aircraft is used for the party. In this event, of course, no travel expenses of any kind are involved.
I make this explanation to you immediately upon learning of it myself--not because I think it will make any great difference to you but in order that there could be no later misunderstanding.2
I hope you will tell Mrs. Ryan that so far as I am concerned, this rule would be inexplicable except for the sad state of State Department finances. Personally, if I were a private citizen, I wouldn't dream of going off on one of these jaunts unless Mamie accompanied me.3
With warm regard, Sincerely
