Newton D. Baker to Woodrow Wilson

I return herewith Mr. Baruch's letter.
At a meeting of the Council of National Defense a day or two ago, we discussed at length the proposed reorganization. Mr. Baruch and Mr. Rosenwald did not believe the plan effective to accomplish its prime purpose which was explained to be the insertion of a disinterested governing board between the business experts and the making of contracts. Mr. Houston, Mr. Willard, Mr. Redfield, Mr. Lane and I all took the other view and we had an earnest discussion. I understand what Mr. Baruch's feeling about it is, although I do not share his feeling and I do not know what remedy he would suggest, if any.