Bernard M. Baruch to Woodrow Wilson
Title
Bernard M. Baruch to Woodrow Wilson
Creator
Baruch, Bernard M. (Bernard Mannes), 1870-1965
Identifier
WWP25562
Date
1918 November 29
Source
Library of Congress, Woodrow Wilson Papers
Publisher
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum
Subject
United States. War Industries Board
Patriotism--United States
Contributor
Mark Edwin Peterson
Language
English
Provenance
Document scan was taken from Library of Congress microfilm reel of the Wilson Papers. WWPL volunteers transcribed the text.
Text
United States War Industries Board
Bernard M. Baruch, Chairman
Washington
My dear Mr. President:
The main function of the War Industries Board was to obtain the materials required for carrying out the military program of the United States and the Allies, with as little dislocation of industry as possible. To do this, it was necessary in some instances to restrict non-war production, and to fix maximum prices. With the signing of the armistice, and the consequent cancellation of contracts there was no longer a shortage of materials, and the War Industries Board immediately removed its curtailments. In like manner, the necessity for maximum prices is disappearing, except in a few isolated cases which can best be regulated through the War Trade Board.
The facilities of the War Industries Board have been put at the disposal of the various contracting agencies of the Government, such as the War and Navy Departments and the Shipping Board, to aid them whenever they so desire in their consideration of the cancellation of their contracts. This particular function soon will have been completed.
Those activities of the War Industries Board which have lasing value are being transferred to permanent departments of the Government, where they may be carried forward. Thus, the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, in which you have vested authority to enforce the War Minerals Act, has already assumed control over many of the former activities of this Board; the conservation program is about to be undertaken by the Department of Commerce, and the Central Bureau of Planning and Statistics will become a bureau to serve all departments of the Government.
I venture to suggest that the various commodity heads of the War Industries Board, and those who have been associated with them, may in the years that are to come, render much valuable assistance as Trade Advisers to the Department of Commerce and the War Trade Board. I hope that in this, and in other ways, it may be found possible to continue the promotion of a better understanding between the Government and industry, (including in this term employers and employees alike), so that problems affecting all may in times of peace be approached in the same spirit of helpful co-operation that has prevailed during the period of the war.
I feel sure that the business men who have been acting as commodity heads will, if requested, be willing to remain here, or be subject to call, if they can be of service to the departments or other Governmental agencies as points of contact between them and industry.
There being no longer a necessity for the continuance of the War Industries Board, which was only a war-making body, and it being your desire to avoid the incurring of expense for a moment longer than necessary, I am writing to suggest that the United States War Industries Board be discontinued as of January 1st, 1919, and I am now placing my resignation as Chairman in your hands, for whatever action you may desire. Between now and then the industries still under regulations will be called into conference, so as to obtain their views and their help as to the best methods of smoothly adjusting the business life to the changed conditions.
I cannot close without expressing to you my sincere appreciation, and that of my associates, for the opportunity you have given us to work with you in the great task that was set before you, and which has been brought to such a successful termination. As a matter of duty and pride, I should like again to call your attention to the valuable services performed by my associates, and by the War Services Committees of the various industries which co-operated with them. To their untiring efforts and unselfish devotion were largely due whatever results the War Industries Board has been able to attain. Each and every one worked in a spirit that made great personal sacrifices seem a privilege and not a burden. In order that a permanent record may be made of their unselfish service, I shall ask the privilege of forwarding to you a list of the members of the Board, of those associated with them, including Regional Advisors, War Service Committees, and State Councils of National Defense. I should like also to bear witness to the helpful co-operation which the War Industries Board at all times received from all departments and agencies of the Government.
All our efforts, however, would have fallen short had not the entire country responded in a whole-hearted manner. Unlimited credit is due the industries of the country, employers and employees alike, for the way in which they responded to all calls made upon them. Actuated by the desire to serve and not to profit, they pursued the common purpose of bringing the war to successful conclusion, in a manner in which every American may well take a just pride.
Very sincerely yours,
Bernard M. Baruch
The President,
The White House
Bernard M. Baruch, Chairman
Washington
My dear Mr. President:
The main function of the War Industries Board was to obtain the materials required for carrying out the military program of the United States and the Allies, with as little dislocation of industry as possible. To do this, it was necessary in some instances to restrict non-war production, and to fix maximum prices. With the signing of the armistice, and the consequent cancellation of contracts there was no longer a shortage of materials, and the War Industries Board immediately removed its curtailments. In like manner, the necessity for maximum prices is disappearing, except in a few isolated cases which can best be regulated through the War Trade Board.
The facilities of the War Industries Board have been put at the disposal of the various contracting agencies of the Government, such as the War and Navy Departments and the Shipping Board, to aid them whenever they so desire in their consideration of the cancellation of their contracts. This particular function soon will have been completed.
Those activities of the War Industries Board which have lasing value are being transferred to permanent departments of the Government, where they may be carried forward. Thus, the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, in which you have vested authority to enforce the War Minerals Act, has already assumed control over many of the former activities of this Board; the conservation program is about to be undertaken by the Department of Commerce, and the Central Bureau of Planning and Statistics will become a bureau to serve all departments of the Government.
I venture to suggest that the various commodity heads of the War Industries Board, and those who have been associated with them, may in the years that are to come, render much valuable assistance as Trade Advisers to the Department of Commerce and the War Trade Board. I hope that in this, and in other ways, it may be found possible to continue the promotion of a better understanding between the Government and industry, (including in this term employers and employees alike), so that problems affecting all may in times of peace be approached in the same spirit of helpful co-operation that has prevailed during the period of the war.
I feel sure that the business men who have been acting as commodity heads will, if requested, be willing to remain here, or be subject to call, if they can be of service to the departments or other Governmental agencies as points of contact between them and industry.
There being no longer a necessity for the continuance of the War Industries Board, which was only a war-making body, and it being your desire to avoid the incurring of expense for a moment longer than necessary, I am writing to suggest that the United States War Industries Board be discontinued as of January 1st, 1919, and I am now placing my resignation as Chairman in your hands, for whatever action you may desire. Between now and then the industries still under regulations will be called into conference, so as to obtain their views and their help as to the best methods of smoothly adjusting the business life to the changed conditions.
I cannot close without expressing to you my sincere appreciation, and that of my associates, for the opportunity you have given us to work with you in the great task that was set before you, and which has been brought to such a successful termination. As a matter of duty and pride, I should like again to call your attention to the valuable services performed by my associates, and by the War Services Committees of the various industries which co-operated with them. To their untiring efforts and unselfish devotion were largely due whatever results the War Industries Board has been able to attain. Each and every one worked in a spirit that made great personal sacrifices seem a privilege and not a burden. In order that a permanent record may be made of their unselfish service, I shall ask the privilege of forwarding to you a list of the members of the Board, of those associated with them, including Regional Advisors, War Service Committees, and State Councils of National Defense. I should like also to bear witness to the helpful co-operation which the War Industries Board at all times received from all departments and agencies of the Government.
All our efforts, however, would have fallen short had not the entire country responded in a whole-hearted manner. Unlimited credit is due the industries of the country, employers and employees alike, for the way in which they responded to all calls made upon them. Actuated by the desire to serve and not to profit, they pursued the common purpose of bringing the war to successful conclusion, in a manner in which every American may well take a just pride.
Very sincerely yours,
Bernard M. Baruch
The President,
The White House
Original Format
Letter
To
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924
Files
Collection
Citation
Baruch, Bernard M. (Bernard Mannes), 1870-1965, “Bernard M. Baruch to Woodrow Wilson,” 1918 November 29, WWP25562, World War I Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.