Herbert Hoover to Woodrow Wilson
Title
Herbert Hoover to Woodrow Wilson
Creator
Hoover, Herbert, 1874-1964
Identifier
WWP19199
Date
1917 September 24
Description
Herbert Hoover asks for direction regarding Allied Government food purchases from Woodrow Wilson.
Source
Hoover-Wilson Correspondence, Hoover Institution, Hoover Institution Archives, Stanford, California
Publisher
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum
Subject
United States--Politics and government--1913-1921
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924--Correspondence
Hoover, Herbert, 1874-1964--Correspondence
Language
English
Text
Sent by hand 2:40 P.M.(Copy sent Mr. White 9/24/17)
Dear Mr. President
In accordance with our conversation, it seems to me desirable that some direction should be given by yourself as to the conduct of Allied Government food purchases in this country. The control of these purchases rests under the Treasury Agreement of August 24th, in a committee of Judge Lovett, Mr. Baruch, and Mr. Brookings.
The Allied requirements in certain commodities are so large as to require not only daily, and even hourly, cooperation in coordinating them to the ebb and flow of our domestic supplies, but, also, their purchases dominate our domestic prices in these commodities. It is, therefore, hopeless to try to work the Food Administration without our having the immediate direction of their purchases. In fact, the matter is so urgent in several commodities, that we have been giving this direction for some time, although without the authority so to do. We could, of course, intervene with the Exports Administrative Board to stop shipments, but this would only lead to confusion.
I think the above mentioned committee fully realizes the necessity for this arrangement, but I believe it is highly desirable for you to give them some direction that their responsibilities under the contract should be delegated to us, and that, in order to place them in a position to coordinate with the Treasury, we should furnish them, from time to time, information of anticipated requirements by the Allies.
Some direction of this kind is not only necessary to cover our present actions, but, also, in order that we should have authority to direct Allied purchasing agents to look to us for direction, and to furnish us with data as to their requirements.
I remain,
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) HERBERT HOOVER.
His Excellency,
The President of the United States
Washing, DC
Dear Mr. President
In accordance with our conversation, it seems to me desirable that some direction should be given by yourself as to the conduct of Allied Government food purchases in this country. The control of these purchases rests under the Treasury Agreement of August 24th, in a committee of Judge Lovett, Mr. Baruch, and Mr. Brookings.
The Allied requirements in certain commodities are so large as to require not only daily, and even hourly, cooperation in coordinating them to the ebb and flow of our domestic supplies, but, also, their purchases dominate our domestic prices in these commodities. It is, therefore, hopeless to try to work the Food Administration without our having the immediate direction of their purchases. In fact, the matter is so urgent in several commodities, that we have been giving this direction for some time, although without the authority so to do. We could, of course, intervene with the Exports Administrative Board to stop shipments, but this would only lead to confusion.
I think the above mentioned committee fully realizes the necessity for this arrangement, but I believe it is highly desirable for you to give them some direction that their responsibilities under the contract should be delegated to us, and that, in order to place them in a position to coordinate with the Treasury, we should furnish them, from time to time, information of anticipated requirements by the Allies.
Some direction of this kind is not only necessary to cover our present actions, but, also, in order that we should have authority to direct Allied purchasing agents to look to us for direction, and to furnish us with data as to their requirements.
I remain,
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) HERBERT HOOVER.
His Excellency,
The President of the United States
Washing, DC
Original Format
Letter
To
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924
Files
Citation
Hoover, Herbert, 1874-1964, “Herbert Hoover to Woodrow Wilson,” 1917 September 24, WWP19199, Hoover Institute at Stanford University Collection, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.