Resignation of Aircraft Production Director

WAR DEPARTMENT
Air Service.

Office of the Director                Washington, DC.

Dear Mr. President:

Believing that the ending of the war has brought you about such a change in the work I have been charged with that, relatively, it is now not of such great importance, I have asked the Secretary of War to accept my resignation as 2d Assistant Secretary of War, that I may as soon as convenient to him take up my former work in copper production, which, with all other important industries, must now be adjusted to a peace basis as quickly and with as little disturbance to labor and industry of the country as is possible.

I therefore ask that you accept my resignation as Chairman of the Aircraft Board and as Director of Aircraft Production, both of which positions I hold by your appointment.

I am deeply grateful to you for the opportunity I have had to serve the country in time of war. I value highly the connection with your Administration, and I shall always be proud of the confidence shown by you in placing in my hands this highly important work for the winning of the war.

Sincerely yours,
JOHN D. RYAN.

To the President,
White House,
Washington, DC

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THE WHITE HOUSE
Washington

My dear Mr. Ryan:

I received your letter of from the Secretary of War, with whom I have discussed your desire to retire in order that you might resume your important industrial work. Of course, I am obliged to accept your resignation as Chairman of the Aircraft Board and Director of Aircraft Production in view of my having been persuaded that you ought to be released as Second Assistant Secretary of War to permit you to resume your helpful business relations. Clearly, the return of our industry to peace-time activity is of great importance, and the winding-up process of the great establishments which have been built for war purposes can follow the lines laid down from now on without detaining the men of affairs who have so generously placed their time and talents at the disposal of the Government. I can not, however, permit this termination of your official relations to occur without expressing my deep appreciation of the loyalty and effectiveness of the service you have rendered. The aircraft program was in all likelihood proceeding toward success, but the energy of your management and the broad business experience which you brought into the air service speedily established the whole thing in the public confidence and gave the country full assurance that our participation in the war through the Air Service would be in keeping with our responsibilities and resources. The Secretary of War has frequently told me how happy your relations with him have been and of the great assistance you have rendered in many ways as one of his associates.

Cordially and sincerely yours,
WOODROW WILSON.

Honorable John D. Ryan,
Chairman, Aircraft Board.