221. Editorial Note
Throughout the summer, the Eisenhower administration continued to monitor the progress of fiscal year 1959 Mutual Security legislation and to campaign aggressively to restore funds previously cut by the Congress. Secretary of State Dulles commented during a July 1 press conference and President Eisenhower also made a statement on the risks of an inadequate Mutual Security program at a press conference the following day. For texts, see American Foreign Policy: Current Documents, 1958, pages 1583–1584. The House of Representatives nonetheless adopted H.R. 13192 that day without restoring the $872 million it had cut from the President’s request. The reductions included cuts in military assistance, defense support, the Development Loan Fund, special assistance, and the President’s Contingency Fund.
Action on H.R. 13192 then shifted to the Senate. On July 8, Under Secretary of State Dillon testified before the Appropriations Committee, and Dulles testified July 18. Texts of their statements are ibid., pages 1597–1603 and 1584–1588, respectively. The White House continued consulting with congressional leaders; Eisenhower informed Dulles on the morning of July 16:
“We had quite a conf on MSA and Dillon was there but one important thing happened after he left. The Pres made an eloquent plea. Bridges said as much as he admired Smith etc. his year-round Congressional liaison was poor and people were working in ignorance. The Pres asked Dillon to help out because it should be coordinated with us. After Dillon left the subject was still discussed and he [Page 423] read the cable from the 3 and it made a terrific impression and finally Saltonstall said if you believe these funds should be increased he would suggest promptly asking for the authorization bill to be beefed up to what you requested. Say it was made on a minimum estimate and should now be increased. No matter what the Sen Approp Bill is if you can get it up the Fin Comm would give you a better deal. The Pres said we might send a quick message to both Houses. It might not be received well but we could clear first. Bill said he did not know for sure.” (Memorandum of telephone conversation; Eisenhower Library, Dulles Papers, White House Telephone Conversations)
The cable under reference has not been further identified. “Bill,” whom the President quoted in the last sentence, is presumably Senator William Knowland, the only William to attend this legislative leadership meeting. (Ibid., President’s Daily Appointments)