National Executive Committee The American Legion

PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

National Executive Committee

The American Legion

Pre-Convention and Post-Convention Meetings

August 23 and 27, 1959

MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Sunday Afternoon Session, August 23, 1959 Page

Appointment of Subcommittee on Resolutions 4

Cancellation of Post and/or Squadron Charters 18

Commissions, Reports of

Americanism 5

Child Welfare 5

Convention 5

Economic ®

Finance 7

Foreign Relations 9

Internal Affairs 9

Legislative 5

Publications 12

Public Relations 13

Rehabilitation 1®

Security 14

Interim Appointments, Confirmation of 18

Invocation 3

National Commanders

Opening remarks 4

Closing remarks I9

Presentation 15

Pershing Hall 16

Resolutions

Contract for Advertising in Official Convention Program 6

Emblem Contracts 3

Emblem Sales 9

Memorial 4

Roll Call 3

Senate Veterans Committee 15

Thursday Afternoon Session, August 27, 1959

Appointment of National Officers 20

Fall meetings 20

Invocation I9

National Commander, Opening remarks 19

Post Charter cancellation 20

Resolutions

Emblem Sales 20

Sale of Plane 20

Roll Call 19

PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

National Executive Committee The American Legion

SUNDAY AFTERNOON SESSION, AUGUST 23, 1959

The meeting of the National Execu- tive Committee of The American Legion was convened in the East Room, Curtis Hotel, Minneapolis, Minnesota, at 2:10 p.m., Sunday, August 23, 1959, Preston J. Moore, National Commander, presiding. National Adjutant E. A. Blackmore served as Secretary.

Members of the committee arose and saluted the Colors.

INVOCATION

RT. REV. MSGR. JOHN J. TWISS, NATIONAL CHAPLAIN:

Heavenly Father, who looketh not upon outward things but upon the heart, out of which are the issues of life, in this age of mechanical won- ders, of automatic devices, of clever gadgets, of ingenious machines, save us from regarding the display of these symbols of physical power as ex- pressing the great achievements of a nation, ours or another.

Let us, rather, set up to a watching world, a combination of honor, untarnished of promises sacredly kept; of human dignity defended; of freedom unfettered and of spiritual values lifted above self-centered materialism devoted to sur- passing others in a race for domination.

To all the world, so fear-haunted and agitated, may this land of hope and glory display the splen- dor of a peace which comes of purity and of a strength to simple justice due. So runs our whole dream of our America. Almighty God, make it true. Amen.

ROLL CALL

Roll call by the National Adjutant indicated the following as being present:

National Commander Preston J. Moore, Oklahoma

National Chaplain Rt. Rev. Msgr. John J. Twiss, Massachusetts

Past National Commanders

Eric Wood—Pennsylvania Alvin M. Owsley—Texas Louis Johnson—West Virginia Ray Murphy—Iowa Harry W. Colmery—Kansas Stephen F. Chadwick—Washington Raymond J. Kelly—Michigan Milo J. Warner—Ohio Lynn U. Stambaugh—North Dakota Warren H. Atherton—California Edward N. Scheiberling—New York Paul H. Griffith—Pennsylvania

James F. O’Neil—New Hampshire Perry Brown—Texas George N. Craig—Indiana Erie Cocke, Jr.—Georgia Donald R. Wilson—West Virginia Arthur J. Connell—Connecticut Seaborn P. Collins—New Mexico J. Addington Wagner—Michigan W. C. “Dan” Daniel—Virginia John S. Gleason, Jr.—Illinois

National Vice Commanders C. D. DeLoach—District of Columbia John W. Collins—Pennsylvania James B. Kerrigan—Missouri Robert Charles Smith—Louisiana James C. Bangs—Idaho

Department Committeemen Alabama—Hugh W. Overton Alaska—Herald E. Stringer Arizona—Calvin R. Sanders Arkansas—Dr. G. D. Murphy California—Alfred P. Chamie Canada—J. B. Finucane Colorado—William R. Egan Connecticut—Joseph G. Leonard Delaware—Garland Bloodsworth D. of C.—John J. Finn Florida—E. Meade Wilson France—Sedley Peck Georgia—James E. Powers Hawaii—Wallace C. S. Young Idaho—Martin E. Hill (Alternate) Illinois—Michael J. Healy Indiana—Lawrence H. Hinds Iowa—Donald E. Johnson Italy—H. Armand de Masi Kansas—Harold Hollis Kentucky—Darrell B. Hancock Louisiana—Albert V. LaBiche Maine—Anthony J. Rumo Maryland—David L. Brigham Massachusetts—Charles N. Collatos Mexico—William J. Siebert Michigan—R. Gerald Barr Minnesota—Daniel F. Foley Mississippi—Ralph M. Godwin Missouri—William J. Kenney Montana—W. Charles Wallace Nebraska—John E. Curtiss Nevada—Thomas W. Miller New Hampshire—Floyd J. Daley New Jersey—William G. McKinley New Mexico—Dr. Deward H. Reed New York—Louis E. Drago North Carolina—Tim T. Craig North Dakota—William Stern Ohio—Edward J. Sklenicka Oklahoma—Coleman Nolen

4 Digest of Minutes of the

Oregon—Karl L. Wagner Panama, C. Z.—Claude E. Campbell Pennsylvania—Walter E. Alessandroni

John J. Antonini (Alternate) Philippines—Robert O. Phillips Puerto Rico—Osvaldo Rivera Rhode Island—John A. Ryer South Carolina—E. Roy Stone, Jr. South Dakota—Earl E. Hoelscher Tennessee—George T. Lewis, Jr. Texas—Joe L. Matthews Utah—Clark Cheney Vermont—Earl B. Thomas (Commander without

vote) Virginia—L. Eldon James Washington—Ralph E. Goodrich W. Virginia—Leonal O. Bickel Wisconsin—William J. Haese Wyoming—F. W. Bartling

Roll call indicated a quorum present. In the absence of the committeeman and alternate from Vermont, unanimous consent was given for Past Commander Earl B. Thomas to be seated, without vote. Reading of minutes of previous meeting was dispensed.

NATIONAL COMMANDER MOORE: I would like very briefly to take this, my last opportunity, to express my deep appreciation to each of you for the tremendous service that you have rendered to The American Legion this year.

You have earned and will always have my undying thanks for your support and consideration.

Thank you very much.

APPOINTMENT OF SUBCOMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS

The following were appointed to serve as members of the Subcommittee on Resolutions: E. Roy Stone, Jr., Chairman, South Carolina; Earl E. Hoelscher, South Dakota; Herald E. Stringer, Alaska; Coleman Nolen, Oklahoma; Lawrence H. Hinds, Indiana; George T. Lewis, Jr., Tennessee.

MEMORIAL RESOLUTIONS

The following memorial resolutions, presented by E. Roy Stone, Jr., S. C., Chairman of the Resolutions Subcommittee, were adopted unanimously:

Joe H. Adams Florida

Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God, the Great Commander to summon to His immortal legions our beloved comrade Joe H. Adams, Flor- ida, who served as National Vice Commander 1950-51; on the Public Relations Commission; and as Chairman and Member of the National Convention Commission from 1952 until the time of his death; and

Whereas, We humbly bow to the will of Divine Providence, while ever cherishing in our hearts the memory of his distinguished service to our country and his outstanding contributions to American Legion comradeship; now, therefore, be it

Resolved: That the National Executive Com- mittee of The American Legion, in regular meeting assembled on this 23rd day of August, in the year of our Lord, nineteen hundred fifty-nine does mourn the passing of our distinguished Legionnaire Joe H. Adams, that we commend to all men his words, and to God his spirit; and be it further

Resolved: That in token of our common grief,

a copy of this resolution be presented to his family.

Similar resolutions were presented for the following:

Dr. A. B. Rivers, Oklahoma who served as De- partment Commander 1939-40; National Executive Committeeman 1941-1949; held numerous commission and committee appointments and at the time of his death was the Commander’s Repre- sentative on the National Convention Commission.

Joe L. Hearne, Arkansas, who served as Department Commander 1948-1949 as well as a member of several standing committees.

Rex F. Whittemore, California, who served as Department Commander from 1948 to 1949; and on committees of The American Legion.

Archie M. Closson, California, who served as Department Commander, on many committees, and as a member of the National Americanism Com- mission from 1937 until the time of his death.

George N. Davis, Delaware, who served as a member of the St. Louis Caucus and Department Commander from 1919-1920.

Charles H. Pierce, District of Columbia, who served as Department Historian from 1955 until the time of his death.

Dr. Leonard G. Rowntree, Florida, who served on the National Rehabilitation Commission Medical Advisory Board from 1944 until the time of his death.

Dr. Paul De F. Mortimore, D.D., who served on the National Security Training Committee, Na- tional Americanism Endowment Fund Corporation and as National Chaplain 1942-43.

Patrick P. Petrone, Illinois, who served as a member of National Membership Committee and as National Vice Chairman, National Security Commission 1949 until the time of his death.

Gilbert Bates, Indiana, who served as Depart- ment Commander 1951-52 and as Vice Chairman Economic Commission 1952 through 1959.

Llewellyn C. Fortier, Maine, who served as Department Commander 1939-1940, Alternate Na- tional Executive Committeeman 1940-1942, National Executive Committeeman 1944-1946 and member of the National Americanism Commission from 1946 until the time of his death.

Dr. James J. Morrow, Minnesota, who served as National Executive Committeeman from 1929 to 1931 and as Alternate Committeeman from 1931 to 1937.

C. A. Zwiener, Minnesota, who served as De- partment Service Officer 1931-1947; Department Commander 1948-1949; on many Department and National Committees, and as Associate Editor of the Minnesota Legionnaire from 1953 until the time of his death.

Thomas J. D. Salter, Nevada, who served on many national committees and commissions since 1923 through 1953, and as Department Com- mander 1940-1941.

Dr. Joseph H. Kaufmann, Ohio, who served as Department Chaplain during the year 1935 to 1936.

William Kane, South Dakota, who served as Department Commander, Alternate National Exec- utive Committeeman, and for many years as a member of the Transportation Committee.

Arthur S. Horsley, Utah, who served on many department and national committees, as Area

National Executive Committee Meetings 5

Child Welfare Chairman, and as Department Ad- jutant as well as Department Service Officer.

Lloyd G. Hill, Washington, who served as De- partment Commander in 1924-25.

Samuel Prentiss Bailey, France, who served as National Executive Committeeman for the De- partment of France from 1923 to 1936 and Ameri- can Legion Delegate to FIDAC for many years.

“They are home, safe home, where the journey ends,

In the lovelier land with their olden friends, All done with sorrow, care and pain, The shout of winter and cry of rain, With no tomorrow to face with dread, And they live forever, who once were dead.”

NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION

The following report, presented by Jerome F. Duggan, Chairman, National Legislative Com- mission, was duly' accepted and filed:

Mr. National Commander and Members of the National Executive Committee: We feel we have had a successful legislative year.

We have not distributed the achievements and accomplishments because Congress has not yet adjourned and, in an effort to economize, we will give it to you at the coming October meeting.

I think in the previous report I referred to the fact that the Veterans’ House Committee was more than sympathetic to our request. I think that the cloak of partisanship in that committee has departed under the able leadership of Chair- man Olin E. Teague.

I believe I should be remiss if I did not tell you that we are under deep and heavy obligation concerning the pension bill and, as a result of the efforts of Senator Kerr of Oklahoma, Senator Gore of Tennessee and Senator McCarthy of Minnesota, with respect as to whether or not the President will sign that bill, we are without any information whatsoever. However, we believe that Vice President Nixon, on his appearance at the convention on Tuesday, will probably read a tele- gram saying that the President is affixing his signature.


NATIONAL AMERICANISM COMMISSION

The following report of the National American- ism Commission, presented by James F. Daniel, Jr., S. C., was duly accepted and placed on file:

Mr. Commander and Members of the National Executive Committee: Gladly, graciously, I hope, and certainly without any reluctance, I conform to the request that only matters of an emergency or urgent nature be reported at this meeting.

Therefore, my appearance here is merely to tell you that 22 members of the National Amer- icanism Commission were called to meet two days here prior to the convention, Friday and Saturday, and that 19 of those 22 were present.

Four members of our Commission not officially called were here and deliberated with us.

In addition, Dr. D. H. Reed, “Tiny” to you people, Chairman of your Liaison Committee, met with us at each session.

We cleared all items on our agenda, discussed pretty thoroughly our objectives for the next year.


NATIONAL CHILD WELFARE COMMISSION

The following report presented by Arthur Wilkie, Ind., Chairman of the National Child Welfare Commission, was duly accepted and placed on file:

Mr. Commander and Members of the National Executive Council, I also will be brief.

Our Child Welfare Commission has just con- cluded a most successful 2-day meeting. Program activities of the past year were reviewed and plans formulated for the coming year.

The highlights of our year’s activities are found in the annual report, so I shall not repeat information which is available to you from that source.

There is one item in our annual report, however, which I believe merits special emphasis. Our annual compilation of child welfare reports from Posts and Departments and the affiliated organizations was the second greatest in history— $8,162,966.25 was spent for child welfare by The American Legion and its affiliated organizations. Our figures for the report are based on Post child welfare reports from 43 per cent of the Posts in 53 Departments. This is the second largest percentage of Post reports ever received.

Although child welfare activities encompass many things which are not measurable in terms of dollars and cents, this total of funds expended by The American Legion for children and youth, together with a nearly record number of Posts sub- mitting child welfare reports, provides substantial evidence of healthy child welfare activity at the Post level.

On behalf of the Child Welfare Commission, I desire to express to the American Legion Auxil- iary, Forty and Eight and the Eight and Forty, our appreciation of their continued cooperation in the child welfare program of The American Legion and most certainly, I would be remiss in my obligation if I failed to express the appreciation and sincere thanks of the Commission to the National Commander and Members of the National Execu- tive Committee for the cooperation and continued support of the child welfare program of The Amer- ican Legion.

NATIONAL CONVENTION COMMISSION

The following report, presented by Harry L. Foster, Calif., Chairman of the National Con- vention Commission, was duly received and placed on file:

Mr. Commander and Members of the National Executive Committee: There is but one matter we feel important and of such nature that we would like to have the Executive Committee take action on, and that has to do with the official convention program which is published each year under the direction of the National Convention Commission.

Prior to this convention, many of you will recall that we had an arrangement with a national magazine, wherein they secured the advertising and printed the magazine. For a few years, it worked out partially satisfactory. However, in the last year or two, it became an additional burden


on the part of the individual involved, with the result that relief was asked for.

Further, if you will recall, last year we entered into a contract with M. Charles Thorp, known businesswise as “Football Publications”, a concern that deals primarily with publications of this sort.

I would like to report to you that the magazine last year, 1958, total gross advertising in the magazine as $11,800.

Under our contract with Mr. Thorp this year, the gross figure for advertising was $30,845.

Further, last year we had 22 accounts and this year we have 45.

Further, last year we had 17 pages and this year 22.

After paying Mr. Thorp his commission under the arrangement we have with him, his selling commissions in the program this year were $4295.00.

Net revenue to The American Legion, National Organization—and this does not revert to the local corporation at all—was $26,548.00.

It cost us approximately $10,000, or in that vicinity, to print our program. Therefore, you can see that the National Organization, under this arrangement this year, made a net profit on the program itself of approximately $15,000.00.

We were very happy with that and I might say to you that in the past we have had previous contracts with Mr. Thorp and, as is customary with selling of that type, sometimes a little too much high pressure is used. This was one of the reasons why we refrained from entering into a contract with Mr. Thorp for the past several years.

We have had a little concern this past year because there have been several minor incidents. However, there has been nothing serious and, of course, no matter how you make an arrangement, they are all the same caliber to a certain degree, and that is that they want to sell all the advertising they can and, as a result, we do receive some complaints.

As an example, as a highlight of what I mean by “high pressure” he attempted to sell to the local manager of one of our national insurance companies advertising. He called him up and was rejected. He went to his boss, I think, in Chi- cago and there was also rejected. He then went to New York and there was further rejected. In this connection, the local manager facetiously said, “Well, I kind of did not like it, but then we in the insurance business are instructed to go after someone until we are turned down five times. We have only given him three rejections and, therefore, I guess that maybe he is all right.”

However, we have also had one or two other incidents with him.

We had Mr. Thorp in before the Commission. We discussed some of the problems that have arisen. We have some assurance from him that he will refrain and therefore, we are now recommending that we enter into an agreement with him again, based not only on one year, but upon three years.

Further, the reason we want the action at this meeting is that most big national organizations, even many smaller organizations, will now be making up their budgets for the 1960 advertising. Last year, we did not enter into a contract with

him until October and, as a result, he had many doors closed to him because of the fact that they had closed their advertising budgets for the year.

We feel that he can get busy immediately in so far as the 1960 convention is concerned—that he can increase to a great degree even that which we now have.

Your Commission, Mr. Commander, has pre- pared a resolution that, in principle, covers the things that we ought to, or we feel we should enter into with Mr. Thorp. We have gone over this with him and he is in full accord. We have not attempted, of course, to try to put in the legal language that must enter into the contract. That, of course, we want to leave to our Judge Advocate. However, the resolution will contain recommendations to you from your National Con- vention Commission.

That will conclude this phase of the report, Mr. Commander.

CONTRACT FOR ADVERTISING IN OFFICIAL CONVENTION PROGRAM The following resolution, dealing with the con-

tract for advertising in the Official Convention Program book, was presented, and duly approved:

Be it resolved that the National Judge Advocate prepare a contract to be entered into between Charles E. Thorp, doing business as Football Pub- lications, and the National Organization, for the securing of advertising in the official convention program, the principal points being as follows:

1. The term of contract to be for three years.

2. Contract may be cancelled for future years at Legion’s option upon written notice to Thorp, 15 days prior to the commencement of the 1960 convention if the gross advertising sales for the 1960 program do not exceed $40,000. Contract may be cancelled for the 1962 program upon written notice to Thorp 15 days prior to the 1961 convention, if the gross advertising sales for the 1961 convention do not exceed $50,000.

3. Thorp agrees to consult the Chairman of the Convention Commission or anyone designated by said Chairman, on matters of importance, policy and so forth. This contract to contain a cancellation clause, that in the event said Thorp does not conduct his operations according to generally accepted business standards, would permit the Legion to effect cancellation of said contract. In the event of cancellation of this contract for cause, at the conclusion of any convention, Thorp would be entitled to payment of commissions earned for said convention.

4. The deadline date for the last form of the program will be fixed by mutual agreement of the parties, but in no event will be earlier than 15 days prior to the start of each convention, and further, Thorp will be consulted for his professional advice as to the selection of a printer; however, final decision on printing contract to be made by The Legion.

5. The contract to provide compensation as follows: No commission on the first $10,000; 20 per cent on the next $20,000, and 35 per cent on all sales over $30,000.

NATIONAL ECONOMIC COftlMISSIOiS The following report, presented by Everett Rich-

aud, Louisiana, Chairman of the Economic Com- mission, was duly received and placed on file:

Mr. National Commander, and National Execu-


tive Committee members: Our report will be very short and is as follows:

The Economic Commission met on August 21 and 22, 1959 in DAV Hall, 116 South 13th Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Forty-five members of the Commission and affiliated committees were in attendance, at which time we heard from distinguished government representatives, who were most helpful to the members in enlightening them as to their particular fields of endeavor.

All matters pertaining to the Commission’s five affiliated committees were thoroughly discussed. Among such matters was a resolution, Register No. 875 submitted by the Department of Puerto Rico Executive Committee, entitled “Oppose H.R. 5926—86th Congress—affecting veterans' preference in Puerto Rico.” This resolution was unanimously rejected since Section 3 of H.R. 5926 specifically refers to the approval of the qualified voters of Puerto Rico participating in a refer- endum to be held in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and so forth.

(Thus the resolution would be applicable to only one area.)

In considering matters germane to the Com- mission The American Legion as a whole, a memorial resolution was unanimously approved in recognition of the late Gilbert Bates, a former Vice Chairman of the Economic Commission until his death, for his substantial bequest to John Peterson Post No. 49 of Warsaw, Indiana, and to the Child Welfare Foundation. This resolution has been referred to the Resolution Subcommittee for consideration.

In view of the many inquiries and complaints coming into National Headquarters, several matters germane to employment and veterans’ preference were considered by the committee. This dealt with:

1. The recently inaugurated policy of the Post Office Department in hiring females in lieu of eligible male veterans.

2. General Services Administration practice of hiring women elevator operators in lieu of eligible male veterans. This policy was felt by the committee as being in violation of Section 3 of the Veterans’ Preference Act.

3. Amending the Federal Personnel Manual Reduction in Force Regulations, Chapter 1, Part 20 (Zl-285) which excludes the Post Office Depart- ment from Reduction in Force Regulations with reference to relegations in the Postal Field Service.

In this regard the Committee felt that the Post Office Department’s practice of relegating sur- plus employees from “regular” to “substitute” defeats the intent and purpose of the preference granted to veterans in reduction in force actions.

4. The Committee also discussed the curtailment of funds for the operation of the Veterans Serv- ice Staff of the U. S. Civil Service Commission, which serves as liaison between the Civil Service Commission and Veterans’ organizations. We hope in the near future to set forth a workable program wherein we could approach the Civil Serv- ice Commission with a suggested program which would embody the principles which would uphold the purpose and intent originally set forth in the Veterans’ Preference Act. It is impossible to render the expected service with the present meager staff available to the Veterans Service Staff.

The problem of service to the older worker re-

ceived considerable attention. Although significant progress has been made, the Committee believed that far greater efforts are needed before a rea- sonable solution is obtained concerning this growing problem. The efforts of the government agencies in this field, the Committee believed, should be greatly accelerated. The program of The American Legion also needs implementation in regard to this problem.

The Committee makes recognition of the successful efforts of the Employment Committee in the initiating of the program “Employ the Older Worker Week” observed May 3-9, 1959. Due to the request of the National Commander, we will contact the Fraternal Order of Eagles, who have a program for the older worker “Jobs After 40” and ascertain whether or not it is similar to our “Older Worker Program”. If so, it may be that we can coordinate the two programs.

The Committee felt that the enactment of Pub- lic Law 86-73 has done much to reactivate the G.I. Loan Program, and the Housing Commit- tee was commended for its fruitful efforts on behalf of this worthy legislation. However, the Committee discussed various problems pertaining to housing, such as the possible extension of the G.I. Loan Program for World War II veterans; and that the Administrator of Veteran Affairs be given the same authority as the FHA Commission- er in regulating interest rates.

We submit this report to you for your consideration and approval.

NATIONAL FINANCE COMMISSION Harold P. Redden, Mass., Chairman of the

National Finance Commission, presented the following reports for the Endowment Fund Corpora- tion and the Finance Commission, both of which were duly received and placed on file:

Mr. National Commander, and National Execu- tive Committeemen: I think that I had better first give you a report for the Endowment Fund Corporation.

The following figures from the external audit of December 31, 1958 summarize the financial condition of the corporation and earnings for the year 1958.

Total Assets $7,209,826.47

Net Interest earned 179,537.46

Expense of Administration 5,457.97

Averaee Interest Yield 2.51%

As of December 31, 1958 the corporation’s funds were invested 79.5 per cent in United States Gov- ernment Bonds and 20.5 per cent in municipal bonds. During the year under review contributions in the total sum of $2,875 were received.

The investment of the funds in the corporation is limited by original trust agreement to obligations of the United States Government, municipal bonds, and improved real estate mortgages at not in excess of 40 per cent of appraised value.

The officers, directors and members of the corporation respectfully call the attention of the members and friends of The American Legion to the fact that the corporation, as trustee, is pre- pared to receive and administer gifts and bequests for the benefit of the Legion Rehabilitation and Child Welfare programs.

Now, Mr. National Commander, I would like to give you the report of the Finance Commission.

The Finance Commission, with all members


present except Clyde Rankin, Pennsylvania, and with National Executive Committee Liaison Chair- man George Lewis in attendance, met and reviewed the budget for the 1959 fiscal year.

There are five months remaining in this year and items of expense not known at the present time can arise. It would appear that at this time the 1959 budget will be in balance.

Details of administrative expenses were han- dled. Your Finance Commission is pleased with the cooperation received from National Adjutant Blackmore, Comptroller Crawford and the members of their staff.

The Finance Commission is pleased to note that it would seem that for the first time in thirteen years the decline in membership has been halted. With the economy constantly being practiced by your Publications Commission, and despite the deficit incurred in Junior Baseball, it would seem that our conclusions are justified and that we are closing the year with a balanced budget.

EMBLEM CONTRACTS

The following resolution, which emanated from the Emblem Committee and was approved by the National Finance Commission, was presented by Resolutions Chairman Roy Stone, and duly adopted:

Whereas, In accordance with Resolution No. 37 adopted by the National Executive Committee at its regular meeting April 29-30, May 1, 1959 at Indianapolis, Indiana, as shown on Page 124 et seq. of Digest of Minutes of that meeting requests for bids for supplying official merchandise for the period of one year, January 1, 1960 to and including December 31, 1960 were transmitted to manufacturers, and

Whereas, Specifications as listed in said resolution, covering merchandise bearing thereon the emblems of The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion, were sent with requests for bids to all available known interested bidders, and

Whereas, All sealed bids received as of 12 noon, August 4, 1959 were opened by the National Emblem Committee, at a preconvention meeting, held in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota on Au- gust 20, 1959, and upon careful consideration, that committee determined that the following concerns were the lowest and most responsible bidders, and recommended that contracts be awarded as listed below :

Specification No. 1—American Legion Caps: S. Abrahams & Company, Inc., Philadelphia, Penn- sylvania.

Specification No. 2—American Legion Colors (All Sections: Annin and Company, New York, New York.

Specification No. 3—American Legion Auxiliary Colors (All Sections) : Annin and Company, New York, New York.

Specification No. 4—Sons of The American Legion Colors: Annin and Company, New York, New York.

Specification No. 5—American Legion Embroidered Emblems: Joel & Aronoff, Inc., New York, New York.

Specification No. 6—American Legion Auxiliary Embroidered Emblems: Joel & Aronoff, Inc., New York, New York.

Specification No. 7—Sons of the American Legion Embroidered Emblems: Joel & Aronoff, Inc., New York, New York.

Specification No. 8—American Legion Gavel Bells: Bronze Craft Corporation, Nashua, New Hamp- shire.

Specification No. 9—American Legion Auxiliary Gavel Bells: Bronze Craft Corporation, Nashua, New Hampshire.

Specification No. 10—American Legion Bronze Grave Markers: Bronze Craft Corporation, Nashua, New Hampshire.

Specification No. 11—American Legion Auxiliary Bronze Grave Markers: Bronze Craft Corpora- tion, Nashua, New Hampshire.

Specification No. 12—American Legion Buttons, Pins, Badges, Rings and Miscellaneous Insignia: Section 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7—Leavens Manufacturing

Co., Inc., Attleboro, Massachusetts. Sections 6, 8—L. G. Balfour Company, Attle-

boro, Massachusetts.

Specification No. 13—American Legion Auxiliary Pins, Badges, Rings and Miscellaneous Insignia: All Sections—Leavens Manufacturing Co., Inc.,

Attleboro, Massachusetts.

Specification No. 16—American Legion Shirts: B. Lippman, Inc., New York, New York.

Specification No. 18—American Legion School Award Medals and Plaques: Medallic Art Com- pany, New York, New York.

Now therefore, be it

Resolved: By the National Executive Com- mittee of The American Legion, at a preconvention meeting at Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, on August 23, 1959 that contracts be awarded to the above listed concerns, provided each successful bidder submits satisfactory samples as requested in the specifications before the execution of their contract, for a one year period, January 1, 1960, to and including December 31, 1960 and that such contracts after being approved as to form by the National Judge Advocate, be executed by the National Commander and National Adjutant, and

Be it further Resolved, That if any bidder hereinbefore named to whom such contract is to be awarded fails to submit satisfactory samples prior to the execution of the formal contract, as provided by the specifications, such bid shall be rejected and the contract shall be awarded to the next lowest, responsible bidder complying with the specifications as aforesaid, as shown by the record of such bids opened and considered by the Na- tional Emblem Committee at its meeting held on August 20-21, 1959 at Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota and in the event there is no next responsible bidder or in the event there should be a cancellation of any existing contract, then in any or either of such cases the National Emblem Sales, and the Emblem Committee, within their determination, are hereby authorized to transmit the specifications covering merchandise covered by such rejected bid or cancelled contract to such concerns which manufacture, fabricate, process or produce any of such merchandise, for the sub- mission of proposals and bids to the National Emblem Committee for the supplying of merchandise for the period of one year from January 1, 1960 through December 31, 1960, or any part of such period, such bids to be received at a time and place to be determined by the National Emblem Committee and to be opened by the said Emblem Committee at a meeting fixed by the National Commander, at which time and place said bids are to be opened by said National Em- blem Committee, and said Emblem Committee shall


do any and all other things, not hereby set forth, in accordance with the provisions of Resolution No. 37, adopted by the National Executive Committee at its meeting held in Indianapolis, Indiana on April 29-30, May 1, 1959—Page 124 et seq. Dig. of Min.

Emblem Sales*

The following resolution, submitted by the Emblem Committee and approved by the National Finance Commission, was presented by Chairman Redden, and duly adopted: (NOTE: At the post- convention meeting, the action approving this resolution was rescinded and the matter made an order of business for the fall meeting, in order that the Emblem Committee might properly report in full on the subject.)

(♦Action rescinding this approval taken at post- convention meeting—see page 20.)

Whereas, The Emblem Division of The American Legion has shown a steady decrease in business through the past several years, and

Whereas, The National Emblem Committee has tried by every known merchandising method to stop this decrease by increased national advertising: improved business and office methods; representatives and merchandise at Department Con- ventions; improved catalog; direct mail advertising and improved staff operations, and

Whereas, This decrease in business is due, in the opinion of your National Emblem Committee to:

1. The competition of Department Emblem Divi- sions, and authorized franchise dealers;

2. The continued purchasing of American Legion merchandise from dealers that have not paid the required legal fee for the use of The American Legion Emblem, and are therefore in direct competition with the National Emblem Sales Division at a lower price; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That your National Emblem Com- mittee hereby recommends to the National Execu- tive Committee of The American Legion at a preconvention meeting at Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minne- sota on August 23, 1959, that all prior approvals of Department Emblem Divisions, and all authorized franchised dealers be cancelled as of August 1, 1960 and all members of The American Legion be required to purchase all American Legion merchandise, contracted nationally by competi- tive bids, through the National Emblem Sales Division.

NATIONAL FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMISSION

The following report, presented by Addison P. Drummond, Fla., Chairman of the Foreign Rela- tions Commission, was duly received and placed on file:

Mr. National Commander and Members of the National Executive Council: Since you last met in May, the Foreign Relations Commission has met one time in Minneapolis, some 16 members having been called into executive session meeting and some 15 having attended, together with Liaison members, Past Commander Daniel and Past Commander Paul Griffith.

Among the various matters referred to us were some 80-odd resolutions originating in various departments. Some of these present controversial matters. However, we do not feel that any of them would warrant any emergency action by your board here today. Appropriate recommendations

and suggestions have been made after a two-day study of them. A report as to what our recommendations are with reference to those 80-odd subjects has been made to the Convention Com- mittee on Foreign Relations. It is contemplated, of course, that their action would go to the convention itself.

My report to you is, therefore, of a negative nature—that we have nothing of an emergency nature that requires your action, Mr. Commander.

INTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMISSION The following report, presented by Herbert J.

Jacobi, D. of C., Chairman of the Internal Af- fairs Commission, was duly received and placed on file:

Mr. Commander and Members of the National Executive Committee: Pursuant to the call of the National Commander, the Executive Section of the Internal Affairs Commission and the Committee functioning thereunder met in the Illinois Room of the Leamington Hotel, August 21-22, 1959. The following were present:

Herbert J. Jacobi, Chairman, District of Co- lumbia

Fred Metcalfe, Vice Chairman, Mississippi. Max R. Brents, Vice Chairman, California. Gerald M. Quiat, Vice Chairman, Colorado. Whit LaFon, Vice Chairman, Tennessee Ben Holmes, Vice Chairman, Alabama Gilman H. Stordock, Wisconsin Edmund O’Keefe, New York George H. Werkley, New York Frank Gordon, Oklahoma Gabriel L. Olga, Massachusetts Gaylor M. (Smoke) Brown, Iowa

NEC Liaison Subcommittee Coleman Nolen, Chairman, Oklahoma

Constitution and By-Laws Halsey W. Stickel, Chairman, New Jersey Samuel M. Birnbaum, Vice Chairman, New York Frank P. Lynch, Colorado Jack M. Larson, Oregon

Graves Registration and Memorial Gordon Ward Thomas, Chairman, Illinois Gilbert Pollock, Oklahoma

Membership and Post Activities Robert E. Gates, Chairman, Indiana Everett D. Gordon, Vice Chairman, New York Irvin R. Snyder, Vice Chairman, California Leonard G. Carlson, Vice Chairman. Minnesota Perry Howell, Vice Chairman, Oklahoma H. R. Chism, Oklahoma

Trophies, Awards and Ceremonials Bernard D. Murphy, California Max R. Brents—Acted as Secretary, California

The commission took the following action: Resolution No. 41. Referred to the Internal Af-

fairs Commission by the National Executive Com- mittee following consideration thereof by the latter in May 1959. This resolution was from the Department of California and related to the membership eligibility in the Forty and Eight.

Upon receipt of information that a resolution from the Department of California and similar resolutions from other departments were being submitted to the convention here at Minneapolis, this referred resolution was rejected.

Resolution—Register No. 885. From Department of Virginia titled “Allied Organization with The American Legion known as Twenty and Four be authorized.” This resolution was rejected for


the reason that the intent of the same has been accomplished by previous National Convention action in Washington, D. C., August 30, September 2, 1954.

Resolution No. 569. Department of Texas and No. 376 from Oklahoma both relate to appropriation of funds to repair U. S. Highway No. 281, known as The American Legion Memorial High- way, were consolidated and the Texas resolution was used as a basis for consideration. This resolution was adopted with the following amendment:

Resolved by The American Legion That it place itself on record as recommending the proper authorities of the respective states through which Highway No. 281 extends inaugurate plans and studies jointly and severally and appropriate funds to maintain this highway in a condition meriting the name of The American Legion Memorial High- way.

The National Constitution and By-Laws Com- mittee made its report to the commission and said report adopted. A copy of that report is herewith attached and identified as Exhibit “A”.

The Commission also considered H.R. 7761 which is a bill to enable mothers and widows of deceased members of the armed forces now in- terred in cemeteries outside of continental limits of the United States to make a pilgrimage to such cemeteries. The National Executive Commit- tee on .numerous occasions heretofore acted favorably on resolutions pertaining to this subject and a resolution covering the subject was favorably acted upon at the 37th Annual Convention in Miami in October of 1955. In order that The American Legion show its endorsement and support of this bill, suggestion has been made by the Commission to the Credentials and Internal Organ- ization Committee for this convention that a resolution be drawn and adopted covering the same.

The Commission is grateful and extends its thanks and appreciation to George W. Rulon of the National Organization who acted as Staff Liaison Representative to the Commission during its meeting and was of great help and assistance to the members in expounding on various policies of the Legion. We also extend our thanks and appreciation to Miss Ruth Pritchard for serving as stenographic secretary to the Commission during its meetings.

EXHIBIT “A” REPORT NATIONAL CONSTITUTION

AND BY-LAWS COMMITTEE TO NATIONAL INTERNAL AFFAIRS

COMMISSION The American Legion

Minneapolis, Minn. August 21-22, 1959

Consideration has been given to the proposed amendments to the National Constitution and By-Laws set forth in the memorandum to Depart- ment Commanders, Department Adjutants and Members of the National Executive Committee from E. A. Blackmore, National Adjutant, dated August 4, 1959, with recommendations in connection therewith, are as follows:

Resolution No. 104—Adopted by the 1959 Convention, Department of Florida.

Section 3, of Article IV of the Constitution provides that no person may be a member at any one time of more than one Post. This resolu-

tion would amend the aforesaid provision by creating an additional membership classification, that of “Non-Resident” and that a qualified Legionnaire may hold a Non-Resident and Active Membership in different states. Five conditions of such Non-Resident Membership are set forth in the resolution.

Article XVI, Amendments, Section 1 of the National Constitution, requires that a proposed amendment must have been circulated before it may be voted upon. This resolution does not include such a proposed amendment. It contains only general language dealing with dual membership. It does not set forth a specific proposed amendment.

In addition thereto, if such an amendment were adopted it would also require a change in Section 2, Article IV which provides: “There shall be no form or class of mem-

bership except an active membership.”

And would also require a complete revision of Article IV of the By-Laws and Section 4, Article IV of the Constitution, both of which have to do with suspension and expulsion of members. Since you would have a member in two Posts, a question would arise as to which Post would have jurisdiction.

Therefore, we recommend rejection of this proposed amendment.

Resolution No. 182—Adopted by the 1959 Convention of Department of Minnesota

This resolution would petition Congress to amend the Act which incorporated The American Legion so as to make eligible veterans who served in the Armed Forces after the cessation of actual fight- ing following World War I, World War II and the Korean conflict, i.e. August 5, 1921, and December 31, 1946 and January 31, 1955. It provides further that Section 1 of Article IV of the National Constitution, which deals with eligibility, be amended to include the above referred to latter dates at such time that the Congress of the United States has acquiesced to the Legion’s petition.

There have been many proposed amendments to the eligibility provision of the National Consti- tution which would include veterans who served in the Armed Forces during periods when actual hostilities were not in effect. All of such resolutions have been defeated.

We would call your attention to the report of the National Constitution and By-Laws Commit- tee of last year dealing with this subject:

“The exclusion of the veterans in question is without the slightest reflection on their loyalty which the resolution stresses. The period of service sought to be included by the aforesaid resolution covers peace times and not a period of actual hostilities. The present eligibility provisions are based on periods of service in the Armed Forces during which actual hostilities occurred. The American Legion consists of war time veterans—those who served during the period of a shooting war—exclusively. The effect of the proposed resolution would be to change the nature of our organization so that its membership would consist of war time and peace time veterans. Numerous prior attempts to bring in veterans whose only service was immediately before or after actual hostilities have failed.

“We would like to elaborate on the above reasons for our eligibility provision in our


Constitution. The present eligibility provisions fixed three active duty periods during which one must have served as a member of the Armed Forces in order to be eligible to join The American Legion. The three periods are World War I, April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918; World War II, December 7, 1941 to September 2, 1945; Korean Conflict, June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953, all dates inclusive.

“In considering the above resolution, the final date of each of the three present service periods should be compared with each of the dates fixing the cessation of hostilities in each of the aforesaid periods by government action.

“In World War I, our final date for eligibility is November 11, 1918, which is the date when the shooting war ended. Hostilities, however, for World War I ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed August 5, 1921. Our final date of eligibility for World War II is September 2, 1945 which is the date when the shooting war ended. The Gov- ernment Proclamation for the actual date of the cessation of hostilities for World War II was December 31, 1946. Our eligibility final date for the Korean Conflict is July 27, 1953 which is the date when the shooting conflict ended. The termination date for actual hostilities as proclaimed by the President was January 31, 1955. It can be seen from the above that the cessation of hostilities was not actually declared by the government for any of the aforesaid war periods until long after the shooting wars ended. The periods subsequent to the dates when the shooting wars ended are periods during which negotiations were carried on in order to effect peaceful settlement agreements.

“Congress in enacting our eligibility provisions, and subsequent amendments thereto, was well aware of the dates of the cessation of actual hostilities, but has consistently fixed the termination dates of World War I, World War II and the Korean Conflict for eligibility to join The American Legion as the dates when the shooting wars ended. The last amendment enacted by Congress on July 26, 1955 amended our eligibility clause to fix July 27, 1953 as the date of the end of the shooting Korean Conflict."

Nothing contained in the proposed resolution gives any additional reasons to those previously considered in the rejection of similar resolutions.

Your Committee recommends that the proposed resolution be disapproved.

Resolution No. 18—Adopted by the 1959 Convention, Department of Alaska

This resolution would require The American Legion to call upon the 40 and 8 to forthwith conform its Constitution and By-Laws to Article XIV of the National Constitution, so that the only limitation for membership in the 40 and 8 shall be “to members of The American Legion in good standing." It calls attention to the fact that Article IV, Section 1 of the Constitution and By-Laws of the 40 and 8 provides that only “white" male members of The American Legion may become members of that organization and it claims that such provision conflicts with Article XIV. Section 2 of Article XIV provides that membership in the 40 and 8 shall be limited to members of The American Legion in good standing.

This resolution is improper in form and must

be rejected. It does not set forth a proposed amendment as required by Article XVI, Section 1 of the National Constitution.

Resolution No. 15—Adopted by the 1959 Convention, Department of California

This resolution like the Resolution from Alaska, calls attention to the “White" provision in the Constitution and By-Laws of the 40 and 8 Organ- ization and contends that that provision conflicts with Article XIV of The American Legion Con- stitution. The resolution requests that said “White" requirement for membership in the Constitution and By-Laws of the 40 and 8 be declared to be in violation of Article XIV and it is, and has been void from its inception.

This resolution is improper in form. It does not set forth a proposed amendment as required by Article XVI, Section 1 of the National Consti- tution.

Your Committee recommends that the resolution be rejected.

Resolution No. 183—Adopted by the 1959 Convention, Department of Hawaii

This resolution requests the convention to secure the sympathetic support of the 40 and 8 to a re- examination of its eligibility clause for membership which confines the same to “White" members only.

This resolution does not contain any proposed amendment and must be rejected.

Resolution No. 183—Adopted by the 1959 Convention, Department of Minnesota

This resolution seeks to amend the Constitution and By-Laws of The American Legion so as to provide that The American Legion shall not recognize any subsidiary organization which denies membership therein to any person because of race, creed or color. It does not state where this amendment should be placed in the Constitution and By-Laws.

In 1956, Resolution No. 173 submitted by Cali- fornia asked that Article IV of the National Con- stitution be amended to provide that no member of The American Legion in good standing shall be excluded or denied membership because of race, creed or color in any group affiliated with The American Legion. Both such resolutions have the same intent. The reasons given by your Committee for the disapproval of the California amendment applies to this resolution. Your Committee’s recommendation reads in part as follows:

“This proposed amendment would add a new section to Article IV of the National Constitution, which would provide that an affiliate of The American Legion could not exclude or deny membership therein because of race, creed or color. Although the name is not used, it is apparently addressed to the Forty and Eight, whose Constitution specifically provides that only “White” male members of The American Legion are eligible.

“Article IV deals with the eligibility re- quirements and membership in The American Legion and not to membership to affiliates. The difficulty with the provision is that it seeks to prevent an unlawful act and is therefore unnecessary. The American Legion received its charter by an Act of Congress. Our eligibility provision, Article IV, Section 1 of the National Constitution is based upon the eligibility provision, Section 5 of the Act, as


amended to date. The National Constitution, Article XIV deals with the Forty and Eight. Section 1 recognizes the Forty and Eight as a subsidiary organization. Section 2 limits members in the Forty and Eight to members of The American Legion in good standing. By such recognition the Forty and Eight has obtained the use of The American Legion emblem and name.

“The 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution provides against discrimination by reason of race, color or creed. There is no question but that if the eligibility provision of The American Legion provided that only white male members would be eligible for membership in The American Legion that it would be a clear violation of Section 5 of the Act of Congress creating The American Legion. Section 2, Article XIV specifically provides that the Forty and Eight shall be limited to members of The American Legion in good standing. The Forty and Eight therefore, must adhere to this provision. In limiting itself to white members by its Con- stitution, it violated Article XIV, Section 2 of The American Legion Constitution and the 14th Amendment of the United States Consti- tution.

“It is not necessary to legislate against the doing of an unlawful act. Therefore, we dis- approve the proposed amendment.”

Present consideration to our problem impels your Committee to the conclusion that since the Legion cannot discriminate in the exclusion of members because of race, creed or color we are of the opinion that its subsidiary organizations are similarly limited.

Furthermore, the resolution is defective in that it employs indefinite terms such as “groups or subdivisions”. Our Constitution recognizes only two subordinate organizations, the Auxiliary and the Forty and Eight. What other groups or subdivisions the proposed amendment seeks to include is uncertain. A constitutional provision must be definite and the proposed section is not.

Finally, the proposed amendment is defective in that it seeks to prohibit recognition to any subsidiary organization, group or subdivision of the Legion using the Legion’s prestige, name or emblem which deny membership therein to any person because of race, creed or color. This section does not embrace the Forty and Eight which is constitutional now and which now attempts to prohibit membership because the applicants are not white. In order to embrace the Forty and Eight, the proposed amendment should provide that The American Legion shall not recognize or continue to recognize any subdivision, group and so forth.

Such an amendment to the proposed amendment cannot be considered because Article XVI, Section 1 of the Constitution provides that a proposed amendment to an amendment may not increase the modification proposed by the amendment.

In effect, the addition of the words “or continue to recognize” would enlarge upon the proposed amendment and may not therefore be considered.

We recommend that the resolution be rejected.

PUBLICATIONS COMMISSION The following report, presented by Donald R.

Wilson, W. Va., Chairman of the Publications Com- mission, was duly received and placed on file:

The report of the Publication Commission is as follows:

Meeting place and time, August 21-22, 1959, Chicago Room, Hotel Leamington, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Present for the Commission :

Donald R. Wilson, Chairman, West Virginia Dan Emmett, Vice Chairman, California Morris Meyer, Vice Chairman, Mississippi Dave H. Fleischer, Missouri Dr. Charles R. Logan, Iowa Charles E. Booth, West Virginia John E. Drinkard, Alabama Lang Armstrong, Washington Roland Cocreham, Louisiana Benjamin R. Truskoski, Connecticut Herschel L. Hunt, Texas Raymond H. Fields, Oklahoma Earl L. Meyer, Nebraska Harold A. Shindler, Indiana E. J. Cooper, Florida Clovis Copeland, Arkansas Norman J. Biebel, Illinois George D. Levy, South Carolina Frank C. Love, Advisory Chairman, New York Chris Hernandez, Member, Georgia

NEC Liaison Subcommittee E. Meade Wilson, Chairman, Florida

For the Staff:

James F. O’Neil, Publisher Joseph C. Keeley, Editor Herbert B. Pitkin, Managing Editor William J. Luddy, Associate Editor Edward W. Atkinson, Associate Editor A1 Marshall, Art Director William M. DeVitalis, Advertising Director

All of the above from the New York Office.

Charles H. Smith, Mid-Western Advertising Manager, Chicago

Vernon J. Quigley, Chicago Dean Nelson, Circulation Manager, Indianapolis

Others present:

Joseph Eaton, President and Lee Wilson, General Manager of the Fawcett-Dearing Printing Com- pany, Louisville.

Edward Downe, Campbell Downe, Inc., repre- senting Shoppers Section, and Phillips Bookbinder, President of King Typographic Service Company of New York.

Presiding: Donald R. Wilson, Chairman

1. CIRCULATION AND PROMOTION

Every effort is being made to promote the circulation of the magazine as intelligently as possible. Mark Clements Research, Inc., has been retained for the purpose of giving us up-to- date and professional information regarding mar- keting procedures. It is to be expected that this information when received will give us much needed information to advance both nonmember circulation and advertising procedures.

Efforts to utilize business machines in our circulation department cannot be extended until further progress has been made in determining the kind of membership card which can best serve the needs of all divisions of The American Legion. Naturally, it is expected that the members of the staff will have ample opportunity to make the peculiar needs of the magazine known before any decisions can be made on membership cards.


During the past year the nonmembership subscription program has been greatly aided by the activities of the various departments, particularly in Boys States subscriptions. The Commission recommends that this activity be continued and increased in schools, libraries and in other areas where The American Legion program and its activities can be profitably advanced.

II. MANUFACTURING In July 1958, the manufacturing cost of the

magazine per 1000 copies was §18.42; by July 1959 this figure had risen to $21.17 resulting largely from wage increases in the industry. Every effort has been made to keep manufacturing costs at a minimum. However, it is to be expected that they will continue to rise in view of existing contracts. We may also anticipate an increase in the cost of paper.

III. EDITORIAL The editorial content of the magazine is by

every professional standard, excellent. It will remain so.

Furthermore, the editorial staff is better or- ganized than it has ever been before.

The major problem which confronts the editorial department is that of the rigid limitation of space imposed upon it by the need for constant economies. This restriction impairs the capacity of the editorial department to improve its product in terms of serving the programs of The American Legion and the varied interests of the individual Legionnaires.

IV. FINANCES A. INCOME

During the first seven months of 1959 advertising income increased to 15.5% over the first seven months of 1958 or approximately §100.00.

It must be emphasized that this increase occurred during the period when many prominent national magazines were recording either smaller percentage increases or actual percentage losses in advertising revenue.

The estimate of our advertising revenue for this year is approximately §1200.00. Although this figure is §200,000 short of the forecasted goal, its impact has been lessened by the strictest economy and by the favorable increases mentioned above.

Subscription income for the first seven months in 1959 is approximately §1,178,000; §10,000 greater than for the first seven months in 1958. None- theless, the Commission calls attention to the peril of slipping below the 2,700,000 guaranteed circulation which must be maintained to prevent a refund to advertisers.

B. EXPENSES We have called attention to the increased manu-

facturing costs. Other expenses above and beyond the control of the staff will also rise.

During the first seven months of 1959, expenses amounted to §1,775,000 and for the year it is estimated that they will amount to $3,050,000. For the first seven months of 1959 expenses have been running approximately §3500 more per month than during the preceding year.

From the above-mentioned figures on income and expense, it is clear that the magazine could easily find itself several hundred thousands of dollars in the red. However, it will in fact operate at about §100,000 in the black.

This favorable picture results only from the closest economy practice by every member of the

staff every day in every phase of the magazine operation. For this we must and do express our sincere appreciation to the publisher and to every member of the staff.

Economies beyond what have already been practiced are impossible. If there is to be a solution to the financial problem to The American Legion Magazine, it must come now on the income side of the financial equation. Because of its closeness to every activity and division of The American Legion, the magazine realizes that its financial problems are not entirely peculiar to itself. Without presuming on any other divisions and the means of solving their financial problems, the Publications Commission believes that the time has come for some corrective action. It recommends to the National Commander and the National Executive Committee that a committee be established to make a special study of the financial needs of the various divisions of Th“ American Legion and to propose an adequate financing of these divisions on both a short-term and long-term basis.

C. BUDGET

The Publications Commission voted to submit to the Finance Commission a proposed budget for the operations of the Publication Division in 1960 of §3,390,960.40. The 1959 budget is §3,404,670.

The quality of the book is good, advertising income is increasing and circulation and promotion advances are being made. The competition is keen; the costs are rising. The future of the magazine will depend upon the future of The American Legion.

PUBLIC RELATIONS The following report, presented by James V.

Demarest, N. Y., Chairman of the Public Rela- tions Commission, was duly received and placed on file:

The report of the Public Relations Commission is as follows:

The executive section of the Public Relations Commission met with your Chairman in the Cleveland Room, Hotel Leamington on Friday, August 21, with 19 members present.

A special subcommittee reported on The Ameri- can Legion Mercury Award and displayed the trophy. This award was established pursuant to Resolution No. 30 adopted by the National Executive Committee at its May 1958 meeting. Three of the awards are to be made at this convention and are noted in your convention proceedings. The Commission feels that these awards can be of great value in calling public attention to unusual services rendered by the communications field.

Full discussion was given to the film “We Who Serve’’ and a subcommittee was appointed to review and study possible distribution through clubs, theaters, and other outlets for promotion of the film during the coming year. The film has had wide acceptance to date and still has several years of useful life.

In the interest of time we are withholding a detailed report on distribution until your regular meeting in Indianapolis.

A special subcommittee was appointed to meet with the National Adjutant re the possibility of incorporating all material from various divisions into one publication. This subcommittee is to report at the October meeting.


A special subcommittee was appointed to consider recommending the establishment of a special service award by the National Commander. This subcommittee will, of course, make its thinking known to the National Trophies and Awards Com- mittee.

A resolution thanking the press, radio and television media for the excellent coverage before and during the convention was unanimously adopted by the members.

From a public relations standpoint, The Amer- ican Legion has enjoyed an unusually successful year. The National Commander’s press has been outstanding. His reception by the mass communications media has added prestige to our organization.

The Commission is appreciative of the cooperation. understanding and support we have had from the Executive Committee and from all other Na- tional Commissions and Committees. We believe we are making progress.

NATIONAL SECURITY COMMISSION The following report of Robert H. Bush, Iowa,

Chairman of the National Security Commission, was submitted for the record, and through regular motion, duly received without reading:

Mr. Commander, National Vice Commanders, Members of the National Executive Committee:

The past two and one-half days have been given over to the business of the Commission and an extensive program of speakers and panels selected to provide our members, many of whom serve on Convention Security Committees, with the very latest facts on the many phases of national defense.

The very first order of business last Friday was an executive session to a review of programs, policies and procedures of the National Security Commission, Committees and the Divi- sion. I can report that our members are well satisfied with the manner in which our program activities are progressing. A review of our work of the past year shows marked progress in main- taining a very high degree of concern about national security among our general membership of The American Legion and the Auxiliary. We are particularly indebted to National Commander Moore whose deep insight into the nation’s military needs and his consistent support for adequate defense has been of inestimable value to the national effort.

Several resolutions referred to the Commission will be reported to this committee in October.

For our 1959 preconvention briefings one notable change has been made. This year’s program extends through Sunday, thus making it possible for delegates assigned to the Convention Security Committees to attend and receive the same information that heretofore was confined to the Standing Commission and Committees. We have found from experience that many matters presented in resolutions are clarified by these speakers who yearly come to these meetings at their own expense. We take pride in the fact that many of our speakers, such as General Donald McGowan and General Ralph Palladino, Execu- tive to the Reserve Forces Policy Board are long time active members of The American Legion.

Our meetings which began Friday, August 21. 1959, with nearly 100 members of the National Security Commission and Committees in attendance have grown in size today as delegates from

the Convention Committee joined with us. Our formal program will end later this afternoon and we will set about the important task of taking action on resolutions and preparing a report for presentation to the National Convention later this week. First I should like to briefly review the highlights of our meetings of the past two and one- half days.

An address “The Nature of the Communists Threat’’ by General Charles Cabell, Deputy Di- rector of the Central Intelligence Agency and a Panel on Psychological Warfare rounded out Fri- day morning.

At noon Friday, a luncheon was sponsored by the Commission and its Committees by the Min- neapolis-Honeywell Regulator Company of this city. Vice Admiral John T. Hayward, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations was the luncheon speaker. Following the Admiral’s excellent address, a tour of the Aeronautical Division of Honeywell, viewing many interesting sights which bear directly on our defense effort.

Saturday, August 22, we began our meetings with an address by Major General Carl B. Jark of the Pentagon who brought us up-to-date on the North Atlantic Treaty organization.

Mr. Glass discussed the 1960 Defense Budget with us and he was followed on our program by Governor John E. Davis of North Dakota, a distinguished Legionnaire and member of the Na- tional Security Commission. The Governor gave us impressions of his recent trip to the Soviet Union.

The afternoon of Saturday was devoted to panels on Civil Defense, Leo Hoegh 606 Lunds light duty rescue, Maritime affairs, and addresses by General Thomas Darcy on the Inter-American Defense and Major Raymond Reeves on the Mil- itary Air Transportation Service, of the Air Force.

This morning we were joined by our convention committees to hear an address by Brigadier General Stephen D. McElroy, Commander of the Civil Air Patrol. Most of you here are acquainted with our joint aviation education program, with the Civil Air Patrol and the National Aviation Education Council, a nonprofit organization whose goals are in keeping with fundamental policies of The American Legion.

An important part of this morning’s program was a panel “The Role of the Reserve in Nuclear Warfare,’’ moderated by another distinguished Legionnaire and member of the National Security Commission, Major General Don McGowan, who just recently was appointed by President Eisen- hower to be Chief of the National Guard Bureau.

The separate services will be giving us their views on National Defense this afternoon. Our speakers will include General George H. Decker, Vice Chief of Staff, U. S. Army; Vice Admiral Wallace M. Beakley, Deputy Chief of Naval Op- erations; Major General Wallace M. Greene, Jr.. Deputy Chief of Staff of Marine Corps and Lieutenant General Roscoe Wilson, Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff.

The final activity today will be the Missile- Space Age Panel, moderated by that great Le- gionnaire, Honorable Overton Brooks, Congress- man from Louisiana. As most of you are aware. Mr. Brooks is Chairman of the New House Com- mittee on Science and Astronautics.

I know each Legionnaire here today is pain- fully aware of the impending visit of Premier


Khrushchev to the United States. National Com- mander Moore has forcefully expressed The Amer- ican Legion’s opposition to this visit, but has asked that we should be civil to him during his tour. Aside from the demoralizing effect Khrush- chev’s being received in this nation will have on peoples held captive by the USSR, we must pon- der the damage to our own determination to deny communism its goal of world domination. Who realizes better than The American Legion the implacable nature of atheistic communism? Since 1919 we have witnessed deceitful deviations in Soviet policy, resulting in “off-again, on-again” seemingly friendly periods of tension and relations. Yet except for brief periods, red fascism has relentlessly moved forward toward its ulti- mate goal—world conquest and the resulting sub- jugation of liberty and human dignity.

It is in periods of calm America must be kept strong. It is in these times The American Legion must shoulder its heaviest responsibility. When others cry for complete dismantling of our de- fensive forces we must be more vocal in insisting we stand militarily alert until foolproof guaran- tees on arms reductions, both nuclear and con- ventional can be worked out.

We have seen the smiles of dictators melt the firm resolve or some segments of our security who so yearn for peace they would unwittingly subject this nation to grave danger to attack. I repeat, these are times which demand more of your National Security Commission and Commit- tees than times when the need for military strength is clearly apparent.

Mr. Commander and members of the National Executive Committee, I am firm in the opinion that members of the National Security Commis- sion and its Committees can be depended upon to carry on in the high traditions of their prede- cessors whose devotion to the cause of National preparedness helped compile The American Le- gion’s enviable record in this vital area. Thank you.

SENATE VETERANS COMMITTEE Thomas W. Miller, Nevada, addressed the

committee as follows:

Mr. National Commander and Members of the National Executive Committee and Legionnaires in the room: At a meeting of the Convention Committee on legislation today, a very strongly worded resolution was adopted advocating the creation of a Senate Veterans Committee. That report will come into the convention on Tuesday about noon.

It just happens that the Senate Rules Commit- tee is meeting on Wednesday morning, August 26, to pass this matter.

Now then, for the last 40 years we have been trying to get the Senate to follow the example of the House of Representatives and create a Veterans Committee of the United States Senate.

We have asked any and all Legionnaires—and I particularly appeal to not only the National Executive Committeemen here today, but any department commander or any Legionnaire—because undoubtedly this resolution will be adopted by the convention on Tuesday' noon, but will be too late to get word down to Washington by Wednesday morning—that you have your delega- tion chairman or yourself wire your two United States Senators to please support Senate Resolu- tion No. 19. Senate Resolution No. 19 will come

up for action on Wednesday, the 26th. Get your wires off today or tomorrow and ask your Sen- ators to bring pressure or to support Senate Resolution No. 19 before the Senate Committee on Rules.

PRESENTATION E. J. Bassett, Vice President and General Sales

Manager of the Sinclair Refining Company, was escorted to the podium.

NATIONAL COMMANDER MOORE: Mr. Bas- sett is here in behalf of Mr. P. C. Spencer, Chairman of the Board, Sinclair Oil Corporation, to receive a citation.

I would like to read the citation to Mr. Spencer.

“In recognition of the outstanding achievements in the cause of conservation and for a notable and worthwhile campaign to perpetu- ate the American heritage, augmenting The American Legion’s Americanism program. Sinclair has succeeded in stimulating public awareness of the vital importance of true American ideals. This continuing program of public service is a fine example of responsible corporate citizenship that is of endur- ing value to the American people.” Mr. Bassett, I hope you will convey to Mr.

Spencer our sincere thanks and cooperation.

MR. E. J. BASSETT: Commander Moore, on behalf of Mr. P. C. Spencer, a lifetime member of The American Legion and Chairman of the Board of Sinclair Oil Corporation, I thank you for this special honor.

In accepting this citation of The American Le- gion, I wish to point out that it was Legionnaire Spencer who inaugurated the American Conser- vation Series of Public Service Messages more than five years ago. This program continues under his guidance.

Mr. Spencer fosters this program because he believes that Sinclair, as part of its duty as a corporate citizen, must stimulate better public understanding of the great need for protecting all phases of our nation’s heritage.

Sinclair is proud, therefore, that the American Conservation Series serves in this manner—as the Legion has for 40 years—to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy.

Commander Moore, since 1955, Sinclair has been devoting considerable effort to supporting the cause of conservation and the preservation of America’s historic landmarks. A major part of our program is a series of public service messages urging the American people to see and enjoy scenic and historic places throughout the nation. Sinclair also brings public attention to prominent organizations, such as The American Legion, working to conserve our natural resources and historic heritage.

This month’s message features the Perry Vic- tory and International Peace Memorial at Put- in-Bay, on Lake Erie, Ohio. It was there on September 10, 1813, that Commodore Oliver Haz- ard Perry soundly defeated a British fleet.

T am happy to say, that in making a photo- graph at this location for our advertisement, Sin- clair was able to call upon the Sea Scouts sponsored by The American Legion Post of Sandusky, Ohio. These boys were able to re-enact the sea battle, using their own sailboats, and helped us make a most unusual picture.

In this advertisement Sinclair is pleased to sa-


lute The American Legion, in its 40th anniver- sary year, as “a vital force in the making of our country’s history.”

And now, Commander Moore, on behalf of Legionnaire Spencer, Sinclair’s Chairman of the Board, and the entire Sinclair organization, let me present to you this reproduction of Sinclair’s message in the American Conservation Series, featuring Perry’s Victory Monument and The American Legion.

NATIONAL COMMANDER MOORE: Mr. Bas- sett, to you, to Mr. Spencer and to the Sinclair Oil Company, my sincere thanks.

NATIONAL REHABILITATION COMMISSION

The following report of Robert M. McCurdy, Calif., Chairman of the National Rehabilitation Commission, was submitted for the record, and duly accepted and placed on file, without reading:

Twenty members of the Executive Section of the National Rehabilitation Commission met in the New York Room of the Leamington Hotel in Minneapolis on August 21 and 22. Vice Chair- man, Dr. N. R. Booher, C. F. Naumowicz and W. B. Waldrip were unable to attend because of illness; other members, Fred A. Clough and Rufus McKewen were unable to attend. James E. Pow- ers, Chairman, and Joseph L. Leonard and Wal- lace Young of the NEC Liaison Committee were also present, as were several general members of the commission, Department Service Officers, National Field Representatives, and others interested in rehabilitation.

At the afternoon session on Saturday, August 22, the following officials of the government presented current information on subjects of mutual interest:

Dr. William S. Middleton, Chief Medical Direc- tor Veterans Administration

Wm. J. Driver, Chief Benefits Director

Ralph H. Stone, Chief Insurance Director

J. W. Stancil, Chairman Board of Veterans Appeals

Dr. T. M. Arnett, Deputy Director for Plan- ning Department of Medicine and Surgery

Other VA officials present were: R. P. Bland, Director of Legislative Project

Service Albert Finnemore, Director of Contact and

Foreign Affairs Service W. B. Gundlach, Executive Assistant for Voca-

tional Rehabilitation and Education Service Philip Brownstein, Director of Loan Guaranty

Service

The manager and several division heads from the local Veterans Administration Center.

The Social Security Administration was represented by: Victor Christgau, Director of the Bureau of Old-Age and Survivors Insurance, and Messrs. Ewell T. Bartlett and Alvin N. Davis, Assistant Directors of the Bureau.

Items on the agenda were discussed and action taken where necessary as follows:

Disability Pension Legislation—HR 7650

Considerable time was devoted to a full discussion of the background, development and provisions of the Veterans Pension Act of 1959, HR 7650, which is now before the President for signature. Leader in the discussion was National Commander Preston J. Moore, who very kindly

consented to attend the meeting of the Ex- ecutive Section and gave an account of the many conferences and negotiations necessary before a bill acceptable to The American Legion was finally passed in both Houses of Congress.

Certificates of Appreciation

The Executive Section approved award of these certificates to certain officials of the Veterans Administration who have recently retired, or are about to do so, as provided by Resolution 28 of the May J.958 meeting of the NEC. The group also approved a motion to the effect that a committee of five be appointed from the membership of the Rehabilitation Executive Section to inspect nominations received for the award of these certificates, and to make recommendations to the Rehabilitation Commission for such awards. A resolution covering this motion will be before you at a later date.

Internal Organization

The Rehabilitation Director advised of certain changes in the organization of the rehabilitation staff approved by the May 1959 meeting of the National Executive Committee, notably the establishment of the position of Assistant Director for Program Management. The basic function of this section is to insure that the program given the Rehabilitation Commission by the National Convention and National Executive Committee is carried out to the best of the staff’s ability.

Chiropractic Resolutions

Members of the Executive Section were informed that this subject will again be before the convention for consideration and action on a basis of eight resolutions asking that the VA provide chiropractic care on an out-patient basis. A suggestion was made that an article be pre- pared which could be used in Department Legion papers setting forth the stand of the national organization on the subject.

Resolutions Requesting Hospital Construction

The Executive Section approved a change in the wording of the preface to VA hospital construction resolutions which are referred to ihe staff of the National Rehabilitation Commission by the national convention. This will be re- flected in the Rehabilitation Convention Com- mittee’s report to this convention.

PERSHING HALL

The following report of the special Subcom- mittee on Pershing Hall, submitted by E. L. Meyer, Nebr., Chairman, was duly received and placed on file:

Your special committee last reported to the National Executive Committee at its meeting held in Indianapolis, Indiana on April 29-30, May 1, 1959. As a culmination to our report we submitted, and there was adopted, Resolution No. 59 a copy of which is attached hereto. The purpose of this report is to advise you of the progress which has been made since the adoption of the aforementioned resolution.

On May 25, 1959 National Adjutant Blackmore directed communications to the Commander of Paris Post No. 1 and the Department of France apprising him of our national organization’s intention to determine the present Pershing Hall Operating Agreement at the expiration of a six months period, commencing with the receipt of said termination letter. At the same time, the National Adjutant enclosed a proposed draft of


a new Pershing Hall Operating Agreement for their consideration and approval around which negotiations could be carried on.

To date we have not achieved a complete meeting of the minds with the Department of France and Paris Post No. 1. However, we have been successful in eliminating certain basic misconcep- tions espoused by the Department of France which we believe and hope will be conducive to an early acceptance of our proposals. In this connection I might mention that Mrs. Meyers and I contemplate a sojourn to the Mediterranean in early September. It was suggested, and I have acquiesced, that just prior to my departure from Europe, I spend several days in Paris, France to discuss with officials of the Department of France and Post No. 1 the proposed new Persh- ing Hall Operating Agreement.

It is the consensus of your special committee, the National Adjutant and the office of the Na- tional Judge Advocate that such a meeting would be most efficacious at this time and in all prob- ability would obviate prolonged negotiations.

Your special committee will render a further progress report at the fall meetings of the Na- tional Executive Committee.

RESOLUTION

Adopted by National Executive Committee The American Legion Indianapolis, Indiana April 29-30, May 1, 1959

Whereas, The Government of the United States is vested with title to a building in Paris, France known as “Pershing Hall”, a Memorial Com- memorating the Commander-in-Chief, Officers, Men and Auxiliary Services of the American Ex- peditionary Forces, which is now being operated for the use and benefit of all American Officers and enlisted men of the Great Wars; and

Whereas, The Secretary of the Treasury of the United States holds a special fund created by Act of Congress under Public Law 171 of the 74th Congress, approved June 28, 1935, known as the “Pershing Hall Memorial Fund” in the sum of $193,403.22 exclusive of currently accrued interest, which he is authorized to invest and reinvest in interest-bearing United States Government Bonds, the accrued and accruing interest therefrom to be paid to the National Treasurer of The American Legion for use in the maintenance and/or perpetuation of said Pershing Hall; and

Whereas, On August 16, 1939 an “Operating Agreement” was entered into by and between the National Organization of The American Legion and the Department of .France of the Ameri- can Legion and Paris Post No. 1 of said Depart- ment, for the purpose of “providing for the operation, maintenance and/or perpetuation of said Pershing Hall,” which is still in effect providing among other things that the earnings from said fund be transmitted to the Department of France and Paris Post No. 1, but said funds are not suffi- cient to meet the cost of maintenance and/or perpetuation of said Memorial as the sum of $70,000 is presumably needed for capital repairs and capital improvements; and

Whereas, In accordance with an unnumbered resolution adopted by the National Executive Committee at a regular meeting October 17-19, 1956, the Legislative Commission of The American Legion on March 1, 1957 appeared before the

House Subcommittee on Appropriations in connection with hearings on general government matters and made a plea for an appropriation in the amount of $70,000 to cover the cost of the capital repairs and improvements urgently needed to said Pershing Hall, but were refused on the grounds that The American Legion had no standing before said subcommittee; and more- over were informed that unless and until it was determined what agency of the government had jurisdiction over the building no further consideration would be given to a request for appropriations for the purposes stated; and

Whereas, Early in 1954 the National Executive Committee authorized the appointment of a special committee to consider and report on matters relating to foreign departments and posts of The American Legion, including the operation of Pershing Hall under said agreement, and said committee has been continued from year to year with some change in personnel; and

Whereas, It is the consensus of said special committee that there is room for improvement in the operation of Pershing Hall; and

Whereas, Your special committee is of the firm opinion that the intent and purpose of Public Law 171, 74th Congress can best be accomplished, and The American Legion’s trust obligations thereunder can best be discharged, if the Na- tional Organization is directly represented on the Pershing Hall Operating Committee; and

Whereas, The present operating agreements also provide, inter alia, that said agreement may be terminated by either party thereto upon giving six (6) months’ notice to that effect to the other by registered mail, and under the law applicable may be terminated for cause at any time, should cause exist; and

Whereas, It is also the consensus of said special committee that The American Legion should either terminate said agreement by giving the required notice to the Department of France of The American Legion and Paris Post No. 1 of said Department, or terminate said agreement for cause, and upon said termination enter into a new agreement with said parties under which the day-to-day operation, maintenance and/or perpetuation of said Memorial shall be supervised for and on behalf of The American Legion by a Standing Committee to be known as the “Persh- ing Hall Operating Committee” appointed by the National Commander with the approval of the National Executive Committee, all as hereinbefore provided; now, therefore, be it

Resolved: 1. That the National Adjutant of The American Legion be and he is hereby authorized for on its behalf, to give written notice to the Department of France of The American Legion and Paris Post No. 1, of said Department, terminating said agreement as provided in Sec- tion 2, Article IV thereof; provided however, that said agreement is not terminated at an earlier date by mutual consent of the parties, or for cause, and that the National Commander be empowered to take such action as may be deemed advisable to carry out the Legion’s obligations and interests.

2. That said special committee be and it is hereby authorized to negotiate a new agreement with the Department of France, The American Legion and Paris Post No. 1 of that Department, subject to the approval of the National Commander, the National Adjutant, and the National Judge


Advocate, for the operation, maintenance and/or perpetuation of said Pershing Hall in a manner suitable to the prestige and dignity of said Memorial.

3. That the National Commander of The Amer- ican Legion be and he is authorized, subject to the approval of the National Executive Com- mittee, to create a standing committee to be known as the “Pershing Hall Operating Com- mittee,” which shall supervise, for and on behalf of The American Legion the operation, maintenance and/or perpetuation of said Memor- ial by said Department of France, The American Legion and Paris Post No. 1 thereof, with authority to promulgate and designate by regulation, its responsibilities under this resolution.

4. That said committee shall be composed of three (3) ex officio members, with voice and vote, viz:

1. The National Adjutant of The American Legion, or his nominee

2. The Commander of the Department of France, The American Legion, or his nominee

3. The Commander of Paris Post No. 1, De- partment of France,

and six (6) additional members, who shall be members of The American Legion and who are residents of the Paris area of France, to be selected and appointed by the National Commander, subject to the approval of the National Executive Committee; two (2) serving for terms of one (1) year, two (2) serving for the terms of two (2) years, and two (2) serving for terms of three (3) years, and their successors to be appointed for terms of three (3) years each.

INTERIM APPOINTMENTS

The following interim committee appointments were reported and declared to be confirmed:

Harry L. Foster, California—Chairman, Con- vention Commission 1959, to replace Joe H. Adams, deceased.

Lawrence E. Hoffman, Florida—Convention Commission, 1959, to replace Joe H. Adams, deceased.

Orin Nowlin, Indiana—Vice Chairman, Econ- omic Commission, 1959 to replace Gilbert Bates, deceased.

Roscoe T. Morse, California—Economic Com- mission, 1959 to replace Ed. W. Bolt, resigned.

Robert M. Marr, New Mexico—Vice Chairman, Internal Affairs Commission.

Claude L. Miller, Florida—Constitution and By- Laws 1960, to replace Lawrence E. Hoffman, resigned.

J. Walter Janko, Texas—Resolutions Assign- ment Committee 1959, to replace Edward Riedel, resigned.

J. B. Clark, North Carolina—Area C, Rehabilita- tion Commission 1960, to replace Karl A. Musch- ette, deceased.

Guy O. Stone, Georgia—Employment Committee 1960, to replace Chester Belote, resigned.

Sidney H. Schwartz, Americanism Commission 1961, to replace Llewellyn C. Fortier, deceased.

Robert B. Jahn, California—Vice Chairman, Resolutions Assignment Committee 1959, to replace Anthony Gualano, resigned.

CANCELLATION OF POST AND/OR SQUADRON CHARTERS

The following Post and/or Squadron charters were approved, as recommended by the various Departments concerned:

Department Name of Post No. Location

Arkansas Craft Roberts

California Old Town Post En Memoria Golden West Dario Vasquez

Colorado Amethyst

Illinois Ken-Rock

Georgia Kite Edward Gibson

Kansas Wilbur Cooper Agra Christy E. Wilson Thompson-Tyler Robinson-Ross James Clark

Kentucky Mountain

Maryland Pimlico Hellenic Lever Bros. Memorial Westinghouse Memorial Theo. E. Hines Northwood

Massachusetts Greater Weymouth Beacon Hill Dennis J. Buckley Merrimac Valley All

Women’s Summit Brittan Square

Memorial South End

Michigan Walter O. Briggs 23rd Engineers Burke-Downey-Jones Price Bros. Co.

Minnesota Marine Corps

Missouri Morrison Liberty Terminal Railroad

New Jersey Army, Navy Marine

Corps

Nebraska Campbell

New Mexico Samuel F. Salazar Garley y Garley

Oregon Vernon Olson

Memorial

273 Maynard

564 San Diego 610 Sacramento 654 San Francisco 740 Riverside

167 Creede

1127 Rockford

240 Kite 581 Ocilla

249 Haysville 357 Agra 324 Rexford 29 Salina

360 Great Bend 331 Johnson

212 Lynch

103 Pimlico 185 Baltimore 264 Baltimore 265 Halethorpe 266 Brooklyn 270 Baltimore

394 East Weymouth 396 Boston 407 Holyoke 416 Worcester

436 Worcester

448 Springfield

401 Warren 136 Detroit 450 Detroit 521 Livonia

577 Duluth

446 Morrison 119 Risco

85 St. Louis

309 Jersey City

342 Ulysses

59 Lumberton 71 Bernalillo

156 Westfir


Department Name of Post No.

New York Donegan-McGinley-

Landy Hendrick Hudson Gilchrist Jos. Scardamaglia Major John W. Mark

Virginia Danville H. G. McGinn Prince George Dan River

Wyoming Dee-Fox

West Virginia Huntington All Women’s

Schwabisch-Gmund

Wurzburg

Upon regular motion,

1366 Staten Island 1413 Montrose 1486 Wassaic 1620 Alden Terrace

142 Jamaica

10 Danville 97 Danville

267 Disputanta 301 Ringgold

78 Big Piney

173 Huntington

5 Schwabisch, Gmund, Baden, Wurttemberg, Germany

9 Wurzburg, Germany

seconded and approved,

previous actions cancelling the charters of the following Posts were rescinded:

William Wilson Post No. 133, Waterbury, Conn. Sahuaro Post 68, Tucson, Arizona

NATIONAL COMMANDER MOORE

The National Commander addressed the committee as follows: At this time, I would like to express my appreciation to all of the Chairmen and the members of committees and commissions who have served this year, and especially to the National Adjutant, to Bill Hauck and to the entire staff for the wonderful job they are doing in serving you. My deepest and sincere thanks.

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEMAN DANIEL F. FOLEY, Minnesota: In behalf of Minnesota, I wish to extend a warm welcome to all the members of our committee to Minnesota for this convention. You can appreciate the effort that went to bring you cool breezes that you enjoy from our 11,000 lakes and we hope that you will enjoy your stay here.

Following salute to the Colors, the meeting adjourned at 3:13 p.m.

E. A. BLACKMORE,

National Adjutant

THURSDAY AFTERNOON SESSION The Post-convention session of the

National Executive Committee of The American Legion was convened in the Municipal Auditorium, Minneapolis, Min- nesota, at 2:30 p.m., August 27, Martin B. McKneally, National Commander, presiding.

NATIONAL COMMANDER Me- KNEALLY: The meeting will please be in order.

I want to first express my thanks and my great respect for this great committee. I look forward to a year of friendship and cooperation and also of much good will and a good record of success at its conclusion.

I realize full well that the proceedings this morning have been tiring, that you have other tasks to perform and so I shall not take up too much of your time.

We will first have the invocation by the Na- tional Chaplain, Rabbi Kahn.

INVOCATION

RABBI ROBERT I. KAHN, D.H.L. NATIONAL CHAPLAIN

Our God and Father, in fellowship forged in one hundred camps and battlefields, the Allies met; it has chosen and rechosen those who will lead The American Legion in the coming year, express- ing in us the responsibility and obligation to carry through the policies here determined.

Bless us with wisdom and with vision, with energy and with vigor that we may carry out these obligations. Help us to fulfill our duties with Thy blessing upon us.

This is our prayer, we beseech Thee, for Thy name’s sake. Amen.

ROLL CALL

Roll call by the National Adjutant indicated the following present:

National Commander Martin B. McKneally

National Chaplain Rabbi Robert I. Kahn, D.H.L.

Past National Commanders: Stephen F. Chadwick, Washington Raymond J. Kelly, Michigan Milo J. Warner, Ohio Edward N. Scheiberling, New York James F. O’Neil, New Hampshire Erie Cocke, Jr., Georgia J. Addington Wagner, Michigan Preston J. Moore, Oklahoma

National Vice Commanders: Harman, Brennan, Ke:ier, Brandt and Mc-

Gonegal.

NATIONAL COMMITTEEMEN:

Alabama—Hugh W. Overton Alaska—Herald E. Stringer Arizona—Calvin R. Sanders , California—Abe J. Davidson Canada—J. B. Finucane Colorado—William R. Egan Connecticut—Joseph G. Leonard France—Sedley Peck Georgia—James E. Powers Hawaii—Wallace C. S. Young Illinois—Omar McMackin Indiana—Ferd S. Badt Iowa—Donald E. Johnson Italy—H. Armand de Masi Kansas—Harold Hollis Louisiana—Albert V. LaBiche Maryland—David L. Brigham Massachusetts—Gabriel T. Olga Mexico—William J. Seibert Michigan—Thomas Roumell Minnesota—Daniel F. Foley Mississippi—Ralph M. Godwin Missouri—William J. Kenney Montana—John S. Wulf, Jr. Nebraska—John E. Curtiss Nevada—Thomas W. Miller

20 Digest of Minutes

New Hampshire—Floyd J. Daley New Jersey—William G. McKinley New Mexico—Dr. Deward H. Reed New York—Louis E. Drago North Carolina—Tim T. Craig North Dakota—William Stern Ohio—Edward J. Sklenicka Oklahoma—Coleman Nolen Oregon—Karl L. Wagner Pennsylvania—Walter E. Allessandroni Philippines—Robert O. Phillips Puerto Rico—Gilberto Font, Rafael Muniz, Alt. Rhode Island—John A. Reyer South Carolina—E. Roy Stone South Dakota—Earl E. Hoelscher Tennessee—George T. Lewis Texas—Joe L. Matthews Utah—Clark Cheney Virginia—L. Eldon James Washington—Lang Armstrong West Virginia—L. O. Bickel Wisconsin—William J. Haese Wyoming—F. W. Bartling

CHARTER POST/CANCELLATION

Upon motion of National Executive Committee- man Chamie, California, seconded and carried, the earlier action, confirming cancellation of the charter of the Cuyama Valley Post No. 656, Cuyama, California, was rescinded.

SALE OF PLANE After explanation by Harold P. Redden, Mass.,

Chairman of the National Finance Commission, the following resolution, presented by E. Roy Stone, Jr., S.C., Chairman of the Resolutions Subcommittee, was approved unanimously:

Whereas, At a regular meeting of the National Executive Committee of The American Legion held at Indianapolis, Indiana, November 20-21- 22, 1957, Resolution No. 25 was adopted, a copy of which is attached hereto for proper identifica- tion; and

Whereas, In accordance with said resolution said plane was purchased and has been operated for the purposes outlined herein by the last two Commanders; and

Whereas, Said airplane has depreciated during the last two years and unless succeeding National Commanders avail themselves of the use thereof in the execution of their duties which necessarily involves a great deal of travel during the year to the various departments of our organization, it will further depreciate, thus reducing its value as

an asset to our organization; and

Whereas, It is the consensus of the National Executive Committee in regular meeting assembled on this, the 27th day of August 1959, at a post- convention session thereof, that said airplane be sold for cash at the highest available price; now, therefore, be it

“Resolved: That the National Commander and the National Adjutant in office following the 41st National Convention to be held at Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 24-27, 1959, be and they are hereby authorized to sell said airplane at a fair appraised market value price and for cash, with the further authority to execute for and on behalf of The American Legion any and all documents which may be required to effectuate said sale.”

EMBLEM SALES Upon motion duly seconded and approved, action

was taken that the resolution approved at the pre-convention meeting, titled “Emblem Sales” (see page 9) be reconsidered. Action then was taken, upon motion, seconded and approved, that the resolution be processed in the normal fashion, for further consideration and report to the NEC at the October meeting.

APPOINTMENT OF NATIONAL OFFICERS

Upon recommendation of the National Com- mander the following National Officers were appointed to serve during the ensuing year:

National Adjutant E. A. Blackmore, Wyoming National Treasurer Francis Polen, Indiana National Judge Advocate Ralph B. Gregg, In-

diana FALL MEETINGS

Announcement was made of the dates for the fall meetings, at National Headquarters, Indianap- olis, as follows:

Annual Conference of Department Commanders and Adjutants October 4-5-6, 1959.

National Executive Committee October 7-8-9, 1959.

Upon motion, regularly carried, the meeting dates were approved.

New members of the National Executive Com- mittee were introduced and accorded a welcome by the National Commander.

Tne meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.

E. A. BLACKMORE,

National Adjutant

Documents

National Executive Committee The American Legion