It is of critical importance that the Board should have a clear mandate of the items that are
to be procured under a maximum economic effort.  If requirements are defined short of our
utmost potential our planning will, of necessity, fall short of providing for a complete mobilization
of our resources. If requirements are set of a dimension far beyond attainment, we shall find
ourselves with overexpended facilities for which there are insuffiecient raw materials, with many
finished items and components for which necessary complements are missing, and with general
economic confusion and dislocation.
 
     I should fell myself negligent in duty if I did not point out that we are at an impasse in our
production planning, in that we are consistent with what we ahve defined as and still believe to be,
practicable overall goals.
 
     Under these circumstances, I feel that I must come to you for instruction upon what is
clearly a matter of major policy. 
 
                    Respectfully,
 
 
                    Donald M. Nelson
 
The President
The White House
Washington, D.C.