London - May 7, 194l.
 
      
 
 
Dear Mr. President:
 
      
 
 
I am taking advantage of Jim Forrestal's return to send you 
      this letter.
 
 
      The changes in the Government appear to have been well received 
      by the British public.
 
 
      Beaverbrook had been for some time asking to be relieved. He 
      is none too well, suffering from asthma and an eye affliction. 
      The Prime Minister speaks of his new post as being largely priorities 
      but I gather from conversations with both the Prime Minister 
      and Beaverbrook that he will end by being the number one trouble 
      shooter.
 
      
 
 
At the moment he is getting into the tank situation. Members 
      of my staff have been studying this subject for several weeks. 
      The net is that the tank program had been pushed aside because 
      of priorities given to air and sea. The Libyan campaign in both 
      directions was a rude shock to many and there will be great pressure 
      for increased production both in England and America. The need 
      is for home defense as well as the Middle East. Those in charge 
      of tanks tell me that it is rather ironic that Beaverbrook is 
      now to help them as he has been the worst offender in stealing 
      things that they have needed. Beaverbrook is not personally liked 
      but people know he is the only man who can really cut the red 
      tape and he is welcomed as an ally.
 
      
 
 
The new Shipping and Transport Minister, Leathers, is a business 
      man. He has been manager of the Inchcape bunkering companies. 
      He knows world shipping intimately, port problems, etc. He is 
      a personal selection of the Prime Minister who knew him as a 
      business man in pre-war days. No one else knows him and although 
      I understand some of the politicians looked askance at the idea, 
      the press has taken the appointment well. He has elevated from 
      a junion position in the Ministry of Shipping (in charge of bunkering). 
      As he had no experience in politics he is being made a Peer, 
      leaving the Parliamentary wok to the Parliamentary Secretary.
 
      
 
 
The Prime Minister arranged for % him to lunch with me alone 
      the day after his appointment. I found him energetic and knowledgeful. 
      He will be particularly helpful in coordinating shipping, ports 
      and domestic transport which have been working to a considerable 
      extent at cross purposes in the past. I believe he will do a 
      good job if his head is not turned.