Viewing page 381 of 547

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

Erie, Pa.
Monday, Sept. 9, 1940.
Henry Guy is on vacation and Whitey, Cash and I reviewed the mail this morning.  I told Whitey what I had learned at the clambake and Shapter naturally was mentioned in connection with Republic, but Whitey made no mention of the "deal" in Shap's section.  So I am convinced either Whitey has changed his mind an decided to give Shap another chance or someone else like Jack Hume has changed it for him.  If it does fall through, it is one promotion I wouldn't feel too badly about missing assuming of course that the big job comes through all right.  This morning Whitey instructed Cash to let me help him prepare the Department Expense Budget for next year so the following year I can handle it alone - all of which indicates he is proceeding with his plans regarding Henry Guy's successor.  As far as the Shapter situation goes, it is Whitey's move and I'm not saying anything until he does.

Miss Germond is being retired (she will never get well), Mrs. Carr is taking her place with Dixie Walker, and we are getting a new girl again - Jimmy Livingston's daughter, young and pretty and I hope good.  She will start Sept. 23rd.

Talked to Cliff Clark today at St. L's request (he seems to be coming back into the groove again of his own volition) and the 5"/38 job is still as indefinite as ever.  The Treasury Dept. is balking on 60% amortization of machine tools now - also inclusion of "immovables" in cost.  It appears Cliff's estimate of three weeks that Blair contradicted, is going to be right.  Cliff is going to Washington Thursday and we are hoping for something definite - but we aren't expecting too much.  All this delay