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165

Washington, D.C.
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 1942.

[[checkmark, bullet point]] We performed our first operation today of extracting an order from Porter's bloated maw and transferred it to Whitcomb. It had to be done but undoubtedly hell will start to rumble when Tom Evans hears about it.  Huleguard needs work and can handle the job; Porter does not need work and cannot handle the job.  Pittsburgh Steel, who were here four strong about all day today, must have 2 - 65 ton diesel-electrics by April 15th when their new blast furnaces blow in.  There was only one sensible thing to do and we did it.  Charlie made me get in on the deal although I didn't want to have any part in it.  Mat handled most of it but I had to recommend the antidote.  Later I saw Andy Campbell and he was much pleased.  We gave Hap a wire authorizing two 65 ton for immediate production to be assigned later to Pittsburgh Steel's order when they can get squared off with Defense Plant Corp.

[[checkmark, bullet point]] Another hurricane of wrath threatened today when the Aluminum & Magnesium Branch announced its intention to seize the Linde Air Products 30 ton gas locomotive out in November at Davenport, for Traylor Engineering, who make aluminum sintering equipment, and can't get their Vulcan 35 ton gas as soon as they want it.  So I invited representatives of both the Aluminum and Chemicals Branch to the Allocation Meeting Thursday to fight it out.  Both claim their needs are crucial.

[[x, bullet point]] Allen White took me to a delightfully tasty luncheon at Allies Inn today and from what he says, GE is really smashing after business and getting it.  He says also that Earl Bill is doing a crackerjack of a good job here, something I thought but Whitey hasn't seemed to agree.

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